As recognizable as the white lab coat, black bag, and stethoscope the staff entwined with serpent are universally understood as the symbol of medicine. From hospitals, ambulances and pharmacies, to medical device manufacturers and physicians’ offices—the staff and snake are everywhere.

However, most are unaware that there are two distinct symbols commonly used which have very different origins. The Staff of Aesculapius is a rough-hewn branch entwined by a single snake, while the Caduceus has two snakes about its slender staff and the addition of a pair of wings.

Today, the Caduceus is often used as a symbol of medicine in place of the Staff of Aesculapius.

The Caduceus is the winged version, and the stick is actually a staff that was carried by the Olympian God Hermes. 

In Greek mythology, Hermes was a messenger between the gods and humans (which explains the wings) and a guide to the underworld (which explains the staff). 

Hermes was also the patron of travelers, which makes his connection to medicine appropriate because, in the olden days, doctors had to travel great distances by foot in order to visit their patients.

Have you ever wondered why is a snake, which is a symbol of destruction used ironically as a symbol of healing?

The use of the symbol is very ironical as how can destructive creatures be used to represent a healing purpose. The answer lies in the snake’s characters of, skin shedding representing immortal life, sudden change in activity emphasizing transit from sickness to cure, early use in the Bible, and most important of all it was used by Aesculapius who is the god of healing.

In these days of malpractice suits, HMOs, avaricious insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and societal values where cosmetic surgery seems to be more important than health care, the cynic might say that the Caduceus is the most representative symbol of modern medicine.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a member of the Meliaceae family and its role as a health-promoting effect is attributed because it is a rich source of antioxidant. Neem and its ingredients have therapeutic implications and have been traditionally used worldwide especially in Indian Subcontinent since ancient time.