Neem

Azadirachta indica · निम्ब

Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda and African.

Also called Nimba, Margosa, Indian lilac, Nim

Sanskrit: निम्ब (Nimba)

Neem oil toxic if swallowed

A bitter tree from India whose leaves, bark and oil are used for skin, gum and parasite care.

Did you know? Farmers in India have long stored grain with neem leaves to keep insects away.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Skin. Small studies suggest neem creams or washes may help some skin problems, such as acne. Better trials are needed.
Early proof
Mouth, gums & teeth. A few small trials found neem mouth rinses reduced plaque and gum inflammation.
Early proof
Parasites & worms. Lab and early studies suggest neem may kill lice, but human evidence is weak.
Traditional proof
Blood sugar. Animal studies show lower blood sugar. Human evidence is very weak.
Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Skin & hair, Mouth & throat, Gut & intestines, Pancreas & blood sugar

Traditional use

Ayurveda uses neem for skin problems, fevers and worms. In parts of Africa, people chew neem twigs as a toothbrush.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Antimicrobial, Anti-parasite, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal. Energy: cooling.
Ayurveda: Calms Pitta and Kapha. Taste (rasa): bitter, astringent. Energy (virya): cooling. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Krimighna (anti-parasite), Kushthaghna (skin), Jwaraghna (reduces fever).

How people take it

Leaf tea or capsules are used by some people for skin, gums and blood sugar. Creams, washes and lice shampoos are used on the skin. Doses in studies vary widely.

Decoction, capsule, topical and oil.

Where to get it

Neem is a tree from India and nearby regions. It now grows in Africa and other warm areas. People buy leaf capsules, tea, creams, shampoos and cold-pressed oil.

Be careful

Neem oil and seed are toxic if swallowed, especially for children. Swallowed oil has caused vomiting, seizures, brain swelling and liver damage. Animal studies suggest neem can affect fertility. Undiluted oil can irritate the skin.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; children under 12; liver disease; diabetes medicines.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Often combined in Ayurvedic scalp and hair products.
Works well together
Both are bitter Ayurvedic skin herbs, and folk remedies often combine them.
Works well together
Both are bitter Ayurvedic skin and blood herbs.
Use caution
Diabetes medicine (metformin, insulin, glipizide, Ozempic)
Neem may lower blood sugar, which can add to the effect of diabetes medicines.

Adds up with others that may lower blood sugar: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 39 more.

The honest take

Most neem research is lab or animal work. Small human trials suggest benefits for some skin and gum uses, but there are few of them. Swallowed neem oil can cause serious poisoning, especially in children, so do not take it by mouth.