Neem

Called Mwarobaini in Sawahili language, meaning "Tree 40" as they believe that the Neem tree cures 40 different diseases.

Scientifically the plant is called "Azadirachta indica"; Azadirachta comes from the Persian word " Azar Derakht" meaning 'free or noble tree'.The Persian name of the tree, azad darakhat-e-hind, meaning 'the free tree of India, implies that it is free from disease and insect problems. However Azadirachta indica plant originates from the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its fruits & seeds are the source of the Neem Oil.The  leaves are dried in India and placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes, and also in tins where rice is stored.Neem leaf paste or oil is used for acne, eczema, impetigo, ulcers, pustules, snake and scorpion bites, chicken pox, measles, scaly scalp, psoriasis, pruritus, dermatophytosis, leprosy, pediculosis, and scabies. There are many traditional uses for Neem Tree products but there has not been many scientific researchers on it. 

For thousands of years, the neem tree has been used as a shield against both agricultural pests and cutaneous infections or infestations.Neem and turmeric are integral to the Mariamman temple festival in Tamil Nadu. The combination is believed to offer protection from diseases such as chicken pox, small pox, measles, and cholera.

Neem oil has an odor resembling mustard, garlic or sulfur.

Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported with the use of neem oil insect repellent in the garden.

If it’s your first time using neem oil, start by trying a small, diluted amount of it on a small area of your skin, away from your face. If redness or itching develop, you may wish to further dilute the oil or avoid using it completely.

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