In India, the neem tree is a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine, one of the world's oldest healing science systems. Neem is affectionately known as the "village pharmacy" and also as sarva roga nivarin, or "healer of all ­ailments."

It's only recently that the rest of the world has started to show interest in and recognize neem's healing potential. Scientific research reports by universities ranging from everywhere from Bangalore to Baltimore have explored neem's ­ability to help prevent and treat an ­astonishing number of health disorders, including many that are not successfully addressed by modern pharmaceuticals.

My own experience with neem has certainly proven its worth to me. I struggled with debilitating psoriasis for 40 years and was told that I had to live with it for the rest of my life. Then, one day, I happened to catch a TV program that featured neem and its use on chronic skin diseases. Inspired, I worked with a French chemist (because neem wasn't available in North America at that time) to make a neem leaf cream that my wife massaged onto my scalp. After 10 weeks, my scalp was totally clear of the skin condition from which I had suffered for so long! By using cold-pressed neem tree oil, the psoriasis on both of my elbows disappeared within merely three weeks. To this day, I use only one drop of neem oil weekly to prevent any recurrences.

Of all the powerful healing plants throughout the ages, few offer as much value and versatility as the genuine, unique neem tree. The bark, seeds, leaves, fruit, extracts, oils and tinctures made thereof contain pharmacological constituents that offer impressive therapeutic qualities (see sidebar). With its increasing popularity, it is apparent that this ancient miracle is nevertheless effective for the ailments of a modern world. 

Neem It Up
Today, neem is available not only in creams and as an oil, but also in soap, shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other natural health products.

Skin soother
Use 2–3 drops of diluted oil on chapped lips, minor cuts and bruises, dry skin, sunburn or diaper rash. For conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, try neem cream or lotion as a topical alternative to cortisone products. Neem is ­excellent for many skin conditions due to its abilities to kill bacteria, parasites and fungi and to prevent viral ­replication.

Mosquito repellent
Rub a few drops of diluted oil onto exposed skin, or mix with coconut oil or other cream or lotion base, for overnight protection.

Lice deterrent
Use neem shampoo to prevent lice infestation. In one 2007 Egyptian study, 60 children heavily infested with lice washed their hair with neem seed extract shampoo for 20–30 minutes, followed by an additional 10 minutes in which the shampoo was left in the hair. As determined by analyzing follow-up comb-throughs, the shampoo proved to be "highly effective against all stages of head lice" without side-effects. A 2008 study found similar efficacy using neem seed extract shampoo to treat canine scabies.

Dental health protector
Brush with neem leaf toothpaste to reduce plaque and bacteria, and inflammation and pain associated with tooth and gum disease. Neem also helps with gingitivis and halitosis (bad breath).

Properties of Neem
• anti-viral: capable of destroying viruses
• anti-fungal: able to destroy fungi
• analgesic: able to relieve pain
• immune system booster and stimulator
• anti-bacterial: able to destroy or inhibit bacteria
• anti-inflammatory: able to reduce inflammation
• anti-arthritic: effective in treatment of arthritis
• anti-gastric: able to prevent or destroy ulcers
• anti-anxiety: capable of preventing depression
• anti-microbial: able to inhibit or destroy microbes
• anti-pyretic: able to lower body temperature or prevent/alleviate fever
• anti-thelmintic: capable of expelling or destroying parasitic worms
• anti-emetic: able to prevent or stop nausea and vomiting

Klaus Ferlow, HMH, is an innovator, ­lecturer, researcher and writer, and is president and founder of the Canadian-owned and ­operated Ferlow Botanicals, Div. of Ferlow Brothers Ltd, Vancouver, BC. ferlowbotanicals.com

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