Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Essential oils, Hispidulin
- Also Known As
- English: Indian Cork Tree, Tree Jasmine
Sanskrit: आकाश नीम
Hindi: नीम चमेली, आकाश नीम
What is Neem Chameli?
Picture a tall tree with leaves that look like neem and white, fragrant flowers that smell like jasmine. That double resemblance is exactly how this tree got its Hindi name, Neem Chameli, "neem jasmine." It is also called Sky Neem (Akash Neem) because of its height.
In English it goes by Indian Cork Tree or Tree Jasmine, and its botanical name is Millingtonia hortensis Linn. It is planted both as an ornamental and as a medicine.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, a classical Ayurvedic materia medica, records the bark as a fever remedy (febrifuge). It also lists the tree as one that clears worms, which is why it matters to anyone reading about the Ayurvedic view of parasites and worms.
Benefits of Neem Chameli
Our classical source names two therapeutic actions (karma) for Neem Chameli. Both fit its taste and energy profile: bitter (Tikta), light (Laghu), cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pungent after digestion (Katu Vipaka).
Fever
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes Neem Chameli as fever-reducing (Jvarghna), and it names the bark as the part used for this purpose. A bitter, cooling substance is the kind Ayurveda reaches for when the body runs hot, a pattern linked to Pitta.
Worms and Parasites
The same text lists the tree as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it helps clear intestinal worms. In Ayurvedic reasoning, bitter and light qualities work against the heavy, damp conditions in which worms are thought to thrive. Read more on our parasites and worms page.
The source does not record further uses, so we stop there rather than guess.
How to Use Neem Chameli
The classical record for Neem Chameli is brief. It tells us the bark is the medicinal part and that it is used against fever, but it gives no dose, preparation method or vehicle (anupana).
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark (preparation set by a practitioner) | Not recorded in our sources | Fever, worms | As directed by a practitioner |
Because no dose is documented, the sensible way to use it is under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can confirm the plant and set the amount.
Safety & Side Effects
Our classical sources record no contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Neem Chameli. The text mentions the tree only briefly, so this silence reflects a lack of information, not a confirmed clean safety record.
From its properties, Neem Chameli is bitter, light and cooling. In Ayurvedic reasoning, bitter and light substances can aggravate Vata, so people who are already dry, thin or depleted may want to be cautious.
If you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or taking any medication, speak with a qualified practitioner or doctor before using it.
Recommended: Start Here
The honest starting point with Neem Chameli is this: talk to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using it. The classical text names the bark for fever and lists the tree against worms, but it gives no dose or preparation.
If you are dealing with fever or suspect worms, a practitioner can tell you whether Neem Chameli bark makes sense for you, or whether a better documented option fits your situation. Our parasites and worms page covers the wider Ayurvedic approach in the meantime.
Find Neem Chameli on Amazon ↗ Akash Neem Bark ↗
Safety note: no safety data is recorded for Neem Chameli, so check with a practitioner first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.
Neem Chameli vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources do not compare Neem Chameli with any other herb, so rather than invent rivals, this table sets out the practical choices you face with it.
| Comparison | Neem Chameli | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neem Chameli vs neem | Shares neem-like leaves and a bitter taste, but is a different tree | Neem, a separate plant | The resemblance is in the leaves and name only; do not substitute one for the other. |
| Bark vs flowers | Bark named as the medicinal part for fever | Fragrant flowers, valued ornamentally | For medicinal use, the classical text points to the bark. |
| Self-use vs practitioner guidance | No dose recorded | Sourcing and dosing through a qualified practitioner | Practitioner guidance wins, given how little the texts record. |
Neem Chameli for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific guidance for Neem Chameli, so the advice here leans on caution.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No safety information is recorded for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid it unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
Children
Worm remedies are often sought for children, but no child dose is documented for Neem Chameli. Use only under a practitioner's direction.
Elderly
Older adults often lean toward a dry, depleted Vata pattern, which bitter, light substances can aggravate. Get guidance before use.
Athletes
Our sources record no use of Neem Chameli for strength, stamina or recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neem Chameli the same as neem?
No. It gets its name from leaves that look like neem and flowers that smell like jasmine (chameli), but it is a different tree, Millingtonia hortensis.
Why is it called Akash Neem?
Akash means sky, a nod to how tall the tree grows. The "neem" part refers to its neem-like leaves.
Which part of Neem Chameli is used medicinally?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names the bark, used as a fever remedy.
Does Neem Chameli cool or heat the body?
It is cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya) and bitter in taste, which is consistent with its classical use against fever.
What compounds does it contain?
Our data lists essential oils and hispidulin among its constituents.
How to Use Neem Chameli by Condition
Explore how Neem Chameli is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.