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Miracle Tree |
Photo: ancient Neem Tree in a Gambian village. © Sandi Bellaart
by Alex Rankin
Story from Positive News UK
GAMBIA - The Neem Tree grows in abundance throughout Asia and Africa. It has a remarkable number of uses that, for centuries, have provided villagers in India with a myriad resource. Referred to locally as "the village pharmacy", the Neem's bark, leaves, flowers, seeds and fruit pulp can all be used to treat a range of diseases such as leprosy, diabetes, ulcers and skin disorders.
It can also be used as protection against malaria and as a natural pesticide, effective against about 200 insects, including locusts, Colorado beetles and boll weevils. In Gambia, although surrounded by neem trees, villagers have little knowledge of its potential, according to Sandi Bellaart, UK environmentalist.
She is currently fundraising to set up an information centre where they can receive training in how to utilise its benefits. She also wants to work with school children to teach them about taking care of the trees throughout their seven year growth to maturity. "The aim is to gather and document the
understanding they have, then to offer the knowledge gathered from the 5,000 years of use in India," says Sandi.
"The result is to empower people by giving them access to information and change their lives for the better." A few years ago, knowledge of the Neem's medicinal uses spurred some major pharmaceutical companies to try to patent the tree. Vandana Shiva, Indian activist, launched a successful campaign against the companies to ensure the tree will always remain a natural resource for the people.
Contact: Sandi Bellaart,
Interior Gardens, 6 Williamstow,
Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5EJ. UK
Website: www.neemfoundation.org
Story from Positive News UK
GAMBIA - The Neem Tree grows in abundance throughout Asia and Africa. It has a remarkable number of uses that, for centuries, have provided villagers in India with a myriad resource. Referred to locally as "the village pharmacy", the Neem's bark, leaves, flowers, seeds and fruit pulp can all be used to treat a range of diseases such as leprosy, diabetes, ulcers and skin disorders.
It can also be used as protection against malaria and as a natural pesticide, effective against about 200 insects, including locusts, Colorado beetles and boll weevils. In Gambia, although surrounded by neem trees, villagers have little knowledge of its potential, according to Sandi Bellaart, UK environmentalist.
She is currently fundraising to set up an information centre where they can receive training in how to utilise its benefits. She also wants to work with school children to teach them about taking care of the trees throughout their seven year growth to maturity. "The aim is to gather and document the
understanding they have, then to offer the knowledge gathered from the 5,000 years of use in India," says Sandi.
"The result is to empower people by giving them access to information and change their lives for the better." A few years ago, knowledge of the Neem's medicinal uses spurred some major pharmaceutical companies to try to patent the tree. Vandana Shiva, Indian activist, launched a successful campaign against the companies to ensure the tree will always remain a natural resource for the people.
Contact: Sandi Bellaart,
Interior Gardens, 6 Williamstow,
Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5EJ. UK
Website: www.neemfoundation.org
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