Neem: tree of all trades
July 23rd, 2009 by Elizabeth UlionNeem, a tree mentioned in the previous blog post is thought by many to be a tree of all trades here to save the day. Used for centuries in India it seems like the Neem tree can do everything. A study by the U.S. Office of
Called the "village pharmacy," Neem trees offer many potential uses for people worldwide.
International Affairs done in 1992 showed the range of possibilities the tree offers. It grows in arid land where it can be planted to reforest and build up soil. The oils from the tree can be used as non-toxic pesticide and hair and skin tonic. Called “the healing tree” or “the village pharmacy” by many, medicinal treatments can be made from the bark, oil, root, leaves, seeds and fruits. Check out this video compilation on the Neem – complete with David Suzuki and great background music.
Sounds like we’re saved! Thanks Neem! But if this study was done in 1992…what’s been happening since? Most of the recent articles featuring Neem discuss its use in organic gardening. With the potential to help so many in developing countries it seems a waste if nothing more is done with a plant that offers so much.
Elizabeth Ulion is a graduate student at Northwestern University. She’s been using Neem shampoo for the last month and had no idea it was such a rockstar tree!
Photo courtesy of nigelpilgrim/Flickr
