Neem Oil
Sanskrit: Nimba Taila
Azadirachta indica
A pungent, bitter oil pressed from neem seed kernels, used externally in Indian households for the scalp, skin and garden. Its smell is distinctive and strong, and it is almost always diluted before use on the body. It is an external oil only, quite separate from neem leaf preparations, and it must never be swallowed.
Also known as
Nimba Oil
- hindi:
- Neem ka Tel
- tamil:
- Veppennai
- bengali:
- Nim Tel
Key components
- Oil pressed from neem seed kernels (Azadirachta indica)
Traditional overview
- Diluted into a carrier oil for traditional scalp application
- Used externally in household skin-care traditions for oily, congested skin
- A traditional garden and household pest deterrent
- Added in small amounts to traditional soaps and external pastes
Common traditional forms
- diluted external scalp oil
- diluted skin application
- household and garden spray
Wellness tags
- scalp
- skin
- external cleansing
Body focus
- skin
- scalp
Concerns
- oily scalp
- external skin care
What to know before use
Never swallow neem oil. It is toxic if ingested, and cases of serious poisoning in children are well documented, so keep it out of reach. Always dilute before skin or scalp use, patch test, avoid the eyes, and avoid use during pregnancy and while trying to conceive.
Important cautions
External use only. Always dilute in a carrier oil such as coconut or sesame, and patch test on the forearm for 24 hours before wider use. Neem oil must never be swallowed, as ingestion has caused serious harm, especially in infants and young children.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone considering ingestion, as neem oil must never be swallowed
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- People with sensitive or broken skin, without a patch test
Medicine interactions
- No interactions expected from correctly diluted external use
PregnancyAvoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
ChildrenDo not use on infants or young children. Never give internally to any child.
Quality and buying guidance
Cold-pressed neem oil is cloudy, dark yellow-brown and strongly garlicky-bitter in smell; a bland, clear oil is diluted or refined. Check that the label says cold-pressed and lists neem oil alone if you want the real thing. Store away from heat; it thickens when cool, which is normal.
Evidence note
This entry rests on traditional and household use recorded over generations, not on clinical trials. Treat it as cultural and educational information.
Related ingredients
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.