Neem

*Azadirachta indica*

How to know it

A tall shade tree with compound leaves made of many toothed leaflets and small white flowers. Fast growing and drought tolerant. The leaves are intensely bitter.

What it does

Neem oil from the seeds is a widely used natural insecticide, and it works. Twigs are used as toothbrushes across South Asia. The leaves are used traditionally for skin conditions and are placed among stored clothes and grain to deter insects.

Safety

The leaves are extremely bitter but not toxic in the small amounts a curious child might taste. Neem oil should not be swallowed by children and neem preparations are not suitable internally for young children. Use it externally and as a demonstration only.

Two things to do with children

Put neem leaves in one jar of rice and nothing in another. Leave both a month and compare. This is a real preservation method and it produces a real result.

Let one child taste a tiny piece of leaf. The reaction is memorable and it explains without any words why insects avoid it.