Neem

The tropical Neem tree originally comes from India and the neighbouring countries. Its botanical name "Azadirachta indica A. Juss" comes from Persian and translates as "the free tree of India". The tree, which belongs to the Meliaceae family, is shunned by many pests and parasites - a tree in front of the house keeps the malaria fly away and even the otherwise devastating swarms of locusts avoid it.

So far, no other plant is known to produce as many beneficial substances as the Neem tree. It is therefore not surprising that neem plays a key role in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In millennia-old Sanskrit writings, the neem tree is described as a gift from heaven, because its wood, bark, branches, leaves and seeds contain valuable, unique ingredients that are still used today. Mahatma Gandhi is also said to have made use of this fascinating "village pharmacy" and to have drunk a cup of Neem-leaf tea daily to strengthen his immune system.

In the current literature there are numerous references to the antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and pain-relieving properties of Neem. Various natural cosmetics and body care products that contain Neem, such as soaps, lotions, toothpastes or mosquito repellent creams, testify to the increasing recognition and trust that is being placed in this jack-of-all-trades.

Neem serves the recovery
the natural balance of human beings,
animal and plant organisms.

 

In the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, Neem is used against parasites in domestic animals such as ticks, lice, fleas or intestinal parasites. In agriculture and horticulture it is the universal plant strengthening and disease repellent effect of Neem, which is used in many crops. Indian farmers, for example, use crushed neem seeds or neem press cake not only to enrich the soil, but also to expel and ward off harmful insects such as caterpillars, beetle larvae, grasshoppers, cicadas, leaf miners, aphids and bugs. They make a water extract by stirring the crushed neem seeds or press cake in water and letting the mixture stand for a few hours. After sieving off the coarse ingredients, they spray or water the plants with the water extract. Crushed neem seeds are also used as a scattering powder to keep snails away, they are sprinkled directly on the vegetable patch or around the plants. Numerous scientists, among them Prof. Schmutterer, for many years head of the institute at the University of Giessen, have proven the effectiveness of these homemade household remedies. Neem products are also considered to be gentle on beneficial organisms. In organic farming, the use of home-produced Neem extract for insect extermination is permitted for plants.