Common Name: Neem
Botanical Names:
- Azadirachta Indica
- Antelaea Azadirachta
- Antelaea Canescens
- Antelaea Javanica
- Azadirachta Indica Subsp. Vartakii
- Melia Azadirachta
- Melia Fraxinifolia
- Melia Hasskarlii
- Melia Indica
- Melia Japonica
- Melia Parviflora
- Melia Pinnata
Family: Meliaceae
Other Names:
- Arishta
- Arishtha
- Azad-Darakhat-Hindi
- Azad-Daraknul-Hind
- Azad Darakht I Hindi
- Azadirac De L'inde
- Baka-Yan
- Balnimb
- Bastard Tree
- Baypay
- Bead Tree
- Bevina Mana
- Bevu
- Bowtamaka
- Bukhain
- Cornucopia
- Dogonyaro
- Dogoyaro
- Dongoyaro
- Holy Tree
- Huile De Neem
- Imba
- Indian Cedar
- Indian Lilac
- Intaran
- Ka Dao
- Kadukhajur
- Kahi-Bevu
- Khwinin
- Kirri-Bevu
- Kohomba
- Kohumba
- Lilas De Perse
- Lilas Des Indes
- Limachajhada
- Limba
- Limbdo
- Limbo
- Mambu
- Margosa
- Margosa Tree
- Margosier
- Margousier
- Margousier À Feuilles De Frêne
- Margousier D'inde
- Membha
- Mempheuh
- Mim
- Mimba
- Mkilifi
- Mkina
- Mwarubaini Kamili
- Ndya
- Nib
- Nim
- Nimani
- Nimb
- Nimba
- Nimbay
- Nimgachh
- Nimtree
- Nimuri
- Nin Nin
- Nind Betain
- Olle
- Paradise Tree
- Persian Lilac
- Pride Of China
- Sadao
- Sadu
- Saliam
- Tamabin
- Tamaka
- Taruka
- Vakam
- Vembu
- Vempu
- Vepa
- Vepe
- Veppam
- Veppu
- Veppur
- Yepa
Origin: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Deep Tap Root, Broadleaved, Evergreen Tree, Woody
Hardiness: Hardy
Neem
Top Diameter: 5"
Height: 8"
Transplanting:
To transplant neem to the ground or a larger area, ensure that:
- The hole is made at least twice as wide as the bag, and
- the depth of the hole is such that the top of the soil from the neem plant is level with the surface soil of the ground or larger area.
- It is advised that the area of transplanting has adequate space for the deep roots of neem to occupy.
- Ensure that the plant gets lots of water shortly after transplanting to lessen the effects of plant shock.
Light Conditions:- Full Sun: Neem, once established, should preferably be grown in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
- It can be grown in shade for the first few years, but should be placed in areas with plenty sunlight.
Soil:- Well-drained soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. Neem does not fare well in waterlogged soils. Neem should be planted in deep soils for the long-run because of its deep roots. The plant has been reported to grow from sea-level up to 1,500 metres, but best under 800 metres, at dry deciduous and thorn forests, dry and arid forests, lowland monsoon forests, evergreen lowland forests, coastal forests, mixed forests, fallow agricultural lands and savannahs.
- Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.
Watering Frequency:- Water the soil primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry.
- Watering neem should be that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Neem is drought tolerant once established but be sure to check on its watering needs especially in the dry season and shortly after transplanting.
Amendments and Fertiliser:- Neem has a high growth rate and can be invasive. As a result, amendments and fertiliser would not be necessary.
- If you notice that the plant appears to wither, monitor the soil depth and moisture, and the lighting conditions.
Pruning:- Prune (deadhead) stems or leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased or turn yellow.
- Pruning can aid in stimulating new growth.
- Neem can handle cutting off upper branches (pollarding) or even cutting closer to the ground (coppicing).
Flavonoids, Meliacins, Tannins, Triterpenoid Bitters
Neem is a very versatile tree. All components of the tree have medicinal value. Neem is a tonic that detoxes the body, reduces inflammation, acts a febrifuge (relieves fevers) and generally promotes normal general health. Neem is anthelmintic (antiparasitic), antiperiodic (prevents periodic recurrence of disease), antiseptic, diuretic and a purgative. The compounds in neem are said to change the hormones of the insects eating them, which effectively kills them. In addition to fungicide and pesticide properties, neem is effective for boils, eye diseases, hepatitis, leprosy, pimples, rheumatism, ringworm, scrofula and ulcers. Neem has ecological benefits and some components of neem have even been applied to industries such as construction and cosmetics.
