Neem Tree

(Neem Tree)
Sanskrit: निम्ब • Botanical: Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

Nimba (Neem) is one of the most versatile medicinal trees in Ayurveda and is found throughout India. Every part of the tree - leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, gum and root - has medicinal value. The tree is extremely bitter (Tikta) and is considered the best drug for skin diseases (Kushtha). It is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic. The leaf juice is used in skin diseases, fever and diabetes. The bark decoction is antimalarial and antipyretic. Neem oil from seeds is used externally in skin diseases and as an insecticide. The tender twigs are used as toothbrushes (Datuna). The flowers are used in cooking and as medicine. Neem is the foremost drug in Kushtha chikitsa (treatment of skin diseases). The tree is also important in agriculture as a natural pesticide. Chemical analysis reveals multiple active compounds including Nimbin, Azadirachtin, and various limonoids. Dose: Leaf juice 1-2 tola; bark decoction 1-2 tola; oil externally. Multiple verses.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Nimbin, Nimbinin, Nimbidin, Margosic acid, Azadirachtin
Also Known As
English: Neem Tree, Margosa
Sanskrit: निम्ब, पिचुमर्द, अरिष्ट, हिङ्गुनिर्यास, सर्वतोभद्र
Hindi: नीम

What is Neem Tree (Nimba / निम्ब)?

Nimba (Neem) is one of the most versatile medicinal trees in Ayurveda and is found throughout India. Every part of the tree - leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, gum and root - has medicinal value. The tree is extremely bitter (Tikta) and is considered the best drug for skin diseases (Kushtha). It is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic. The leaf juice is used in skin diseases, fever and diabetes. The bark decoction is antimalarial and antipyretic. Neem oil from seeds is used externally in skin diseases and as an insecticide. The tender twigs are used as toothbrushes (Datuna). The flowers are used in cooking and as medicine. Neem is the foremost drug in Kushtha chikitsa (treatment of skin diseases). The tree is also important in agriculture as a natural pesticide. Chemical analysis reveals multiple active compounds including Nimbin, Azadirachtin, and various limonoids. Dose: Leaf juice 1-2 tola; bark decoction 1-2 tola; oil externally. Multiple verses.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kusthaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Jvaraghna (antipyretic)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Vishaghna (anti-toxic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

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.