Neem is a fascinating tree. On the one hand, it seems to be one of the most
promising of all plants and may eventually benefit every person on the planet.
Probably no other yields as many strange and varied products or has as many
exploitable by-products. Indeed, as foreseen by some scientists, this plant may
usher in a new era in pest control, provide millions with inexpensive medicines,
cut down the rate of human population growth, and perhaps even reduce
erosion, deforestation, and the excessive temperature of an overheated globe. NAP report, Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems, is a good summary of the versatile nature of this plant.
The people of India have long revered the neem tree (Azadirachtaindica).
For centuries, millions have cleaned their teeth with neem twigs, smeared skin
disorders with neem-leaf juice, taken neem tea as a tonic, and placed neem
leaves in their beds, books, grain bins, cupboards, and closets to keep away
troublesome bugs. The tree has relieved so many different pains, fevers,
infections, and other complaints that it has been called "the village pharmacy."
To those millions in India neem has miraculous powers, and now scientists
around the world are beginning to think they may be right. Two decades of
research have revealed promising results in so many disciplines that this
obscure species may be of enormous benefit to countries both poor and rich.
Even some of the most cautious researchers are saying that "neem deserves to
be called a wonder plant."
Thus, neem may also be the harbinger of a new generation of "soft"
pesticides that will allow people to protect crops in benign ways. And goodbye to many issues!
