Neem is a popular Indian tree found abundantly in all parts of the Indian subcontinent. It’s a versatile tree that has grown on our land since time immemorial and has been used for a variety of purposes since prehistoric times. Different parts of the neem tree have been used in Indian homes for many purposes such as ‘daatun’ for brushing teeth, moth-repellent in clothes to treat acne, wounds, and allergies. It has also been widely used in traditional medicine and home remedies for the treatment of several ailments for its medicinal properties.
Recently utensils and kitchenware made from neem wood have made a comeback. The trend is not something new and is actually only a revival of the age-old practice of using wooden utensils for cooking and serving food in Indian kitchens. But now that we have materials such as metals, glass, and plastic widely available, why go back, you would ask – why use Neem wood kitchenware? Does neem wood offer any special benefits? Does neemwood kitchenware possess all the qualities the wood is claimed to contain? Read on to find out.
Neem – the wonder wood
In Indian culture, neem is considered auspicious and is worshipped as a sacred tree. In Sanskrit, neem is arista, meaning something that is perfect, imperishable, and complete – believed to bring the boon of good health. So as tradition, every home in olden times had a neem tree in its courtyard.
Neem also has a long-standing use in the ancient science of traditional medicine that offers cures to illnesses such as arthritis, malaria and infections, and skin ailments. Neem is known to possess a host of therapeutic and medicinal properties that have not only been backed by ancient Ayurveda but modern studies as well. Neem tree is known to have more than 130 different biologically active compounds such as nimbis and nimandial, which help heal the body and promote healthy living.
Neem wood is thus specifically an ideal choice for making utensils, spoons, ladles, and serve-ware for kitchen use. Let’s look at some of the qualities and Neem wood kitchenware benefits:
Neem Wood Kitchenware Benefits
It is the property of wood that is a poor conductor of heat, however, Neem is not just heat resistant but is also ‘Sheet’ and ‘Vranhar’, i.e. cool and healing in its natural properties.
Neem wood is also ‘Krumihar’ or antimicrobial, anti-germicidal, antibacterial, and antifungal, which is why it was traditionally used in medicines, for brushing teeth and eating food, etc.
Neemwood contains natural pesticidal properties that inhibit the growth of bacterias and fungi and makes it resistant to pests such as wood borers and termites.
Neem bark is known to possess antiseptic and astringent properties that help heal wounds owing to which it was used in Ayurvedic medicines. As a natural antiseptic, kitchenware made from Neem wood is non-toxic, unlike plastic and Teflon-coated utensils that have been found to be cancer-causing.
It is a physical property of Neem wood that is resistant to moisture and can withstand wet use in the kitchen for a long time. Neem heartwood is a very hard, strong, and durable material. It does not splinter easily and is resistant to wear and tear. It has a slightly rough texture with interlocking fibers and is, therefore, ideal for items like cutting boards, etc, and does not scratch easily despite repeated cutting. Even if some tiny bits of neem wood or extracts are ingested they have the ability to destroy parasites present in the body and fend off illnesses owing to their natural properties.
Traditionally handcrafted Neem utensils
All the above-mentioned qualities make neem wood a fine choice and ideal for use in the kitchen. To make utensils and other items, Neem wood is handcrafted by artisans with a process that preserves the amazing qualities of neem wood while giving it beautiful, usable shapes. Handcrafted neemwood utensils are so rich in all the therapeutic qualities of neem plus aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
The process of crafting utensils from neem wood involves using the bark and heartwood of mature neem trees. The bark and heartwood are soaked in water briefly and then dried, however without exposure to the sun as that can split the wood. The wood is soaked again and then machine-cut into slices to make boards. It is finally dried, and hand scrubbed and sculpted by skilled artisans into beautiful products such as neem wood kitchen set, utensils and tools such as spoons and ladles, and furniture, etc.
Conclusion
Neem wood utensils and kitchenware were found and used in every home before they were replaced by plastic and metal utensils that have been found to be hazardous to health by several studies. Natural neem wood is a safe and better alternative that not only fulfills functional purposes but also ushers in a wealth of health benefits with its use.
Now, don’t you think it would be a great idea to invest in a neem wood kitchen set for your kitchen and dining room for use every day? Aesthetically crafted neem wood kitchenware would also make a beautiful addition to your home!
Article contributed by Sandeep Singh
Excellent points explained here.
Yes you are right, Wood is natural, and completely biodegradable. Wood is non-toxic and hence you are supporting a more sustainable mother earth.