Amber returns home from school and rests under the cool shade of the neem tree in her courtyard. She hears the gentle rustling of leaves and begins a friendly conversation with the tree. The old tree warmly introduces himself as Neem Baba. He shares that he was born millions of years ago in North India or Myanmar. Over time, his family spread across many countries in Asia, Africa, and America. In ancient Sanskrit, he was called Arishta, meaning the one who cures diseases, as well as Nimba and Nimbaca. The name Neem was given by the Iranians, and Persian travelers later called it Azad Darakhte Hindi. Because of his great usefulness, people and scientists affectionately call him a magic tree, nature's gift to man, and the bitter grace of God.
Neem Baba explains that every part of the neem tree is filled with healing power. Its leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and roots are all used to prepare medicines. Neem twigs are commonly used to brush and clean teeth. Its leaves destroy germs, stop them from breeding, and soothe skin itching during diseases like measles. Grandmother remedies also use neem bark to soothe coughs and neem flowers to make kajal for eye irritation. Neem Baba reminds Amber that such herbal remedies should only be prepared by trained and experienced people.
The neem tree is also very helpful to farmers and everyday life. When farmers spray neem seed powder mixed with water, it protects crops from harmful locusts and termites. Putting this powder into standing water in rice fields stops mosquitoes from breeding and improves crop yield. Around the home, neem leaves and seed powder protect clothes and stored food grains from insects. In addition, neem oil is used to manufacture soaps and toothpaste, neem wood makes furniture that termites cannot damage, and the living tree purifies the air we breathe.