Anyone on the ground working with earthquake victims in Haiti could use Neem to treat wounds and infections, especially if medicines are scarce. Neem is known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Ingesting it can boost the immune system, and applying it topically stimulates blood circulation.
Haiti supposedly has a plethora of Neem trees, planted by USAID and the Haitian Department of Agriculture during the last two decades. Some early reports say that Neem trees grow throughout the capital of Port-au-Prince, in the hills of the suburbs and along the streets. Those trees that survived the earthquake could now be used to help ward off infections and disease.
Disinfecting wounds with Neem
Rub a handful of fresh Neem leaves together or grind them into a paste
Apply the leaves to the wound to disinfect
(Fruit can also be used to create paste)
Treat infections internally with Neem
Eat one or two Neem leaves a day
Brew a tea with dried Neem leaves
Treating gum disease and mouth injuries
Chew on Neem leaves or twigs
Brew tea with dried Neem leaves
Neem trees can thrive in arid areas, and they require little surface water. They have oblong leaves with jagged edges and bear yellow, olive-sized fruit.
According to two researchers, Neem trees grow in and near Port-au-Prince. Particularly they observed that Neem trees were “a common sight in the suburbs of the capital and along the highways from the city… As many as 400,000 seedlings have been planted in recent years by the Haitian Department of Agriculture, mostly along thoroughfares.” (The article is from 1983, but perhaps the trees are still around?)
Source: Walther H. Lewis and Memory P.F. Elvin-Lewis Economic Botany, 37(1), 1983, pp. 69-70 (link to excerpt)
More Resources:
http://www.neemfoundation.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem
June 14th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
It’s true. Neem is EVERYWHERE in Port au Prince! Why did the government plant them if they didn’t want to do anything with them though? …hmmm….how to start an education initiative….
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:45 pm
hey i have a tree that the leaves look simular to this Neem tree, can they grow in Florida?
October 14th, 2011 at 8:19 am
The neem tree originated in India and loves growing in a tropical to subtropical climate. It needs and positively thrives in hot weather, but it can handle the occasional cold spell. It will survive unless it is exposed to 35 degrees F or less, but longer exposure to cooler temperatures can cause permanent damage or kill a neem tree.