YourDailyVeda logoYourDailyVedaRooted in Nature, brewed for life
Herb library

Nimba (Indian Lilac)

Neem (Indian Lilac)

Azadirachta indica

Intensely bitter, deeply cleansing: the classic skin herb.

Neem tree · Tree · Parts: Leaf, Bark, Twig, Seed oil, Root bark

Taste (rasa)
Bitter, astringent
Energy (virya)
Cooling
Balances
Pitta, Kapha

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Traditionally used for acne, eczema and fungal skin conditions
  • Antibacterial action used in oral care and twig brushing
  • Blood-cleansing (raktashodhaka) in classical texts

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Nimba is the bitter tikta-rasa tree: the classical blood cleanser used wherever heat, itching or infection collects.

Traditional uses

  • Acne, boils and itchy skin
  • Mouth rinses and traditional tooth-sticks
  • Bathing water for prickly heat and rashes

Practical guidance

  1. 1Mostly external — leaf paste, oil dilution or bath decoction.
  2. 2Internal use is short-course only, and avoided in pregnancy and for young children.
  3. 3It is strongly cooling and drying; balance with ghee or oil if skin becomes flaky.

How much

Dosage

Short courses only: 250-500 mg powder daily for 2-4 weeks, then a break.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Neem paste

Grind fresh leaves with a little water into a paste.

Topical on blemishes, 20 minutes then rinse

Neem wash

Boil leaves in water, cool and use the strained liquid as a rinse.

Daily for irritated skin or scalp

Read this first

Precautions

  • Not for children, pregnancy or while breastfeeding
  • Avoid long continuous internal use; can stress the liver
  • May lower blood sugar and reduce fertility at high doses

Where this comes from

Sources

Used forSkin & HairImmunity & Recovery

Common questions

What is Neem used for?

Intensely bitter, deeply cleansing: the classic skin herb. In traditional use the main applications are: Traditionally used for acne, eczema and fungal skin conditions; Antibacterial action used in oral care and twig brushing; Blood-cleansing (raktashodhaka) in classical texts.

What is the typical dosage of Neem?

Short courses only: 250-500 mg powder daily for 2-4 weeks, then a break. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Neem be taken?

Neem paste: Grind fresh leaves with a little water into a paste. Timing — Topical on blemishes, 20 minutes then rinse

Are there any precautions with Neem?

Not for children, pregnancy or while breastfeeding Avoid long continuous internal use; can stress the liver May lower blood sugar and reduce fertility at high doses Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Neem replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

Where to buy

Shop this remedy

Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission if you buy through these shops, at no extra cost to you. We do not review or endorse any product. Read the full disclosure

If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.