Neem (Azadirachta indica)

The name Neem comes from Sanskrit and means “curer of all diseases”. As early as sixth century BC, Neem was known for its antiseptic properties and babies were bathed and given Neem in small doses. It is also deeply imbued with spiritual significance – its curative properties were attributed to the fact that a few drops of heavenly nectar fell on it.

The name Neem, is derived from the Sanskrit word Nimba, known as the Sarva Roga Nivarini or Curer of All Illnesses. The Sanskrit treatises Charaka Samhita, Susrutha Samhita and Brihat Samhita, compiled between sixth century B.C. and sixth century A.D. mention Neem's properties dozens of times. The Neem tree was intimately connected with the everyday life of Indians; for its antiseptic properties, babies were bathed with Neem water and given small doses of Neem oil while Neem leaves were hung over their cradles. Forest and agricultural treatises recommended it for soil protection and revival and for pest-repelling.

Neem is deeply imbued with spiritual meaning. Its curative properties were attributed to the fact that a few drops of heavenly nectar fell upon it.

The Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira, dated back to sixth century AD, contains a chapter of verses on plant medicines. It recommends that the Neem tree be planted near dwellings. The ancient Hindus believed that planting Neem trees ensured a passage to heaven. Smallpox and chicken pox were cured or staved off with the use of Neem leaves. It was believed that the goddess of smallpox, Sithala, lived in the Neem tree.

Neem leaves are strung on thresholds to ward off evil spirits’ brides take ritual baths in Neem-infused water; smoke from the Neem tree is wafted into rooms to cleanse them; in ceremonies, babies are laid upon Neem leaves to provide them with a protective aura; and snake-cults are associated with the Neem tree. These are few of the myriad ways in which the tree makes its mark on the psyche of the subcontinent.

In eastern India, wooden images are made of the popular deities Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra; carved out of Neem wood, a pillar-like form with the face and body is delineated, but arms are left out of the carvings. The powerful goddess Kali is said to dwell on the tree and sometimes stones representing her are placed before the tree and worshipped. The bitter Neem leaves are chewed with some jaggery in the south on new year's day or Ugadhi, to symbolize acceptance of the good and the bad in the world.