I have been meaning to put down my thoughts on this for quite sometime. It comes out of my own personal experiences and study of the effects and properties of Neem. I have found it immensely beneficial in many ways. It is my conviction that Neem is a wonderful cure for diseases and gives much to human beings including shade, good air, health and overall well-being. I also think it important that people become aware of the values of Neem. Among all the plants on this planet that have proved useful for humanity, a few are distinguished by their astonishing versatility. Among these, the Neem tree is one of the most important one. Every part of this fascinating tree has been used, from ancient to modern times, to treat hundreds of different diseases and for many other purposes. It probably has far wider array of uses than any other herb on the planet.

Neem (Azadirachta indica, syn. Melia azadirachta L., Antelaea azadirachta (L.) Adelb.) is a tree commonly found in India and some other neighbouring tropical countries and in Africa. In India alone, there are more than 20 million Neem trees. It is known as neeb in Arabic, neem in Hindi and Urdu, azad dirakht in Persian, and nimba in Sanskrit. In the villages of India, it is a part of daily life. A large Neem tree usually stands in the centre of each village, providing shade and cool underneath its branches - it is said that the temperature under a Neem tree is always two or three degrees cooler than in any other shade. In local tradition, Neem trees are planted near the home to ensure good health to those that live there and it is considered that easy access to the tree would facilitate provision of the many and varied uses of the fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, oil and roots.

It is rarely leafless, and the shade it gives throughout the year is one of the major reason why it is prized in India. Since ancient times, it has been used for medicinal and health purposes. It has been called a wonder drug and its use dates as far back as 4500 years. The lifespan of the Neem tree is described to be anywhere between 150 to 300 years. In India, it is variously known as "Divine Tree", "Life giving tree", "Nature's Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". It is one of the major components in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced in India since many centuries.

In Indian religion and mythology, it is considered as a "divine tree" and is deeply imbued with spiritual meaning. Its curative properties were attributed to the fact that a few drops of heavenly nectar fell upon it. The Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira, dated about 6th century AD, contains a chapter of verses on plant medicines, where it recommends that the Neem tree be planted near dwellings.

In the late 1950s, scientists began to systematically research this tree. They discovered and confirmed numerous natural medicinal and repellent properties useful to humans and animals. All parts of the tree have been studied extensively in Neem research. Today, Neem has reached western shores and can be found in supplements, medicines, body care products, cosmetics, repellants, and pesticides.

Let's see what is it that makes it so wonderful. Here's some info on its properties and usage:

Neem is strongly antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Neem's bitter principles was also said to counteract the excess sugar in the blood. The potential of Neem tree is so great as to encompass the treatment of a white spectrum of physical ailments including sexually transmitted disease, blood disorders, chronic ulcers, digestive and nervous disorders, diseases caused by parasites such as malaria and diabetes.

More commonly, it is considered effective in skin infection, rashes & pimples, and is a blood purifier. It is also Anti obesity, Anti diabetic, Anti viral and Immunity booster.

Neem has been used as an insecticide, insect repellent, oral dentifrice, and in traditional medicine to treat malaria, diabetes, worms, and cardiovascular and skin diseases. It reportedly has contraceptive, anti-ulcer, and fungicidal potential.

One can hardly dispute the Sanskrit tag given to Neem for its properties - Sarva Roga Nivarini - the curer of all ailments.

For more information on Neem, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem.