Common Names: Neem
Akan Name: “Duadua” / “Nim”
Other Names: Indian Lilac
scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
🌱 DESCRIPTION:
Neem is a tall evergreen tree that grows widely in Ghana, especially in the savannah and forest zones. It can reach 15–20 meters in height, with a dense crown of small, green, serrated leaves. The tree produces small white fragrant flowers and olive-like fruits containing seeds. Neem is known for its intensely bitter taste, which gives it strong medicinal and spiritual associations.
🌿 PART USED:
Leaves (most common in Ghana), Bark, Seeds (oil extraction), Roots, Fruits
🩺MEDICINAL USES:
Neem is highly valued in Ghanaian herbal medicine:
Anti-parasitic: Kills intestinal worms.
Malaria treatment: Decoction of leaves is drunk or used in bathing.
Fever & infections: Acts as a natural antibiotic and immune booster.
Skin care: Crushed leaves applied to rashes, eczema, ringworm, and wounds.|
Dental health: Twigs are used as chewing sticks (“local toothbrush”) to prevent gum disease.
Blood purifier: Regular use in soups or teas cleanses the blood.
🔮 SPIRITUAL USES:
Neem holds strong spiritual significance in Ghana and other African traditions:
Incense fumigation: Dried neem leaves are burned to drive away negative spirits.
Cleansing baths: Leaves are boiled and used to bathe away spiritual attacks, curses, and bad luck.
Protection: Branches/leaves are hung in homes or placed at doors to ward off evil spirits.
Witchcraft prevention: Used in rituals to break spiritual attacks from witches.
Purification: Used in combination with basil (Akukobesa) and African pepper (Esoro Wisa) in spiritual baths for protection.
⚠️ SIDE EFFECTS:
– Excessive oral consumption may cause:
- Liver strain
- Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
- Blood sugar drop (not safe for diabetics in high doses)
– Pregnant women should avoid neem due to potential miscarriage risk.
🕊️ Cultural Notes (Ghanaian Context)
In Akan tradition, neem is often combined with Nyame Dua (Alstonia boonei) bark for powerful cleansing rituals. In the North (Dagomba, Mamprusi, and others), neem leaves are added to spiritual baths for protection from envy and evil eyes. Children are often bathed with neem water after illness to “restore the spirit.” Prophets and herbalists sometimes use neem brooms to “sweep away” evil forces during deliverance.
