Neem - the Village Pharmacy

There is a dream in the world of medicine that some day a magic pill will be developed that will cure or prevent multiple health problems. But nature has already created a remarkable tree that does just that. The Neem tree, native to East India and cultivated in other parts of Asia has been called the "village pharmacy" for centuries.

Even before ancient herbalists discovered the analgesic qualities of the willow tree, from which aspirin is derived, people used branches, fruit and leaves from the neem tree to treat or prevent a wide variety of health problems. Its medicinal qualities are outlined in the earliest Sanskrit writings and its uses in Hindu medicine date back to very remote times. In India, the tree is variously known as "Divine Tree", "Heal All", "Nature's Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases".

Used for thousands of years, home remedies made from the Neem tree are non toxic and no hazards have been documented with normal dosages. Organix South, the company currently marketing Neem products in the U.S. does not recommend taking Neem internally. However even the Extension Toxicology Network documentation for using neem as a pesticide shows that it is "relatively non-toxic" and caused no significant problems even at the extraordinary high dosages fed to laboratory rats as part of the approval process required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What is this amazing gift from nature and what is it used for? The Neem tree is a fast growing member of the mahogany family, native to the India-Pakistan region. It can reach a height of over 50 feet and produces a fragrant white flower which turns into an olive like fruit. All parts of the tree including seeds, leaves, flowers and bark may be used for medicinal preparations. Neem oil is the basic ingredient commonly found in commercially available Neem products.

The uses of Neem vary widely. It is an antibacterial, antifungal, antivirus agent. It can be used to eliminate garden pests, yet is safe and effective for dental and skin care. Neem oil products for pets are used for skin rashes and allergies. Extracts made from the leaf are showing promise in treating diabetic conditions and help boost the immune system.

One primary advantage of Neem oil is its soothing, high fatty acid content making Neem oil especially gentle and nourishing when used for itchy, sensitive or dry skin conditions. Skin ailments, especially ongoing, chronic problems, often respond very well to Neem oil. Clinical studies indicate that brushing with Neem bark extract helps reverse peridontal disease.

Neem tree products, marketed under the name TheraNeem, are a safe, effective organic remedy for a wide range of health ailments and conditions. It is one of the few organic health products that is standing up to the scrutiny of true scientific testing. The results of current medical studies show great promise for even more medicinal uses of this amazing tree that can put "the village pharmacy" in your medicine cabinet.