Neem and our health

In the second part of 'Neem Baba' in your book, Poorvi, Amber and Neem Baba talk about how people use neem for health. Remember: this is what the text says. It is not a doctor's advice for you.

Amber says she knows that people clean their teeth with neem twigs (small, thin branches; you may know this as a datun), and that they keep their clothes safe from insects by putting neem leaves with them.

Then she remembers something. When her brother had measles (an illness with fever and red spots on the skin), the doctor told the family to spread neem leaves on his bed and let him lie on them. Amber asks why.

Neem Baba explains that neem leaves have something in them that destroys germs. Measles makes the whole body itch, and the leaves give comfort and do not let germs breed (grow). The text also says that neem leaves, bark, flowers, fruits and even roots are used to make medicines for many diseases.

Amber adds that her grandmother once made medicines from neem bark and neem flowers for the family. Neem Baba gives an important warning: such home remedies are to be used only by people who are well trained and have a lot of experience. Not something you heard once and try on your own. Amber promises to remember this.