Mother Earth News 1992 by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub

Neem Tree Offers Solutions in Reforestation, Health, and Organic Farming

Imagine if there was something all-natural that could solve all our problems-something like a tree? Some scientists say the Neem-an Indian tree of tropical species-is the cure-all we’re looking for. What does it do? Well, according to the Washington Post’s article on the Neem, the real question is: what doesn’t it do?

It’s a reforestation technique. The Neem tree grows comparatively fast (it hits about 30 feet high in six years!), and thrives best on worn-out crop land. It actually does its quickest growing on poor soil in the semi-arid lands of Africa and Arabia.

It’s a pesticide. The extracts of the Neem’s seeds and leaves contain pesticides which attack those pesky insects chowing on your plants. The extracts kill over 200 species of insects, but won’t harm birds, mammals, or insects which don’t eat plants. However, there are those who consider this pesticide to be cruel and unusual, as it can take up to two weeks to kill the insects.

It’s a toothpaste. (It’ll clean those nasty little bugs right off your teeth!) Scientists claim that millions of Indian folks only “brush” their teeth with a frayed Neem twig. Soon after, German researchers caught on to this potential marketing product, and after several studies, confirmed that there are indeed substances in the Neem which prevent tooth decay.

It’s a contraception. (What?) But it’s no joke. There is evidence that the Neem’s oil, when pressed from the seed, acts as a strong spermicide. Researchers are now trying to use one of the Neem’s compounds to create a male birth control pill.

We know-now you want at least 10 Neem trees to plant in your own backyard. Unfortunately, there are only two Neems in America (both of them alive and doing well in Florida). But don’t worry, you’ll be hearing more about this “miracle” tree. There’s a lot more research going on, and field cultivation is being done in Oklahoma, southern California, and Arizona. And, of course, plenty of skeptics are keeping the Neem discussion alive. So keep your ears and your backyard open.

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