Quick facts
| Botanical name | Azadirachta indica |
|---|---|
| Other names | Nimba, margosa |
| Part used | Leaves, bark, twigs, seed oil |
| Common forms | Leaf paste or powder for skin; twigs for teeth; leaf decoction; capsules. Neem oil is for external use only. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Bitter, astringent |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Light, dry |
| Potency (virya) | Cooling |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Pungent |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Kapha and Pitta |
Traditional uses
- Skin conditions — acne, eczema, fungal infections
- Oral care (neem twig datun)
- Blood purification (Rakta shodhana)
- Fevers
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Some studies support neem-based oral products for plaque and gum inflammation. Evidence for internal uses is limited.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Children: never give neem oil by mouth — it has caused severe poisoning, seizures and deaths in infants and young children
- Pregnancy or when trying to conceive
- Liver or kidney disease — internal use
Possible interactions
- Diabetes medicines — may lower blood sugar further
- Immunosuppressants
Side effects
External use is generally safe, though skin irritation can occur. Long-term or high-dose internal use should be supervised.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Neem is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.