Neem leaf is quite possibly one of the most bitter herbs I have come across in my experience with Ayurvedic herbology. In fact, just the smell of this herb will leave you with a bitter taste in the mouth. Neem is a powerful medicine in Ayurveda and has a wide range of health benefits including reducing any inflammation in the body (skin, joint, gut), cleansing and strengthening the liver, healing wounds, balancing blood sugar, reducing adipose tissue, increasing the metabolism, killing parasites (including Candida) and beautifying the complexion.
According to Ayurveda, it is essential for our health to get all 6 tastes into the diet each day. The bitter taste (and therefore Neem) is very reducing to both Kapha and Pitta dosha and is said to be cooling, cleansing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory in action. Sadly, in America, our standard diet is highly lacking in the bitter taste. Therefore Neem and other bitter herbs can be a great way to get this healing taste on a daily basis. If you would like to get more bitter substances in your diet, some other great foods that contain the bitter taste include bitter greens (kale, collards), cacao nibs, extremely dark chocolate, bitter melon (an Indian vegetable), bitter herbal teas (nettles, alfalfa, raspberry leaf), Tikta Ghrita (bitter ghee) and bitter spices (turmeric, mustard seed, fenugreek, cumin).
Although Neem is an incredibly healing herb, it can also be dangerous if it is used in the improper context or in improper dosages. In general, Neem is quite Vata provoking and should not be used by those with a Vata imbalance (anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, constipation). Neem is also so potent, it should only be used in small amounts, preferably in a balancing herbal formula, as opposed to taking it solely by itself.
Health Benefits of Neem
- Anti-inflammatory
- Blood cleanser
- Cleanses and strengthens the liver
- Balances hormones
- Clears the complexion, beneficial in acne
- Reduces excessive heat in the body
- Relieves arthritis (inflammatory type)
- Kills parasites
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-viral
- Anti-fungal
- Reduces Candida overgrowth
- Clears congestion in the lungs
- Reduces sinus infection
- Heals urinary tract infections
- Reduces fever
- Antacid
- Reduces high blood sugar, heals the pancreas
- Heals infection
- Heals wounds
- Benefits skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, itching and rash
- Reduces sperm count
- Reduces menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding)
- Reduces inflammation in the uterus
- Relieves diarrhea
- Useful as a mouthwash
- Benefits eye disorders, especially when related with inflammation or heat
How to Use Neem
1. For liver health:
Mix 1/8 teaspoon of neem and 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric with 1 tablespoon of Aloe vera juice and 1/2 cup of water. Take this 3 times daily.
2. For clear skin:
Make a paste out of neem powder and organic aloe vera. Apply to the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Perform this at least 3 times a week. Simultaneously, take 1 teaspoon of Tikta Ghrita (Bitter Ghee) each morning on an empty stomach for best results.
3. For eczema and psoriasis:
Use a neem-infused coconut oil and/or castor oil to apply to the effected areas. Apply nightly and leave on until morning. Simultaneously, take 1 teaspoon of Tikta Ghrita (Bitter Ghee) each morning on an empty stomach for best results.
4. For oral health:
For a natural, homemade mouthwash, take 2 to 4 tablespoons of Neem herbal extract, add 5-10 drops of tea tee oil and 2 cups of purified water. Each morning and night, take a small amount into the mouth and swish for 1 to 3 minutes. Do not swallow this mixture!
Thank you for the good writeup. It is pretty worth enough for me.
Thank you for reading! Namaste!!
I have been taking neem leaf for the past 4 months and it stopped herpes outbreaks like nothing else I’ve ever taken. I stopped it for a break two weeks ago and now the lesions have resumed. I’m pitta vata, tall, blond,dry skin, insomnia, 63 years old. The neem also helped my skin dryness a great deal. Is there something I can take with it that would allow me to use it on an ongoing basis?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for your inquiry! Unfortunately I would need a bit more assessment in order to discover the proper herbs for you and your specific needs. In Ayurveda, we do not treat the disorder, rather the individual and therefore it is essential to have a consultation before prescribing any herbal recommendations. I will say that with the dryness and insomnia issues that you are experiencing, it definitely will not be good to take the Neem solely, especially long term. I would be more than happy to set up an Ayurvedic Consultation or Herbal Consult with you anytime, but until then this is all the information I am able to share with you.
Namaste,
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
I would like to know since I’m having a kapha imbalance, slow metabolism and have cold Hands and feet too. Dry skin and dandruff on scalp too. How can I take neem leaves with honey or water. Junk cravings and over weight.
Hi Jacqueline! I would need more information in order to give you better advice on how to take Neem. It is a powerful herb and can increase dryness, coldness and other Vata symptoms if not taken properly. It is extremely beneficial for both Pitta and Kapha however, so Neem may be beneficial for you in the right context. It mostly likely would need to be paired with other herbs though, since you are showing symptoms of both Kapha and Vata imbalance. Sorry I could not be of more help!
Namaste,
Danielle
Sir I am taking neem juice everyday in chaitra month. Can I drink tea or milk after 1 hour of consuming it .
