NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) IS a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is native to India Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 15-20 m (about 50-65 feet) tall, and sometimes even to 35-40 m (115-131 feet). It grows well on dry, stony, clayey and saline soils. Neem has tendency to withstand severe drought. Neem tree normally starts fruiting after three to five years. In above10 years it becomes fully productive, from the tenth year onwards it can produce up to fifty kilograms of fruits annually.its life span is about two centuries. It is ever green, but in serious drought it may lose most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are spread far a parts.
If one observes the Neem tree, it can be seen that it is virtually free of insects and nematodes, due to natural substances present in the leaves, roots and kernel.The whole tree is bestowed by nature with an ultimate resistance system which always effectively repels and starves insects and nematodes.
According to the official data of the Sindh Forest Department, the Neem trees in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur districts are the oldest trees in the province. During the British rule, Neem was planted at railways stations and the embankments of canals to maintain a healthy environment. Mrs. Elsa Qazi (Late) renowned scholor wife of Allama II Qazi wrote a beautiful poem about Neem Tree. The theme of the poem its a big tree and spreading branches in hot summer days they gives soothing shade of poor farmer the tree face harsh weather and still green Mrs.Elsa Qazi (late) resembles the tree like a brave man who face any incident in life. That poem is also included in English book in Grade 9 by Sindh Text Book Board.
The diverse tree known as “Divine Tree,” “Heal All,” “Natures Drugstore,” “Village Pharmacy” for all diseases.” Products are made from neem have proven medicinal properties, being anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, and sedative. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease.
Neem leaves are used to treat chickenpox and warts by directly applying to the skin in a paste form or by bathing in water with neem leaves. Patient of the chicken pox, measles used in fresh neem leaf spread in the patience bed. In order to increase immunity of the body, Boil neem leaf water used to soak feet for treating various foot fungi and other fly bite, termites. In Ayurveda, neem leaves are used in curing neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains. Twigs of neem tree are also used in toothbrushes. Now a days toothpastes with neem extracts are also available in Market.
Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and has insecticidal and medicinal properties due to which it has been used for thousands of years in pest control, cosmetics, medicines,
Neem seed cake (residue of neem seeds after oil extraction) when used for soil amendment or added to soil, not only enriches the soil with organic matter but also lowers nitrogen losses by inhibiting nitrification. It also works as a nematicide.