Scientific name: Antelaea azadirachta, Azadirachta indica, Melia azadirachta, Meliaceae (family)

Other names: arya veppu, azad dirakht, bevu, margosa tree, nim, nimb, nimba, ravipriya

Medical uses and remedies:

Anthelmintic (parasites and worms)
Antipyretic
Antiseptic
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Cough
Diabetes
Diuretic
Drowsiness / somnolence
Eczema
Emmenagogue
Erysipelas (a kind of acute Streptococcus infection)
Fever
Jaundice
Leukorrhea
Lice
Malaria
Nausea
Obesity
Rheumatism
Scrofula
Skin diseases
Syphilis
Tetanus
Thirst
Tumors
Urticaria
Vomiting

Dosage:

Capsules - A neem capsule is typically around 250 mg, although it may vary, and dosages may also change, though many are between 1 capsule twice per day, to 2 capsules 3 times per day. See an individual product for its specific details.

Flowers - Up to 5 g of dried flowers taken as powder may be used daily.

Leaves - Take up to ten dried leaves daily.

Oil - Neem oil is extremely strong and should be used in slight doses and diluted properly. Contact a medical professional for proper dosage of the oil form. Neem oil may be used either orally or topically.

Tea - An infusion of up to ten leaves may be taken daily.

Cautions and side effects:

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take neem, and it should also not be administered to children. Neem use by young children may cause severe poisoning. Oral use of neem over an extended period of time may cause liver damage.

Neem trees appear very similar to the Chinaberry, however Chinaberry plants are extremely poisonous. Chinaberry is scientifically called Melia azedarach and is also known as bead tree, Indian lilac, Persian lilac, pride of China, umbrella tree, or white cedar, amongst other names. Do not use or ingest Chinaberry as it is toxic.

Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Azadirachtin

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.