Do you know about the Neem tree?

We have this wonderful tree growing in the Dominican Republic in great quantities...India of course uses it to a great extent for its curative properties. It is a lovely wood with a wonderful medicinal aroma. Please read on to learn about its qualities (Thanks to About.com):

• External parasites - Neem quickly kills external parasites and a neem decoction is safer and just as effective as standard treatments for head lice and scabies.


• Heart disease - Neem delays the coagulation of blood, calms erratic heartbeats and helps reduce elevated heart rates and high blood pressure.


• Herpes - Recent tests in Germany show that neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus and can quickly heal cold sores.


• Hepatitis - Tests in the U.S. show neem hampers the virus that causes hepatitis B.


• Fungal toxin - Neem is toxic to several fungi which attack humans, including those that cause athlete's foot and ringworm, and Candida, an organism that causes yeast infections and thrush.


• Insect repellent - Studies have shown that one neem compound is a more effective insect repellent than the widely used synthetic chemical known as DEET (N,N,-diethyl-m-toluamide), a suspected carcinogen with long periods of use.


• Insecticide - Neem extracts have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on food crops. It is non-toxic to birds, animals, beneficial insects or man and protects crops from over 200 of the most costly pests.


• Malaria - An active ingredient in neem leaves, called irodin A, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria.


• Psoriasis - Neem seed oil and leaf extracts is suggested to be a cure for psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.


• Periodontal disease control - German researchers have proven neem extracts prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.


• Soap/Shampoo - Neem oil soaps can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments.


• Ulcer relief - Neem extracts give significant protection from discomfort and speed the healing of gastric problems.