MANILA, Philippines?The neem tree appears to be the most useful tree in the history of the human race. Perhaps, this is the ?Tree of Life? that disappeared from the mythical Garden of Eden.

Other writers have described this miracle tree as the ?Ultimate Herb? and ?A Tree for Solving Global Problems.? But I describe it as the Tree of All Trees which, if known to all Filipinos, will drive most pharmaceutical companies into bankruptcy.

Scientifically classified as Azadirachta indica, the Neem tree, for the last 4,500 years, must have healed hundreds of millions in India, Africa and many other parts of Asia. One of the immediately perceivable impact of this antifungal, antibacterial and, perhaps, even antiviral king of the arboretums on the human body is its guaranteed ability to heal or cure many, if not all, skin diseases or epidermal problems ranging from dandruff, acne, psoriasis, ringworm, athlete?s foot, warts, chicken pox, small pox and malaria.

Further, Neem produces pain-relieving, antiinflammatory and fever-reducing compounds that can aid in the healing of cuts, burns, sprains, earaches, headaches, as well as fevers, possibly dengue.

On the other hand, Neem tree encompasses the treatment of a variety of physical ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, blood disorders, digestive and nervous disorders, parasites and, possibly, cancer.

Moreover, Neem may also be used as spermicide as well as mouthwash.

Relieved of stubborn dandruff

What inspired me to write this article is the fact that I, myself, have been relieved of a kind of a stubborn dandruff that plagued me through the years, as far as the lower side of my face and my ears. Believing that Neem is an insect repellent, I requested my helper to boil Neem tree leaves so I could use the extracted juice or substance to rub or sponge my body thoroughly and spare myself from the prospects of dengue infection carried by mosquitoes.

Immediately following the application of Neem extracts into my skin, I noticed that I was liberated from oppressive mosquito harassments. So I ordered my helper to fold my mosquito net. But, more than that, I also noticed that my skin started to look very healthy and shiny; and my dandruff disappeared from scalp and my face.

And that convinced me to voluntarily report this personal experience to the poor who are suffering because they could not afford the high-cost of medical care.

Countless medical purposes

Extracts from all parts of the Neem can be used for countless medical purposes. But, despite all the praise and promise for Neem, extreme care should be observed if ingested because it can be toxic and can produce adverse or harmful effects. Hence, it is suggested that, if taken internally, Neem should be ingested in small quantities and observed how it affects the person concerned.

It has to be stressed here, also, that Neem extracts have not been certified by the FDA as acceptable compound for pharmaceutical medicaments. But for thousands of years it has been widely used by hundreds of millions in India and Africa.

The easiest way

As noted earlier, the easiest way to use Neem for healing purposes is to grind, pound or boil its leaves, barks, seeds, or roots and apply the extracts to infected areas of the body. Or ingest a very small quantity thereof and feel your way through the process. If your body responds favorably, go on using it. If not, stop it.

However, and thus far, there has never been any report of adverse side effects caused by topical or external medication of the extracts or juice of this wonderful tree.

With malunggay (Moringa oleifera), the Mother of All Vegetables, as supplement, our people can at last be freed from pharmaceutical dependence.