Entire Tree -
The neem tree is hardy and can improve soil fertility and extract nutrients from leached sandy soils. It can be effective against pathogenic bacteria and repel insects. Neem has a widespread crown, suitable for providing shade to an area. The tree has other beneficial ecological uses which can be seen in the ecology section.Seeds -
The seeds of neem can be used to make neem cake (see ecology section) and a liquid fertiliser and pesticide. Seeds can be dried, crushed and soaked in water overnight; then the strained liquid can be sprayed on plants and the soil as a liquid pesticide, with protection lasting for around 1 week. The crushed seeds have been used as a fungicide and pesticide as well.Wood -
The wood from neem is a valuable hardwood as it is strong, termite resistant and has insecticidal properties. Its applications include construction posts, fencing, firewood and furniture. The main drawback is that it does not polish good. The wood from neem can also be used to make charcoal of a high calibre.Bark -
The bark of neem is bitter and can be used for fever, malaria, intestinal ulcers and stomach ulcers. The bark can be used in a decoction as an astringent, and applied topically to skin diseases and haemorrhoids.Sap -
The sap found from the neem tree by making a small hole on the trunk can be applied to skin lotions, soap, and toothpaste, and utilised as a glue. The sap obtained from the branches and roots can be fermented and drunk.Twigs -
The twigs of neem are used for asthma, cough, diabetes, haemorrhoids, intestinal worms and urinary disorders.Leaves -
Young leaves and flowers have a bitter flavour and can be cooked and prepared as an appetizer. Teas made from the leaves are useful for cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, diabetes, fever, gingivitis (gum disease), intestinal worms, liver problems, loss of appetite, malaria, peptic ulcers and upset stomach. Topically (on the skin), juices from the leaves are applied to boils, eczema, ulcers and wounds. Neem leaves can also be used for bloody nose or eye disorders. Dried leaves can be placed in closets or cupboards to deter insects. Leaves provide a good source of mulch and green manure.Flowers -
Young leaves and flowers have a bitter flavour and can be cooked and prepared as an appetizer. Flowers can be used for controlling phlegm, reducing bile and treating intestinal worms.Fruits -
Fruits can be eaten fresh off the tree or cooked. Fruits can also be incorporated into desserts or a refreshing cool (lemonade) drink. Fruits can be used for bloody nose, diabetes, eye disorders, haemorrhoids, intestinal worms, leprosy, phlegm, urinary tract disorders and wounds.Essential Oil -
Neem oil is extracted from the seed of neem. It is anthelmintic, antifungal, antiseptic and a purgative. Neem oil has been used as an insect repellent, and inhibits feeding, growth, metamorphosis and reproduction of insects, including nematodes, making it a useful organic insecticide to apply to plants. Neem oil does not seem to affect bees. It has been used externally (topically) for leprosy. The oil can be used as fuel in oil lamps and has been incorporated in cosmetics, hair dressing and soaps.Environmental, Soil Quality Improvement -
Neem is useful to grow to improve soil quality since its fallen twigs and leaves act as mulch and green manure, and it has a calcium mining property which neutralises acidic soils. Neem cake found from residue of neem seeds (that were used to make neem oil) has been found to be a great source of manure and inhibits fungi, insects and nematodes.Environmental, Soil Erosion Control -
Neem can grow in certain conditions where other plants may struggle to grow. Its fast-growing nature in most soil conditions, coupled with the deep-rooted structure allows for the tree to draw nutrients from lower soils and remain viable. The deep roots are well suited in dune stabilisation and the low and wide spread branching of the tree can even act as a wind break.Bee-Attracting -
The flowers of neem attract bees.Neem is deep rooted.
Neem may start flowering and fruiting from 4 to 5 years, but most seeds are produced only after 10 to 12 years.
Leaves tend to drop during drought.
Neem extracts may be toxic to aquatic wildlife and some beneficial insects.
It generally is not administered to feeble, old or very young persons.
Neem oil should not be consumed.
It advised not to use the twigs of neem as toothbrushes as they may be contaminated with fungi within 2 weeks of collection.
Avoid if you suffer from any auto-immune disease such as lupus, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis as neem may make symptons worse.
Take caution when consuming neem with medications for diabetes as it may cause hypoglycaemia (below recommended blood sugar levels); monitor glucose levels regularly.
Neem is said to be a spermicide.
Avoid use if you are pregnant or breast feeding as neem is an abortifacient.
Avoid the use of neem at least 2 weeks before surgery.
It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.
