Trees aren’t just the green lungs of the planet: they are also among the oldest pharmacies in human history. From the bark that inspired medicines like aspirin to the Neem leaves used for centuries in Ayurvedic practices, nature has always offered us active compounds capable of healing. Today, in Treedom’s agroforestry projects, these trees once again take center stage, bringing health, biodiversity, and well-being to local communities.
When we look at a tree, we often think of its beauty, the shade it gives us, or the fruit we can harvest. But there’s another extraordinary aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed: trees can also be open-air pharmacies. And in fact, they have been — for millennia, across every corner of the world. There is virtually no human community that hasn’t discovered that leaves, bark, seeds, and roots can soothe pain, treat illness, and even save lives.
And this is not just about ancient traditions. Many of the medicines we use today - in pharmacies and hospitals - trace their origins to active compounds first found in plants.
The history of this bond is long and fascinating. The ancient Egyptians used tree extracts to treat wounds and inflammation, and Ayurvedic healers in India have relied on Neem - considered a sacred tree - for centuries as a natural antibacterial remedy for skin, teeth, digestion, and even as a defense against parasites. In the Amazon rainforest, Indigenous communities know dozens of tree species capable of treating fever, cough, or joint pain, knowledge passed down orally over generations. Benedictine monks have long prepared medicinal remedies using plants, anticipating much of what would later become modern pharmacopoeia.
But the magic is not just tradition - modern science confirms these connections. Many active ingredients used in conventional pharmacology derive from molecules isolated from trees and plants. Jatropha, planted in many of our agroforestry projects, has inspired pharmacological research for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, while Croton, another species featured in our projects, contains compounds with potential anticancer activity. Even “modern” medicines like aspirin have botanical origins: it comes from willow, whose leaves contain salicylates used for centuries to reduce fever and inflammation. And these are just a few examples.
Today, as the trees in our projects grow within local communities - perhaps far from laboratories, but close to people’s everyday lives - they bring not only oxygen and fruit, but also a millennia-old tradition of care and healing. Planting a tree does more than benefit the planet: it creates more opportunities for natural medicine that has always accompanied humanity.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through ten extraordinary plants - many of which thrive in our projects - that remind us how deep, surprising, and genuinely useful the connection between trees and medicine truly is.
Neem - the tree of health
Known as the “pharmacy of India,” Neem is a true all-rounder. Its leaves, bark, and seeds have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Traditionally used for skin issues, dental care, and digestion, Neem is now found in soaps, shampoos, and supplements. In our agroforestry projects, planting Neem means not only providing oxygen but also preserving a natural ally for the health of local communities.
Papaya - the digestive tree
The Papaya tree offers sweet, nutrient-rich fruit, but its leaves and seeds have also been used in traditional medicine for centuries to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. In our projects, Papaya is a symbol of natural health and tropical biodiversity - a small daily ally for those who live close to these trees.
Croton - from seed to remedy
Croton is a small giant in pharmacology: some species contain molecules with anticancer potential. Traditionally used in folk medicine for digestive and skin disorders, Croton shows how forests have always offered answers to both common and complex ailments.
Willow - the ancestor of aspirin
Who hasn’t taken an aspirin? This medicine derives from the salicylates found in willow. Its leaves and bark, known since antiquity for reducing fever and pain, inspired modern pharmacology, transforming a natural remedy into a global medication.
Ginkgo biloba - the vigor of memory
Ginkgo leaves are famous for improving circulation and memory. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, today it is one of the most widely studied supplements in the world. Planting Ginkgo means nourishing a biodiversity that bridges ancient knowledge and modern science.
Mango - the fruit of vitality
More than one of the world’s most beloved fruits, the Mango tree has leaves and bark with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties valued for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Planting a Mango means giving sweetness, nutrients, and a small natural wellness lab to local communities.
Cinnamomum verum - cinnamon that heals
Beyond its flavor, cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and can help regulate blood sugar levels. In the tropical forests where we work with local communities, planting cinnamon connects taste, economy, and health.
Eucalyptus - to breathe better
Eucalyptus leaves for herbal teas, essential oils for colds and respiratory problems: this Australian tree has conquered both natural medicine and pharmacology. In our projects, Eucalyptus is also a symbol of clean air and global well-being.
Moringa - the nutraceutical tree
Moringa is often called the “miracle tree” thanks to its incredibly high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditionally used to boost energy, digestion, and immune function, today it is studied as a superfood and natural medicine. Planting Moringa offers concrete support to communities and local health — not to mention its remarkable ability to purify water.
Tea tree - nature’s defender
The essential oil extracted from Tea tree leaves is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. From skincare to infection prevention, it’s a perfect example of how traditional herbal knowledge anticipated modern science.
When we think about the medicines we use every day, it’s worth remembering that many originate from a tree, a leaf, or ancient knowledge. With Treedom, that cycle of care continues: each tree is a gesture that connects sustainability, local development, and global health.