TREE AID Update Magazine March. 2014 | Page 12

The Power of Trees THE NEEM (Azadirachta indica) The Neem tree originally from Asia, can now be found all over West Africa and has been used as a medicinal herb for 5,000 years. With a lifetime value of up to £15,000 from pharmaceuticals alone, the Neem tree has many other uses such as timber and shade. It is one of the few shade giving trees that thrive in drought prone areas. The leaves and bark are used to treat illnesses such as malaria and jaundice. The wood of the Neem is valued as termite resistant timber. Kernels can be pressed to make livestock food or to protect plants from pests. Here a gardener protects his tomato plants with a repellent made from Neem kernels. THE GIFT OF TREES With TREE AID’s alternative gifts you can buy a tree, seedlings or tools as a gift for friends and family. Gifts start from £5, and are perfect for birthdays and other occasions throughout the year. All gifts could help communities to get the most out of trees, helping them tackle poverty and protect the environment. Order online at www.treeaid.org.uk or call 0117 909 6363. Trees mean life Trees mean life After you have finished with this please recycle or pass this onto a friend. Designed and printed by Wells Printing on paper from a sustainable source using vegetabl e based inks, alcohol free.