GNO

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a prominent tree, whose importance was recognised in Ayurveda, ancient Indian system of medicine. For centuries it has been an inseparable part of our domestic treatment. Living in its shade is healthy and because of this it is recommended that it is planted on a wide scale.

According to an estimate nearly 32 million neem saplings have been planted in India, whereas in China nearly 25 million saplings have been planted during the last 10 years. Similarly, neem saplings are being planted in large numbers in countries like Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, etc.

Despite the fact that need does not grow in Europe and the US, the US got neem oil patented. This caused a furore all over Asia. This organisation and many other organisations requested the Government of India to work towards end of this patent, but the Government did not take any interest.

Then in 1995, organisations working on neem in India made an effort to get this patent ended. But this effort did not bear fruit as the European patent court dismissed the plea on the ground that the patent of neem oil was done and not that of neem.

Later the organisations involved a Banaras Hindu University Professor, Dr UP Singh, whose four papers on neem were printed in international journals and again presented the plea that neem oil was used to cure many diseases of humans and animals alike. Dr Singh and Attorney Fritch Holder fiercely fought the case and got neem oil free from patent.

Here are some facts about neem and its uses:

1. Chariot of Idols of Balbhadra and Subhadra in Jagannathpuri are made of neem.
2. Five datoons (tender twigs for brushing teeth) cost US$9.95, which is nearly Rs 700.00. And we are running after toothpastes like mad people.
3. Powder of dry neem leaves is mixed with leaves and used to ward off mosquitoes and other insects and treat skin diseases, small wounds and burns.
4. Boil neem leaves in water. Mix it in bathing water with rose water. This will remove sweat odour.
5. Boil 10 clean fresh leaves with cotton in 1litre water for 10 minutes, cool it and use to wash eyes.
6. In case of pimples and wrinkles, mix neem powder in water and apply.
7. After neem started mixing in urea, price of neem seeds has gone up from Rs 10 to 20.
8. IFFCO and Karnataka Agro Chemical have promised to purchase all the neem seeds that one can collect.