Neem is a fascinating tree

 When I was a child in Warangal Neem trees were everywhere.

People were using it for day to day cleaning of their teeth, kids used to enjoy the ripe fruit which is in quite a contrast to the leaves pretty sweet. Come the telugu New year, its bitter yet fragrant flowers were part of a special dish made of  tamarind, jaggery, mango called  "Ugaadi PachchaDi"

It was used by the women and men(potharajulu) for the procession of "Bonalu " a celebration of Durga in Telangana.

The leaves were rubbed on the skin to help reduce the pain and itching of  chickenpox and smallpox

Neem is a fascinating tree. On the one hand, it seems to be one of the most promising of all plants and may eventually benefit every person on the planet. Probably no other yields as many strange and varied products or has as many exploitable by-products. Indeed, as foreseen by some scientists, this plant may usher in a new era in pest control, provide millions with inexpensive medicines, cut down the rate of human population growth, and perhaps even reduce erosion, deforestation, and the excessive temperature of an overheated globe.

On the other hand, that all remains only a vague promise. Although the enthusiasm may be justified, it is largely founded on empirical or anecdotal evidence. Our purpose here is to marshal the various facts about this little-known species, to help illuminate its future promise, and to speed realization of its potential.