Vriksh Sankalpa – Nature Our Teacher

Prasiddhi Singh

Vriksh Sankalpa – Nature Our Teacher is an eco-yogic series talking of nature, culture and learning to inspire everyone not just to think but also to act.

A lesson from the Neem Tree

Hari Om. I am Neem, also known as margosa, Indian lilac or nimtree. In Sanskrit I am known as Aristha and Neemba in Ayurveda. My botanical name is Azadirachta indica, or A. indica for short. I am known for my air purification qualities. I have a huge family called Meliaceae with 53 genera and about 600 species.

We are native in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. We have been widely introduced elsewhere in tropical and subtropical regions, from South America to Indonesia. We occur in dry forests. We grow well at elevations from sea level to 1,000 m near the equator. We are evergreen trees but we shed many of our leaves in the dry winter months. We are fast-growing trees, our height ranges between 49 to 66 ft. My family and I have a lifespan of about 180 to 200 years.

My medicinal values are in treating conditions such as malaria, typhoid, digestive disorders, liver disorders, intestinal worms, respiratory disorders, urinary disorders, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, smallpox, chicken pox and measles.

In cosmetics, I am the very neem oil you use to relax your body, my paste is very useful to treat multiple health issues and to also feel internally calm. My neem powder purifies the blood, flushes out toxins, treats insect bites, battles free radical damage, and is an amazing skincare product. I have been purifying society for quite a long time, in fact I am the fifth sacred plant, written about in the Vedas.

Now let me share my Top 5 benefits:

1. Health benefits from root to fruit: My seeds cleanse and eliminate intestinal worms and parasites when consumed as juice. My leaves are used to protect the skin. They have multiple traditional uses, such as treating head lice, skin conditions, wounds, and repelling mosquitoes. They are also a time-honoured skin softener when boiled in water for use as an ointment. My bark fights dental plaque, reduces oral bacteria, and aids in healing wounds. My twigs are traditionally used as toothbrushes for this reason. My roots, like other parts of me, contain antioxidants. My fruit oil is extracted and applied to the scalp to eliminate and prevent dandruff. It is also used as a mosquito repellent and is commonly included in commercial room fresheners. Lastly, my flowers are antiseptic and consumed for cleansing. They are used in Southern Indian cuisine, such as the dish Ugadi Pachadi, and are recommended in Ayurveda for cooling and beating the summer heat.
2. Economic potential: Each part of my tree holds commercial value in various industries, including agriculture, cosmetics, and medicine. My products, such as neem oil and leaves, find wide usage in cosmetics and beauty formulations.

The demand for these products is increasing, particularly in agriculture where neem oil, cake and pesticides derived from me are utilized. The Indian government promotes the use of neem-coated urea, a product derived from me, to minimize nitrogen loss in farming. India and some African countries are major sources of neem products, which have the potential to benefit small farmers and rural economies. To maximize the benefits, it is important to strengthen incentives for seed collection, improve marketing strategies, and maintain high standards for extracting quality neem active extracts.

1. Environmental support: I am a versatile tree that is emerging as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic products. I have the ability to purify the air, control floods, reduce soil erosion, and naturally fight pests. My medicinal properties offer safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. I also serve as a windbreaker, supporting biodiversity. My potential in reforestation and agro-forestry makes me an invaluable resource for a sustainable future. My biomass production provides durable wood and fuel. Embracing Neem contributes to a healthier environment and promotes sustainable practices.
2. My connection with God: In Hindu culture, I receive great reverence as the Neem Tree. From a divine perspective, I am considered a manifestation of goddesses such as Durga and Sitala, and I am regarded as sacred. According to myth- ology, heavenly nectar bestowed divine properties upon me, connecting me to the divine realm. As a result, I have become a symbol of spiritual significance and a powerful protector against evil forces. It is believed that I am the abode of Sitala, the goddess of smallpox, and a sanctuary for gods like Surya, the Sun God. Neem flowers and burning Neem leaves are used in Hindu rituals to repel evil spirits. My deep-rooted association with gods and goddesses makes me an integral part of Hindu culture and spirituality.
3. My cultural essence: I hold a prominent place in various cultures across India, deeply ingrained in our food, traditions and customs. In Indian cuisine, my leaves are used to add a distinctive flavour to dishes like chutneys, curries, and rice preparations. I am an integral part of religious ceremonies and festivals, where my branches are used to create garlands, decorations and prayer offerings. In Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, I am highly valued for my therapeutic properties and utilized in remedies for various ailments. Moreover, I play a role in daily life, from the use of my twigs as natural toothbrushes to incorporating my oil for skincare and haircare. I truly embody the cultural richness and wholistic traditions of India.
   I am sad to see that my tree friends Bael, Palm and Sandalwood are slowly becoming vulnerable which is a big concern for me. Right now I might not be a concern in the table of extinction, but if you don’t protect me and my family, I might not exist. So please think of me and my family.

Sankalpa – PURIFY

So that was the Neem Tree sharing its economic, environmental, sacred, cultural essence and of course its health benefits. I hope you had a mind-boggling time while reading about the Neem Tree. While understanding about how useful and beneficial Neem is, I also realized that Neem, being a remarkable tree, holds a deep association with purification. Just as Neem purifies the air and environment around it, it reminds us of the importance of purifying ourselves and the world  we  live in.  In  a fast-paced and often polluted world, embracing the concept of purification becomes essential for our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Just as Neem fights pests and cleanses the soil, we too must cleanse our minds of negativity and harmful thoughts. By purifying our actions and intentions, we can contribute to a harmonious and sustainable world. Let Neem’s essence inspire us to purify our lives, promote kindness, and work towards creating a cleaner and more compassionate world for ourselves and future generations. Just as the Neem Tree purifies the air, soil and surrounding, yoga purifies our mind, body and soul. So we should also do our best to purify ourselves for a happy lifestyle.

Now I will request you to please recite the pledge as you read; don’t forget to fill in the blank.

I hope you are following your Eco-Resolution Diary for the Palm, Sandalwood and Bael. Here are some questions for you to check how well you understand the importance of the Neem Tree and its sankalpa PURIFY in your life and how well you fulfil your pledge. Remember, you should not only think but also act. This is a weekly tick box for your Eco-Resolution Diary:

1. Did I plant, water or take care of a tree?
2. Did I talk about the environment to friends and neighbours?
3. Have I been practising PURIFY to live a yogic-sustainable lifestyle?
4. Have I told 3 people about the importance of Neem or purification?
5. Have I been mindful of Neem for enriching my life with its health products?
6. Have I started to include the Neem Tree in my cultural tradition or worship?