Neem in Ayurveda: Traditional Uses, Actions, and Modern Applications

Overview of Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica), known as Nimba in Ayurveda, is a cornerstone herb in Ayurvedic practice. Revered for its potent cleansing, antimicrobial, and balancing properties, neem is used in various forms—oil, paste, powder, and capsules—to address a wide range of health and skincare needs.

 

Attribute Details
Botanical Name Azadirachta indica
Common Names Neem, Nimba, Margosa
Parts Used Seeds, leaves, bark, flowers
Guṇa (Qualities) Light, dry
Rasa (Taste) Bitter, astringent
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Pungent
Vīrya (Potency) Śīta (Cooling)
Effect on Doṣa Balances Pitta & Kapha
Main Actions Antipyretic, alterative (blood purifying), bitter tonic, antiseptic, antiemetic, antibiotic
Forms Used Oil, powder, svarasa (juice)

 

Traditional Local Uses

  • Wound Care: Decoction for cleansing wounds; oil for chronic/diabetic ulcers.

  • Dental Care: Mouthwash for dental caries; chewing twigs for oral hygiene.

  • Environmental Cleansing: Smoke from burning leaves.

  • Skin Conditions: Itching, dermatitis, eczema, scabies, chronic wounds, burns.

  • Fever & Infections: Malaria, pitta fevers, chronic kapha fevers; antiparasitic.

  • Internal Health: Supports diabetes, tumors, jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis.

  • Other Products: Soap, toothpaste, potent seed oil.

  • Pesticide Use: Natural pesticide in the US.

Beauty & Cosmetic Applications

  • Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier.

  • Used in cosmetic face remedies; neem oil should always be diluted before skin application.

Formulations & Actions

Form Actions Uses
Nimba Kalka (Neem Paste) Pitta-Kapha pacifying, emetic (Vamaka), antimicrobial (Krimihara), wound cleansing & healing (Vrana Sodhaka & Ropaka) Externally for wounds; internally for skin diseases and worms
Neem Capsule (Bhāvaprakāśa) Supports liver, antibacterial, maintains healthy glucose Fever, parasites, skin disorders, eye diseases, diabetes, wounds, poisoning, distaste

 

Our All Purpose Neem Thailam/Oil

Healing Herb's All Purpose Neem Thailam is available for purchase on our products page.

Image 2: Healing Herb's All Purpose Neem Oil

Ayurvedic Ritual:

  • Warm the bottle in a water bath to a comfortable temperature.

  • Massage a few drops into scalp, face, cuticles, or body using circular motions once or twice daily, or as suggested by an Ayurvedic Practitioner.

  • Traditionally used for external skin concerns like acne, itchiness, dandruff, and rashes. Provided for historical reference only.

Sample Formulas & Rituals

Concern Formula / Ritual
Dandruff Apply Neem powder 5 minutes before shower or Rinse hair with decoction of Neem and Amalaki.
Acne Mix turmeric powder + neem powder + rose petal powder + yogurt in 1:1:1:1 ratio. Apply and wash off after 15 to 30 minutes

References

  • Kerala Ayurveda Academy. (n.d.). 107 Ayurvedic Herbology Dravya Guṇa Karma Śāstra manual (p. 33).

  • Kerala Ayurveda Academy. (n.d.). Beauty from Within Workshop (p. 20).

  • Kerala Ayurveda Academy. (n.d.). Formulation Making Workshop – Bhaishajya Kalpana (pp. 18, 100).