Neem
Azadirachta indica
MEDICINAL: This plant, known
as "the village pharmacy" in
years for its medicinal qualities.All parts of the plant are used. Neem has been used to treat a wid 21121o1418v e range
of ailments, including wounds, burns, sprains, bruises, earache, headache, fever, sore throat, food
poisoning, shingles, colds, flu, hepatitis, mononucleosis, fungal infections, yeast infections, sexually
transmitted diseases, acne, skin diseases, heart diseases, blood disorders, kidney problems, digestive
problems, ulcers, periodontal diseases, nerve disorders, malaria, fatigue, and a host of others. It is being
closely studied for use in battling AIDS, cancer, diabetes, allergies, and as birth control for both men and
women. Neem should not be used for more than two weeks at a time. For chronic ailments, it should be
used on a schedule of two weeks on, one week off, or as directed under the guidance of a health
practitioner. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic, and strengthens the body's overall immune
reponses. It should not be used by internally by pregnant women.
RELIGIOUS: Neem leaves were traditionally strewn on the floor of temples at weddings, to purify and
bless the area and the couple, and the air was fanned with neem branches during the ceremony. The
bark was burned to make a red ash for religious decoration of the body in adulthood. Neem branches
were used to cover the body at death, and the wood used to burn the funeral pyre. Neem is considered
to be the Goddess Neemari Devi.
GROWING: Neem is a tropical
evergreen, native to
and western
poor soils. It can live up to 200 years. Neem bears fruit at 3 to 5 years of age. It cannot take freezing
temperatures, so those in northern climates can grow it as a houseplant. Summer it outdoors, and place
near a bright or sunny window in the winter. It needs organic fertilizers, well drained soil, and as large a
pot as possible. Ten gallon sized pots are recommended as the minimum. Be careful not to overwater.
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