Meliaceae
Neem
Azadirachta indica
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Indian subcontinent, Burma
Also known as: Indian Lilac, Margosa, Nimba, Nim Tree
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafBarkSeedOil
Therapeutic Uses
Skin infections (fungal, bacterial — topical), dental hygiene (antimicrobial — toothpaste, mouthwash), malaria prevention, intestinal parasites, type 2 diabetes, liver support, head lice. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective
Active Constituents
Limonoids (azadirachtin — primary, nimbin, nimbidin, salannin), quercetin, β-sitosterol, fatty acids (neem oil), polysaccharides
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2x daily — very bitter |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Extremely bitter — capsules often preferred. Neem oil: topical only (toxic internally). Neem twigs: traditional toothbrush for dental hygiene. Standardized extract: 300–500mg leaf equivalent 2x daily. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Neem oil TOXIC internally — never ingest. Avoid in pregnancy (abortifacient, spermicidal). Avoid in children under 5 internally. Caution with antidiabetic drugs.
Side Effects: GI upset (bitter). Neem oil internally: severe vomiting, CNS toxicity in children. Liver toxicity at high doses. Contact dermatitis.