What a glorious summer this has been! Great food, friends- new and old, timeless concerts, and cultural festivals allow me to forget about the Georgia heat and focus on the fun of it all. Travel destinations- both familiar and exotic have made this one of the most memorable summers of all. Today, I am traveling abroad to Costa Rica, which was recently listed as THE greenest and happiest country in the world! Yes, in the world.
As I continue to research this beautiful country, I am learning more and more about its people, food, history, customs, scenery, wildlife, and bugs. YIKES! BUGS?! I read that I should wear long sleeves and pants daily because of the “foreign physical and chemical agents of the insects”. Instead of panicking, I simply packed my Neem Tree oil and cream- my favorite, environment-friendly insect repellent.
The Neem Tree
Neem oil is one of the most prized oils from India and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. Its benefits have been known and celebrated in India for over 5000 years. The versatile neem tree has been called, “the tree that purifies”, “the wonder tree”, and is thought to be able to solve many of our global problems. This fast-growing and drought resistant tree is also known as the “village pharmacy” because of its holistic power to protect against several health complications. Neem has more than 100 unique bio-active compounds which have practical applications in many aspects of our lives such as public health, agriculture, animal care and even fertility regulation. It is available in many forms at health food stores and via the internet.
Traditional Uses
The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of neem’s fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. Each has been used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. Its benefits and popularity are growing and its ingredients are now being used in today’s medicines, cosmetics, and toiletries. Scientific research continues to confirm many of the traditional uses of neem, which is anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, spermicidal and of course, insecticidal. Various parts of the tree have been used to treat acne eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, fungal infections, chicken pox, malaria, fever, headaches, herpes and diabetes. Neem tonics are used as a detoxifier, blood purifier, and overall energizer. Its twigs are used for oral hygiene and its seed pulp is useful for methane gas production.
Additional Research in the West
According to the report produced by The National Institute of Health, its extract has the potentiality to be used as an AIDS preventive. However, not sufficient researches have been conducted so far.
It has anti-allergic properties. So it is able to inhibit allergic reactions if applied either externally or internally. Possibly in recent decades, it can be used as an effective male birth control pill. This is the for the first time in human history the production of men birth pill without affecting libido or sperm production has become possible within the span of controlled study.
It has the ability to enhance the immune system. Also its immune polysaccharides property makes it a future cancer cure. Apart from that, it decreases the blood sugar level and reduces the possible usage of insulin to 30%-50%, hence it is effective for diabetic patient.
Cultural Importance
One can find Neem in almost all the parts of India. It is said that planting Neem tree in the house is an ensured passage to heaven. Its leaves are stung on the main entrance to remain away from the evil spirits. Brides take bath in the water filled with the Neem leaves. Newly born babies are laid upon the Neem leaves to provide them with the protective aura. Although I am not a newborn, I am asking for protection- from insects and more- as I prepare to travel to the greenest and happiest country in the world… as we know it.
I’ll be in TOUCH,
Jada