* Edited by Sheila Sperber Haas, Ph.D. with a Forward by Mitchell Fleisher, MD A cornerstone of the Ayurvedic tradition, neem has been called "the village pharmacy" for thousands of years. When the National Research Council published a report on neem in 1992, they called it "a tree for solving global problems." This book provides an overview of the groundbreaking research conducted since that landmark report, as well as a look at how people are actually using this amazing herb. It offers particular promise in developing nations where it can be easily grown and processed. In regions where conventional medicine is more accessible, neem offers a natural alternative to drugs that may have serious side effects. Our moderators include both healthcare professionals and patients who"ve used neem to help overcome everything from acne and arthritis to psoriasis and ulcers. As often as possible, we"ve combined clinical research with anecdotal reports. Much more information, including links to much of the research highlighted here, is available online at www.usingneem.com The information presented in this book is not intended to recommend that any product be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, or kill or repel any insect on humans, animals or plants. The statements in this book have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug administration or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Anecdotal reports have not been confirmed by objective observers and may or may not be typical. Whenever possible, links to abstracts available online at the National Institutes of Health (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) are provided.