The Neem tree – A herbal pharmacy for goats?
Neem leaves
People have been rearing goats for thousands of years. Well before the advent of modern medicine. Have you ever wondered how our forefathers used to treat their goats when the goats got sick?
Our forefathers relied on traditional methods. Methods discovered through trial and error, methods discovered by chance and methods passed on to them by their forefathers. These methods revolved largely around various herbal plants and minerals that could treat the goats. And these herbal plants grew freely and easily.
Why not try to use these methods now? For one, the rich treasure trove of knowledge has disappeared. Most of the herbal doctors of today prefer to use their knowledge to treat humans.
I am certainly no expert in traditional remedies. But I am aware of one extraordinary plant, the Neem tree. Known as pokok semambu locally, this tree grows quite easily and is very hardy. The variety of uses for this miracle tree as listed here can only be said as fascinating.
A neem tree in full bloom. Note how the tree seems to be protected.
This tree is planted widely in India, Indonesia, and even in the African countries that I have been to, like Ghana, Sudan, Mali, Mauritania, Benin and Djibouti. In India and Sudan, they are usually planted along the roadside and their trunks painted with black and white markings to act as road warnings. (I understand, that in India, the trees were ordered to be planted by Emperor Ashoka way, way back in time.)
About.com lists many uses for various parts of the Neem tree, from its leaves, twigs and its bark. No wonder this tree is called a natural pharmacy!
Another educational video link on this can be seen below. See the variety of uses this humble tree can be used for in the ordinary household. Including that of insect repellent, for dental care, skin care and animal feed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8MsIpkqZuI
We have planted 5 of these trees around our farm at Ladang Fatima. They will take about 4 – 5 years before they reach maturity.
I have been informed that we can feed the goats with the leaves of this tree and its help the goats with clearing any intestinal infections that they might have. The leaves will have to be mixed with their normal feed and they’ll just eat them.
I have also been warned that it would take about 3 days for the goats to get the leaves out of their system. Until then the meat would taste a little bitter.
I have yet to use this method. I certainly intend to.
There is a Neem Foundation whose objective is to “Green India with Neem”. Its website also lists quite a number of uses, even as that of a pesticide and mosquito repellent.
In fact even in vermicomposting, the addition of neem leaves is said to have a vastly positive effect on the grade of the vermicompost produced. The Kebun seems to be starting vermicomposting. This fact may be of interest to him.
It is a pity that the Malaysian Government does not plant more of this tree along the road sides. At the very least we could be reducing our carbon footprints!
Note: The above pictures are from Google. The trees that we have planted at our farm are still too small to be paraded.
Hi,
Thanks for the info on Neem/Pokok Semambu. Its new to me. I would like to get in touch with someone to get better info on this.
Tel 0191812050
TQ
I have heard of neem oil. How do I get them.
neem tree is very coomon in india and most common are its uses