Neem tree (azadirachta indica)
Synopsis of neem tree
The neem tree is a fast-growing evergreen native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, revered for its extensive medicinal, agricultural, and ecological uses. Nearly every part of the neem tree—including its leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, and oil—is used in traditional medicine systems, especially Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha.
Neem is most widely known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. Its leaves are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and compounds like nimbin, azadirachtin, and quercetin, which contribute to its medicinal potency. Neem is used internally for skin disorders, fever, malaria, intestinal worms, ulcers, and liver detoxification. It is particularly noted for its blood-purifying and immune-modulating effects.
Topically, neem is applied as leaf paste, decoction, or oil for a wide range of skin issues, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections, and wounds. The oil, extracted from neem seeds, is potent and pungent, rich in azadirachtin, and acts as a powerful natural pesticide and antifungal agent. Neem oil is also used in dental care, lice treatments, hair tonics, and natural cosmetics.
Modern research supports neem’s anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and antimalarial effects. It is also being explored for cancer chemoprevention, owing to its ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth in lab studies. In agriculture, neem is valued as a biopesticide and natural fertilizer enhancer, used in organic farming to deter pests without harming beneficial organisms.
Historical Use
Neem has been called the “Village Pharmacy” in India and has a continuous record of use stretching back over 2,000 years. In Ayurvedic medicine, neem is classified as a bitter and cooling herb, used to balance excess pitta and kapha doshas. Classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe neem’s applications in treating skin disease, fever, inflammation, ulcers, and even as a natural contraceptive.
In Unani and Siddha medicine, neem is considered a detoxifier and febrifuge, used for blood cleansing, gastrointestinal infections, and chronic skin eruptions. Neem twigs were historically used as natural toothbrushes, a practice still common today in parts of rural India and Africa. These twigs contain antibacterial compounds that support oral hygiene and gum health.
Neem also has spiritual and cultural significance. It is planted around homes and temples, used in protective rituals, and cited in ancient Sanskrit texts for its purifying properties. During epidemics or seasonal illness, neem branches were hung at doorways to ward off disease, reflecting an early understanding of its antiseptic qualities.
In modern natural medicine, neem continues to be used in supplements, herbal teas, skin products, toothpaste, and lice shampoos. Its use is now global, though care must be taken with dosing—especially with neem oil ingestion, which can be toxic in large amounts, particularly to children.
Neem tree is used for these health conditions
Acne (Scientific)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Scientific)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cuts (Scientific)
Dandruff (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Eczema (Scientific)
Enteritis (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Infection (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Parasites (general) (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
Scabies (Traditional)
Ulcers (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
Wrinkles (Traditional)
neem tree is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Teeth (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
