Neem Tree, a popular tree that grows in almost every part of the country and is used for curing malaria and other ailments, has gained more popularity due to the assertion by some people that it boosts the immune system and is, thus, able to fight COVID-19.
The trees in Kumasi are virtually under attack because of this assertion.
The situation has created a source of income for those who have the trees in their homes, while others have secured the trees in bushy areas, cleared weeds around them and take cash before people are allowed to pluck the leaves.
Science According to available literature, neem tree, whose botanical name is Azadirachta indica or Indian lilac, is a popular ancient medicinal herb that has been part of traditional remedies that date back almost 5,000 years.
Neem leaves have anti-bacterial properties, and that is why they work wonders on infections, burns and skin problems.
The leaves destroy the bacteria that causes infections, stimulate the immune system and promote rapid healing.
A bar operator serving his locally made neem tree drink laced with dry gin
Most parts of the neem tree are awfully bitter, with the exception of its flowers. White and delicate, neem flowers with their off-white buds are almost too pretty to be eaten and unbelievably therapeutic.
Usage People usually cook some of the plucked leaves, boil and drink the greenish liquid that comes from the leaves, while others squeeze the leaves in their palms and add it to water to have their bath.
One common usage is that people put the boiled leaves together with the hot water in a bucket, sit by it and cover themselves with a cloth or big towel and inhale its vapour.
This age-old practice in Ghana is known as ‘Punu’ by the Akans.
Atta Kwame a teenager on a neem tree plucking some leaves for his mother
Some also prefer using the neem branches as their chewing stick.
Others soak the leaves in buckets of akpeteshie drink for about six hours, after which they remove the leaves, leaving just the juice of the
leaves which becomes greenish and sell to customers as a cure for malaria and also to help boost their immune system.
Neem bitters Now, the most sought-after local gin in Kumasi is the neem leaves-laced akpeteshie, widely known as ‘neem bitters’.
Many residents who earlier preferred raw akpeteshie now resort to the neem bitters, not just as a hot drink, but to help protect them against the deadly virus.
A bar operator at a famous pub, Father Hook Spot at Esereso, told The Mirror that he nearly lost his business during the lockdown, but he had revived his enterprise because of the high patronage of the neem bitters by his customers.
“My grandfather schooled me about the potency of neem tree and I have also introduced it to my customers,” he stated.
COVID-19 protocol Prior to COVID-19, most drinking spots served patrons with drinks in glasses cleaned with water and soap, allowed to dry and used for others as well.
However, to save the customers from sharing same glasses, most spots have resorted to the use of disposable cups. Customers now ask for disposable cups because “we’re not in normal times”.
Though no vaccine or cure has been found for COVID-19, neem tree leaves have been well acclaimed in Kumasi as the main ingredient that one needs in an effort to fight this new pandemic.
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