#neem tree

Most cultures have a traditional stone grinder, either flat or a mortar pestle, cylindrical, wet, or dry grinders. This is a traditional grinding stone in India called Shila (stone) Bata (grind). It's known by different names across the country, with slight differences in design. The concept is same--a heavy, thick rock is cut flat for the base and as a cylinder or triangle for the grinder. Designs are carved into the stone, usually leaves, fish, flowers, etc., which create tiny grooves and friction. If you look closely, you will find fish designs carved into the base and the grinder. This grinder (the part you hold with your hand) is shaped like a blunt triangle, although I'm more used to a cylindrical one. You grip the grinder on two sides and move it firmly up and down the base, over whatever you want to make into a paste.

Chutneys and any curry base are traditionally made like this and trust me, there is a distinct difference in both texture and taste between one made using a grinding stone and in a food processor. You do need good upper body strength but the technique is actually a very light flick of the wrist and doesn't really strain your arms much. And as the leaves, seeds, roots, onions, garlic, gingers, etc. get crushed, it releases the most refreshing aroma. Cooking for me, and many people, is a holistic sensory experience. You cook with your nose before you even look at a pot. Stone grinders make everything so tactile and although more time consuming, it is a very satisfying experience.

Here I was making a face and body mask of turmeric root (yes, it looks like ginger) and neem leaves, both of which grow in my garden at home. Neem trees can be big!

What is desertification and how can we help?

✅ Subscribe to One Tree Planted: https://bit.ly/2IsCtqc

🌳 Plant One Tree: https://onetreeplanted.org/reforestat...

Have you heard the term, “natural regeneration”? It is a very efficient way to restore places like the Sahel which have hot and dry conditions.

In Sahel’s hot and dry climate, planting trees to build artificial forests where there never were forests is not the most effective solution. But sometimes, planting drought-resistant trees with a clear market value – which incentivizes people to care for and water vulnerable saplings – can bring new sources of income to communities. Neem trees, for example, produce a natural insecticide that entrepreneurs are producing for the market.

But the most effective solution is already lying in the ground – and it’s cost-effective. Farmers and herders are helping old trees whose roots are still alive in the hard soil sprout up and naturally regenerate. These trees, native to their area, improve water infiltration in the soil, provide shade for cattle and nutrients for crops, protect biodiversity, and reduce the surface temperature in the world’s hottest region. Most importantly, they are a major economic asset for people living in rural areas, boosting crop yields when grown on farms (agroforestry) and protecting grazing land.

Sparked by leaders and supported by strong national policies that provide the right incentives, thousands of farmers are stepping up to teach their neighbors and relatives about the benefits of restoring their land. Thanks to radio broadcasts and meetings called by influential traditional leaders, what we call “farmer-managed natural regeneration” has caught on.

To learn more about desertification visit:

Neem trees are famously known as the “village pharmacy” and “nature’s pharmacy.” Originally used as a part of traditional medicine, this miracle tree and its products have spread worldwide. You would definitely find something related to this amazing tree at your local supermarket. So, let’s go back to the basics and see how we can use different parts of this nature’s pharmacy to improve our…