he NEEM tree (Azadirachta indica) is a tropical evergreen tree native to India

and is also found in other southeast countries. In India, neem is known as the
village pharmacy because of its healing versatility, and it has been used in
Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4,000 years due to its medicinal properties.
Neem is also called arista in Sanskrit- a word that means perfect, complete and
imperishable. The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds with proven
antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antifungal uses.
The Sanskrit name nimba comes from the term nimbati syasthyamdadati
which means to give good health.
The earliest documentation of neem mentioned the fruit, seeds, oil, leaves, roots
and bark for their advantageous medicinal properties. These benefits are listed
in the ancient documents Carak- Samhita and Susruta-Samhita, the books at
the foundation of the Indian system of natural treatment, Ayurveda. Neem has a
garlic-like odor, and a bitter taste. The various parts of this tree have many uses
that aptly give neem its name in Sanskrit-sarva roga nivarini, meaning the
curer of all ailments. Some of the most important documented uses of various
parts of the neem tree are: