Man United getting their transfer window in order Herbal medicine: Exploring the 'wonders' of Neem leaves

Many people think the use of neem leaves (Dogon yaro) to treat illnesses has been abandoned and thus became an outdated practice like other trees and herbs, but a closer look, especially in rural communities, tells a different story.

According to the Neem Foundation, the Neem tree (azadirachta indica) has its origin in India and is widely known for its many health and skincare benefits. Its leaves, bark, seeds and roots are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

In Nigeria, particularly the northern part of the country, it is a well known tree with various uses in traditional medicine, especially for women during post childbirth care.

Weekend Trust reports that medical experts advise against the use of Neem leaves after childbirth. They warn that although the plant has known medicinal properties, its unregulated use, especially in the form of herbal drink or steam baths, can be harmful. Some health professionals have linked it to complications, such as high blood pressure and interference with recovery.

Despite this, women in rural communities of Kano State have continued to use Dogon yaro as a key part of their postpartum recovery.

'Why Dogon yaro leaves is important to us'

Baaba Aisha, a resident of Kwanar Diso, said the leaves were still widely used because they help new mothers recover. 'It treats many things, especially for a new mother, including malaria, and makes a new mother feel stronger after birth,' she said.

She, however, acknowledged that doctors now advise against the practice. 'Nowadays doctors advise us against using it. Some say we should use towels, while some say don't do it at all because it brings about high blood pressure. But during our time, if we didn't do it we wouldn't feel alright,' she said.

Aisha said she still prepared Neem leaves for her daughters after childbirth. 'Any of my children that gives birth, I must do it for her. In fact, only one of my daughters gives birth in the hospital. Even if the doctors advised us against it, we would do it anyway. My other children all gave birth at home and we did it for them too.'

She added that not only the leaves are used but also the bark of the tree and other trees like mango.

She said, 'We mix them in water and boil it until it is very hot. Then the woman sits on it in a bucket so that the heat can penetrate her body,'

She said the same boiled water is also used for drinking, adding, 'That same water, we take a little in a cup to cool down and give it to both the mother and child to drink for medicinal purposes.'

In a similar vein, Fatima Auwalu, a resident of Adakawa, said Neem leaves has always played a significant role in her family's post-natal healing process and had been used by her family for generations. 'Neem leaves have been used by our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents for over 100 years,' she said.

Fatima, who has given birth to 10 children, explained how the leaves are used: 'When they are gotten from the tree, they are put into boiling hot water and even wiped on the body of the new mother for pain relief.

'In addition to that, we drink kunun kanwa (gruel made from potash) and yajin daddawa (ground pepper made from dried locust beans).'

She believes the 40-day stay for new mothers is not enough, saying, 'A woman is not ready to go back to her home if she is not strong. For me, it should be five months.

'The bath is medicinal and keeps one away from infections. The leaves are grounded and applied across the mother's breasts and the mother will feed the baby like that without having to clean her nipples.'

She, however, disagrees with the practice of giving the boiled water to babies, saying, 'Only the mother should drink it. For the bitterness people complain about, once potash is boiled with it, it doesn't stay bitter anymore.'

Fatima said that even when childbirth involved a tear, the traditional bath is still carried out once it heals.

She added that washing the privates with hot water is part of the process instead of using towel. 'Using a towel is not something we do. It is even more painful than using the leaves on the body and can burn the person bathing the mother,' she said.

Also, Aina'u Sani, a resident of Unguwa A Yagi, said her family once followed doctors' advice and avoided the traditional bath after her daughter gave birth.

She said, 'We wanted to try what the doctors said, so for the first three days, my daughter did not take the bath, but she started complaining of body pain and weakness; and she didn't look well.'

Aina'u said they changed their mind and went back to the method they were used to. 'We decided to boil the leaves and give her the bath. Immediately after that, she felt better and stronger. This is what has always worked for us. It is not something we will stop doing,' she said, adding that the family will not abandon the practice,

Maryam Haruna said the traditional bath was almost carried out on her after childbirth but she refused and insisted on following medical advice. She said, 'When I gave birth, they wanted to prepare the neem bath for me, but I said no and followed what the doctors told me and I didn't have any problem.'

She believes that many women focus too much on traditional practices instead of proper nutrition and rest. 'What truly matters after childbirth is eating good food, getting enough nutrients and resting well. If the money used in buying firewood and boiling leaves is spent on fruits, vegetables and good meals, it would help new mothers more,' she said.

She added that modern women had access to better education on this, saying, 'It is not about sitting over hot water and ignoring other aspects of recovery, it is about taking care of your body the right way.'

Khadijah Sani, a mother and student, said the real problem was the refusal of some women to let go of cultural beliefs: 'This is something my grandparents did, but my mother, who had an education, understood the risks and stopped it.'

She believes that more awareness is needed, especially in rural areas. 'There should be more awareness about the effects of using these leaves after childbirth because if they understand it better, they may stop using it,' she said.

A gynaecologist and lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, Dr Natasha Adamou, said that while Neem had known medicinal properties, she would not recommend its use after childbirth, especially in the way it is traditionally applied.

'Neem has its own medicinal purposes but I would not recommend it for external use, especially for things like detoxification. I only recommend it for consumption in very small quantities.' she said.

She also noted that drinking it in large quantity or without cautioncan be toxic, or pose a health risk, especially for breastfeeding mothers. 'It may affect liver function or disrupt hormonal balance' she said.

Aliyah Bashir, a nurse, advised against the use of Dogon yaro after childbirth. She said the traditional practice may do more harm than good.

'Many women believe it helps them feel stronger, but in reality, it can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure,' she said.

Aliyah added that health workers at hospitals often educate women on what to do and what to avoid after childbirth, but many ignore the advice.

'We tell them that they can use a towel and warm water as an alternative if they feel the need to, but they refuse. They prefer to continue with the old ways they are used to, choosing to ignore the fact that what a new mother really needs is proper rest, a good diet and good hygiene as that's what helps recovery and what truly entails postnatal care, not boiling leaves,' she advised.

Weekend Trust reports that although doctors and nurses advise against using dogon yaro after childbirth, many women in rural areas still follow the old way as they believe it helps them feel better, even when they are told it can be harmful.

Health workers say continuous education and awareness are necessary to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine, but for now, many mothers still trust the methods passed down to them by their parents and grandparents.

Harmonising tradition and science

With tradition playing a significant role in all aspects of life, especially in health and medicine Dr Adamu advises that a balanced approach be applied.

'As a healthcare professional with deep respect for both modern medicine and cultural practices, I always encourage a balanced approach. Some traditional remedies, like Neem, may offer supportive benefits if used externally and with proper hygiene, but they should not replace medical advice or postnatal checkups.

Families and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) should be educated on how to safely integrate traditional practices with evidence-based care. Women must also be encouraged to speak up and seek help when something doesn't feel right.

Dr Adamu also emphasised the essence of post-natal care notwithstanding the nature of delivery.

'Postnatal care after vaginal delivery is not optional-it is essential. Whether you are in a hospital, primary healthcare center, or a rural village, every new mother deserves attention, respect, and ongoing support. While traditional herbs like Neem have a place in our communities, their use must be informed, hygienic, and complemented by modern medical care.' She said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).