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Teto – Bitter by Taste | Neem Traditions & Recipes

Published by:    Updated on: May 15, 2013
The Rabindric Way of Beginning a Day with Bitterness.

Teto – Utterly Bitterly Healthy by Tradition

Starter in Bengali menu seems some dishes that tastes bitter at first, but like a tongue palate cleanser towards more flavors to excite the taste buds. In Bengali if someone needs to describe others facial expression or attitude as bleak or sullen and/or explain own gloomy mood or feeling, they relate to the facial expression that occurs while drinking quinine or chirata water. Any bitter relationship is explained in Bengali by "as bitter (সম্পর্কের তিক্ততা) as chirata."

Written by: Barnali Dutta
Date published: 05/15/2013

When I was very young I did not like that taste, my parents always encouraged us to take some plain rice after taking it. It is like a habit now and interestingly even if I take some water, I feel some sweetness triggered back in my mouth.

From Los Angeles Times I read this articles about the neem. Rabindranath Tagore, the great Indian poet and Nobel laureate, is said to have drunk neem juice every morning for his health. Gandhiji chewed neem leaves before his meals.

Rabindranath Tagore was highly conscious of his health and routinely started his day by drinking a glass of neem leaf juice. He consumed bitter foods and Ayurvedic herbal remedies regularly to maintain longevity and well-being.

1. Tagore and Neem Juice - The Historical Context Connecting to Neem Leaf Juice

  • Morning Routine: Every morning, the Nobel laureate drank a glass of fresh neem leaf juice or a special neem concoction on an empty stomach.
  • Instruction to Students: Whenever an epidemic broke out in Shantiniketan, he ordered students to drink a herbal mix called 'Panchatiktok Pachan' to boost immunity. This drink was made by blending neem, thankuni (gotu kola), teuri, gulancha (giloy), and nishinda (chaste tree) leaves.
  • Literary Mention: Reflections of his appreciation for the neem tree and its healing presence can be found in poems within his famous works like Gitanjali.

2. Key Health Benefits of Neem Leaf Juice

Modern science and Ayurveda validate the health benefits of the herbal routine Tagore followed:

  • Blood Purification: It flushes out harmful toxins from the body and purifies the bloodstream.
  • Immunity Booster: Anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in neem strengthen the body's natural defense mechanism.
  • Skin Protection: Regular consumption helps prevent acne, itching, and various skin infections.
  • Blood Sugar Control: It assists in regulating glucose levels, making it highly beneficial for diabetics.
  • Improved Digestion: It destroys harmful bacteria in the gut and enhances overall digestive health.

3. Usage and Precautions

  • Dosage: Mix 5 to 10 ml (1-2 teaspoons) of fresh neem juice with a little water and consume it in the morning.
  • Precautions: Excessive consumption can strain the liver. Pregnant women, those planning a pregnancy, and young children should avoid drinking neem juice.

Neem Daton – Traditional Neem Chewing Sticks

The Indians and Africans also used Neem (Margosa) chew sticks (Neem Daton) for countless years to oral care. Chew the end of the stick to form bristles and then carefully rub the bristles along the gum line as we use toothbrush. Cut off the end each time to use it to ensure freshness. This will serve to clean the teeth by dislodging debris and the semi-abrasive brush will strengthen gums and teeth.

Neem twig or Neem Daton, traditionally used as a chewing stick for oral care.

Teto Recipes

Bitter Bites

Some bitterly Bengali starter items (to serve with steamed rice).

Morning Mists

Some more bitter things in the morning before breakfast (need to take on an empty stomach) to kick the acute bitterness back.

More in Seasonal and Ayurvedic Foods of Bengal