NEEM

The herbal plant that I decided to choose was NEEM.   The scientific name is Azadiracta indica from Family: Meliaceae.  This plant is native to India and other tropical countries and is specifically used as a source of timber, medicine and insecticide.  Medically, Dominicans use NEEM to treat hypertension, diabetes and also to get rid of bladder stones.  NEEM as an “insecticide” seems to be harmful especially since one can eat it, but in all reality it is a non-toxic insecticide and cannot harm the insects that are beneficial to us such as bees.  The yellow flowers (when mature) can be eaten, as a fruit would be eaten. The extracts from the plant seem to have a very strong smell of garlic.  According to the Natural Standard Website for natural medications, there is an overall grade of “C”.  The twigs of NEEM can be used as toothbrushes with the gel from the twigs helping protect against periodontal disease. There is also a possibility of a contraindication of the use of Acetaminophen with NEEM because of the chance of increasing liver toxicity.    In the United States, NEEM is used as an anti-oxidant and an immune system booster.  It is commercially available from many natural medication companies also.  Finally, it is supposedly a very good sign of fortune particularly, if there is a NEEM tree in someone’s yard.

Lastly, I am extremely excited to journey to Dominica in 11 days!!