The neem tree, a wonder tool against Malaria
Building upon our fundraising efforts in 2005 to purchase insecticide treated bed nets as a way to protect against malaria infection, FAWCO is collaborating with BioVision in two communities in Kenya. FAWCO’s participation will be spearheaded by its Global Concerns Committees (GCCs) (health, environment, peace through knowledge, women and aging) working together holistically. As Chair of the FAWCO Environment Committee, my attention was immediately drawn to the mention that shavings from the neem tree can be used in stagnant pools of water as a natural larvicide for mosquito larvae. An internet google search reveals that the neem tree, a tropical evergreen related to Mahogany, is one of nature’s great gifts – a wonder plant, all parts of which can be used for valuable economic, health and ecological purposes.
The web information reveals an amazing list of ways in which the neem tree can be utilized in a low tech and environmentally friendly way to improve people’s lives:
- It has been used in the traditional treatment of malaria for centuries: components are effective against malaria parasites and toxic for resistant strains of malaria. These compounds are at least as effective against malaria as quinine and chloroquine. Drinking neem teas or chewing a couple of leaves every day reduces the possibility of contracting malaria.
- It is speculated that neem is even more effective against malaria in the body than in the laboratory because it is thought to stimulate the immune system: it also lowers the fever and increases the appetite, thus speeding recovery.
- Neem oil has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent.
- It has more than 100 bio-active ingredients and is rich in proteins
- Its bio-active ingredients are anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-bacterial, insect-repellent and there is one which is spermicidal!
- Neem seeds contain up to 45% of a brown and bitter oil (Oil of Margosa) which can serve as fuel for lamps or for soap production.
- Neem derivatives neutralize nearly 500 pests (mites, ticks, nematodes etc) but are non toxic to higher animals and most beneficial insects, therefore neem is well suited for pest control in rural areas.
- The fruit, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark all have advantageous medicinal properties.
- In traditional medicine, neem has been used in the treatment of urinary disorders, skin disease, diabetes, fungal infections and viral diseases – a wonder drug!
- Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients which provide dental hygiene.
- Its medicinal properties can also be used for animal health.
- Neem cake (residue from oil production from seeds) can be used as a fertilizer.
- It is a cheap source for all these benefits and the neem seeds are easy to collect from the ground.
- It has edible fruit loved by children and begins bearing fruit after three to five years.
- It is suited to semi arid conditions and thrives even in the poorest soil. It seems to have adapted well to transplantation to Africa.
- It is popular as a shade tree and source of fuel wood.
- It is a preferred tree along avenues, in markets and near homesteads.
- In Sub-Saharan Africa it is used to halt the spread of the Sahara desert.
- Its wood is not only durable but also termite resistant and is used in developing countries to make fence posts, poles for house construction and furniture.
The properties of the neem tree have been known for 4,500 years in the Indian sub-continent where it was called Sarva Roga Nivarini (the one that could cure all ailments and ills) and it is included in the Ayurveda, the Indian system of natural medicine. With the European arrival in India, practical uses of the neem tree were discouraged but Indian emigrants brought the tree to Africa and the other places where they settled. Today there is considerable interest again in neem including projects for commercialization.
BioVision report that a few neem trees have been planted in the areas where they are working and these young trees need care. It would seem to be a priority to encourage planting and propagation of many more neem trees. Neem trees would provide shade, nutrition, protection against malaria, prevent soil erosion, etc.
With help and advice from BioVision, FAWCO could provide the funds to plant neem tree saplings and to promote several of the Millennium Development Goals in parallel.
Valerie Garforth
FAWCO Environment Committee Chair
April 5th, 2006