Hi Vaishali,
Thank you for your question. There is no contraindication for taking tea or milk one hour after taking in neem juice. Juice tends to move through the stomach fairly quickly and should be in the colon within an hour after consumption. Therefore there should be no negative symptoms from the milk or tea. Of course our digestive systems are all unique, so if any unwanted symptoms (i.e. gas, bloating, etc) do arise after the milk or tea, then a longer time may be needed between the two drinks. Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Namaste,
Danielle
Hello Danielle,
I suffer from tinea versicolor which is aggravated by the sun, since I am from and live in Spain this is a problem. I have heard neem is good for skin conditions and since many things I have tried have only a temporary effect I am looking into treating the issue internally as well a topically. I was interested by the posts here and your responses and wondered if you could give me any advice for curing this issue?
I was thinking of ordering a product called Theraneem Supercritical Extract of Neem Leaf which is taken orally in gel caps as well as using a neem powder paste applied to the skin but maybe this is too much?
Thanks
Veronica
Hi Veronica,
Thank you for your question! Neem is very beneficial in many skin conditions and would likely be useful in versicolor as well since it is caused by excessive fungus on the skin. I am not familiar with Theraneem Supercritical Extract of Neem Leaf, so I cannot speak on if I would recommend it or not. Generally, I would recommend a product with Neem such as Mahasudarshana Churna and Tikta Ghrita to take orally, and applying the paste of Neem topically. You could alternatively apply pure Neem oil or Tikta Ghrita to the affected area, as these work well too.
When taking bitter herbs and applying them topically, it will be helpful to keep an eye out for your Vata increasing. This can be seen as symptoms of dryness, anxiety, restless mind, sleep issues, and the like. These would be the main concerns with taking Neem or any Neem based product longterm, especially if you are a Vata type or already experience issues such as these.
I hope this finds you well:)
Namaste,
Danielle
Hi! I am loving your website. Learning SO much that I’ve been dying to know. I’m curious, would the neem mixture you listed above for liver health work for parasites as well?
Thank you,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your question. If you are wishing to target parasites, you could use the liver formula listed above, with a couple exceptions. I would highly recommend to add in Vidanga to this mixture, at 1/4 teaspoon per dosage and take it in warm water rather than aloe. Otherwise the formula can stay the same. You can take it three times daily, before meals.
Be well:)
Namaste,
Danielle
I heard that neem shouldn’t be consumed daily because of its side effects. I’m predominantly pitta type. Is it okay if I consume 4-5 neem leaves daily?
Hi Raghu,
Thank you for writing in with your question! Neem is generally safe for Pitta types in moderate dosages (such as the 4 to 5 leafs daily). If this becomes too drying for you, or you begin to experience symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, then you should take a break. Other Vata symptoms such as constipation can arise as well. Finally, Neem has the potential to reduce fertility and sexual potency, so if these areas become an issue, this would be another reason to discontinue its use.
If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms, and your system continues to accept the leafs well each day, then this dosage should be fine, especially in the damp and hot seasons.
Namaste,
Danielle
Hey – I just mistakenly chugged an entire mouthful of cold pressed neem oil thinking it was water… It was and still is (30 + minutes) later super dististing. It was really pure cold pressed stuff too like a potent batch that i’ve been controlling lepidoptera pests (ICM, armyworm, etc.) all year with in my garden. Super clean cold pressed seed only extract neem, the shatter hash of neem oil (lol). I was able to spit it all back into the jar once I realised it was neem oil and not bloody water. 10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND. I was really thirsty too so I was craving the water hit and then boom neem oil is not just a a flavour; I think in this case (im a hardcore science based fact type of guy, I mean I believe in Ayurvedic herbology to the extent that I have tried and experienced, but there are a lot of inaccuracies (I also have a plant and soil science degree and have been farming for 15 years, making tinctures and medicinal herb products for many many years. All I have to say about non-scientific thinking driven type approaches is that there’s lots of snake oil out there… and a lot of the “effects” are merely placebo driven, but more power to you and believe whatever impoeres you to be the best person you can be and help the Earth and our fellow humans… anyways rant aside)… At T+45 minutes past accidental injestion and spit ouit I still taste a 5/10 level flavor of neem. I guess its energy hangs around! Anyhow just wondering what your opinion is on the effect that would have? I didnt technically injest it but it would have been delivered a bit thru my mucosal membranes and such in my mouth… I feel a bit queesy, drinking hydralyte and eating salt and vinegar chips (strong flavor + burning my. tatse buds intntially to get rid of the neem flavor…)… Do you think I injested much? and if so should I be worrried? I feel like I’ll know in the morning, I’ve certainly injested worse things plenty of times so I’m not worried. Ok T+1.5 hours im fine, goodnight, learned a very nutty lesson there.
Hi Mel,
I apologize for the delayed response! Spring cleansing season can keep me busier than usual.
I assume things have worked themselves out by now, but besides the lingering awful taste and possibly some slight detox/flushing/purging of the liver, blood, and/or GI tract, I do not assume ingesting a very small amount of pure Neem oil will be harmful long-term.
It would not be a remedy I recommend of course; but being 100% cold-pressed Neem oil, it would not be toxic, especially since only a tiny amount got into your bloodstream. If you were to take a cup full or even a tablespoon or more, I would be more expectant of some obvious unwanted reactions such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Feel free to write back with your update or any follow-up questions. Otherwise, take it slow and be well:)
Namaste,
Danielle