Leaves
The opposite, pinnate leaves are 20–40 centimetres (7.9–16 in) long, with 20 to 31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3–8 centimetres (1.2–3.1 in) long. The terminal leaflet is often missing. The petioles are short. The leaves are also used in Pakistan to give baths to children suffering from skin diseases.The leaves are used in this manner that first they are washed thoroughly. Then 5-10 leaves along with the branch are boiled till the water turns green The water is then used for varying purposes. Elders find it useful in controlling high blood sugar level and is said to clean up the blood. Neem is also used to give baths to the Muslim dead. Neem leaves are dried in Pakistan and placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes. Neem leaves are dried and burnt in the tropical regions of Pakistan to keep away mosquitoes. These leaves are also used in many Indian festivals (by making them into garlands).
Read more about this topic: Azadirachta Indica
Famous quotes containing the word leaves:
“Such is oftenest the young man’s introduction to the forest, and the most original part of himself. He goes thither at first as a hunter and fisher, until at last, if he has the seeds of a better life in him, he distinguishes his proper objects, as a poet or naturalist it may be, and leaves the gun and fish-pole behind. The mass of men are still and always young in this respect.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Sad that our finest aspiration
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In swift succession should decay,
Like Autumn leaves that rot away.”
—Alexander Pushkin (1799–1837)
“I compare her
to a fallen leaf.
The noiseless wheels of my car
rush with a crackling sound over
dried leaves as I bow and pass smiling.”
—William Carlos Williams (1883–1963)