Daphne DeGregory and I bumble along in her oversized pickup truck through rows of dense neem trees. We stop periodically to check on her various medicinal plants throughout their 120-acre property on Great Abaco, about 20 minutes south of Marsh Harbour. Along the way, we snack on tamarind and juju fruits and indulge in the intoxicating scents of citronella and lemongrass. She plucks a few small, green pods from a neem tree and pops them into her mouth, sucking the flesh and spitting out the seeds. I follow suit.

In the Abacos, Daphne and her husband Nick Miaoulis have been hard at work promoting the healing benefits of the neem tree. Nick was initially drawn to its ability to control his high blood pressure and diabetes, and in seeing proof in its properties, they launched Abaco Neem in 1993. The original seeds were imported from India and now, 25 years later, the farm is home to 8,500 neem trees producing a variety of all-natural products that “help the body heal,” as their tagline goes.

Today, Abaco Neem is the only company commercially producing pharmaceutical grade plant-based healing products in The Bahamas. They produce over 25 products including Neem Cream with elasticity and skin toning benefits, natural bug repellant, supplements, soaps and home, garden and pet products.

Aloe plants at the Abaco Neem farm

As well as having a strong passion for producing quality healing products, another focus of Abaco Neem is on creating an eco-destination so that visitors may engage in educational tours to learn about sustainable organic farming. You can pre-arrange a visit to the farm and when you’re there, you’ll taste sweet seasonal fruits and learn about the healing benefits of each of plant and natural remedy that grows on their well-tended land. You can also opt to stay in their farm in their cozy guest cottage for the full farm experience.

On my visit, Daphne tells me to keep the neem seeds that sucked the flesh off of so that I can plant my own tree when I return home to Nassau. I wrap the seeds carefully in a paper towel and tuck them into my backpack. She then snips a cutting of aloe and hands it to me, which I safely protect for transportation. Now, months later, one of the three seeds has germinated and sprouted into a healthy neem sapling, about 3ft tall. The aloe, struggling at first, has taken to its pot and is on its way to becoming a healing addition to my garden.

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Neem trees are native to India and are considered one of the most important and versatile plants in Indian culture. They are drought tolerant trees in the mahogany family and serve as a major industry throughout the Asian/Indian subcontinent, and are seen in health products throughout the world. The oil is used for medicinal purposes and for treating a variety of ailments. The leaves are dried and used to make tea, and for the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In many parts of India the flowers and shoots are used for culinary purposes.

Neem leaves on their drying rack

There are is seemingly an unending array of health benefits of the neem tree, but here is a list of its top uses:

Antibacterial – One of the most widely recognized benefits of neem derivatives are its strong antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. This can be both internally, as a tonic for the immune system, and externally, for treating skin conditions.

Anti-inflammatory – Neem reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which reduces the chances of ulcers, constipation and bloating. It can also be applied in oil form to achy joints and muscles for those suffering from arthritis.

Detoxifying – Neem is known to stimulate the liver and kidney which assists in eliminating toxins internally, as well as neutralizing chemicals and pathogens that accumulate on the skin.

Dandruff Control – The antifungal and antibacterial properties make neem popular in shampoos and scalp cleaners, and it is commonly used to reduce dandruff. It can improve the health of your hair follicles and is used in traditional medicines to stimulate hair growth and reduce baldness in males.

Oral Health – In India, neem is used widely in oral products which help eliminate bacteria in the gums, reducing halitosis (bad breath), as well as preventing dental issues such as plaque buildup, gingivitis, cavities and tooth decay. It’s a common ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste.

Skin Rejuvenation – Neem works to eliminate grease which causes blockage of pores that increases the likelihood of acne. Vitamin E and fatty acids assist with reducing the effects of wrinkles and decreased elasticity due to ageing.

Controls Diabetes – The chemical components of neem lower and stabilize the demand for insulin in the body, and those already diagnosed with diabetes can minimize their dependence on the use of external insulin treatments.

Reduces Blood Pressure – Ingestion of neem leaf powder, and intravenous administration of neem leaf alcoholic extract have been shown in studies to significantly reduce high blood pressure.

Hand production of powdered Neem Capsules

My visit to The Abacos was many months ago now, but it has given me ample time to experience the Abaco Neem products for myself. Here are a few of the personal benefits I have experienced –

Neem Cream – After purchasing Neem Cream in Abaco, I now use it as a daily moisturizer and have seen a noticeable difference in my skin radiance and slowing of wrinkles.

Neem Shampoo & Body Wash – I have switched to using the Neem Shampoo daily, which cleanses my scalp and hair, but doesn’t strip my hair of its natural oils. I have historically had very fine, thin and straight hair, but have noticed an increase in body and wave. It assumed it was just the humidity at first, but my hair truly feels thicker and healthier after several months of daily use.

Neem Honey Lip Balm – I regularly suffer from sun-induced blister cold sores on my lips. Over the years I have tried everything to stop the volcanic eruption of monstrosities from decimating my social life, from prescription topical ointments to harsh pills. But the Neem Honey Lip Balm is the only thing that has actually helped eradicate this long and painful process. The cold sores still appear, but the time frame for healing is much more manageable.

Neem Pet Shampoo – I have used the Neem Pet Shampoo for years. We have a bush lot next door and have battled endlessly with infestations from neighboring bugs who are visiting with the sole intent of joy riding on the backs of my three pups, and causing them a great deal of strife. The Neem Pet Shampoo, I believe, paired with a “real food” diet which gives them a boost of health and immunity, assists with naturally repelling fleas and ticks.

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To learn more about Abaco Neem and their products, visit their website. If you are in Great Abaco, you can stop into their retail shop located in Marsh Harbour or request to book a farm tour through their website. Products can be found at retailers, grocery stores, gift shops and pharmacies throughout The Bahamas, and for international customers, you can order products online.