College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Neem Leaf Herbal Chopped (Azadirachta indica)

Neem's pure bitter taste is famous as a blood purifier, for parasites, and to lower blood sugar levels.

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Customer Reviews

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"Perfect any time of the day. I start and end my day with it, and feel lighter and more myself. I would recommend this..."
- Janet Chesapeake, VA

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How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Neem is a pure, and very strong, bitter. If you've never experienced true bitterness before, Neem may be an essential herb for your body. Bitter taste is a strong medicine that purifies the liver and blood. Bitter taste refreshes the palate, a gives a reality check for distorted taste buds.

Neem is widely used in Ayurveda because of its effectiveness in dealing with nearly all types of Pitta and Kapha disorders. Bitter and very cooling, it is usually combined with other herbs to offset its Vata-aggravating qualities. Neem has traditionally been used to purify the blood, cleanse the liver and support the immune system. It is also commonly used for a variety of skin irritations and inflammations, and to support healthy blood glucose levels.

Detoxification for Pitta and Kapha

  • Maintains healthy skin
  • Detoxifies the liver and blood
  • Reduces excess Pitta and Kapha in the system

Possible Contraindications:

Pregnancy, hypoglycemia, extreme fatigue, emaciation, high Vata.
Ayurveda Neem Leaf Whole Plant Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Fruit Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Flower Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Leaf Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Stem / Bark Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Root Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Harvested Large

Ayurveda Neem Leaf Monogram Large

Metabolic Nature of Neem Leaf

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Neem Leaf
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Antacid

ANTACID

Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular.

SEE ALL 'ANTACID' FOODS / HERBS

Constipative

CONSTIPATIVE

An herb that binds stools / stops diarrhea. When used in excess, these herbs and foods can cause constipation.

SEE ALL 'CONSTIPATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Antipruritic

ANTIPRURITIC

Antipruritics are herbs that inhibit itching, often associated with skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy rashes).

SEE ALL 'ANTIPRURITIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vulnerary

MILD VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Antifungal

STRONG ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFUNGAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antimicrobial

STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anthelminthic

ANTHELMINTHIC

Kills parasitic worms (hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, etc).

SEE ALL 'ANTHELMINTHIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antipyretic

ANTIPYRETIC

Reduces a fever / febrifuge.

SEE ALL 'ANTIPYRETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antiseptic

ANTISEPTIC

Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Helpful in infections and for those with weak immune systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTISEPTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS

, Immune Modulator, Mast Cell Stabilizer
Alterative

STRONG ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Refrigerant

STRONG REFRIGERANT

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.

SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

STRONG CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Estrogenic

ANTI-ESTROGENIC

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Contraceptive

CONTRACEPTIVE

Herbs that reduce fertility or prevent conception. There are no reliable herbal contraceptives!

SEE ALL 'CONTRACEPTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Neem Leaf

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Immune-modulator, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Alterative, Antibacterial, Antipruritic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Anthelminthic, Antifungal, Blood-thinner, Immune-calming, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Anthelminthic, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Immune-modulator, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Antibacterial, Antipruritic, Immune-calming, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary, Antibacterial, Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Dandelion Leaves

    Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in Common

    Anti-estrogenic, Blood-thinner, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Immune-calming, Alterative, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Burdock Root (Gobo)

    Burdock Root (Gobo) has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Antimicrobial, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary, Anti-estrogenic, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-thinner, Hypolipidemic, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Immune-calming, Antipyretic, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Anthelminthic, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Antibacterial, Blood-thinner, Hypolipidemic, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Cranberry

    Cranberry has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Refrigerant, Alterative, Blood-thinner, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Constipative, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Chickweed

    Chickweed has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Diuretic, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Hibiscus

    Hibiscus has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Constipative, Refrigerant, Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antipyretic, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Neem Leaf

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Immune-calming, Antifungal, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Blood-thinner, Alterative, Cholagogue, Anti-estrogenic, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Refrigerant, Antifungal, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Alterative, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Guluchyadi Kashayam

    Guluchyadi Kashayam has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Cholagogue, Immune-calming, Alterative, Immune-modulator, Antacid, Refrigerant

    LEARN MORE

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-estrogenic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Refrigerant, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Immune-modulator, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Refrigerant, Antibacterial, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Hypolipidemic, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antifungal, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Antimicrobial, Constipative, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antifungal

    LEARN MORE

  • Amritarishta (Amrutharishtam)

    Amritarishta (Amrutharishtam) has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Alterative, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Immune-modulator, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antipruritic, Antipyretic, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhringaraj

    Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Immune-calming, Anthelminthic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antipruritic, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Ginkgo

    Ginkgo has these Actions in Common

    Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

1/8 - 1/4 tsp in warm water twice a day or as directed by your practitioner.

Neem is used in various forms like powder, oil, capsules, and extracts, so the dosage depends on the specific form you're using and the reason for use. Here are some general guidelines:

Neem Leaf Powder:

Neem Capsules/Tablets:

Neem Oil:

See guidelines for herbs?
Follow these guidelines
See contraindications below.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Neem Leaf may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Neem Leaf may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a versatile plant with a long history of medicinal use and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties. However, despite its many benefits, neem may not be suitable for everyone, and there are certain contraindications and precautions to keep in mind:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnancy: Neem is often contraindicated during pregnancy because certain compounds in neem may have abortifacient properties which could potentially lead to miscarriage. Neem oil, extracts, or leaves may stimulate uterine contractions and affect the pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Breastfeeding: While neem is generally considered safe in small doses during breastfeeding, caution is advised.

Autoimmune Disorders: Neem has immunomodulatory properties, meaning it can either boost or suppress the immune system. For people with autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis), neem may interfere with the immune system's balance, potentially worsening the condition. It could also suppress the immune system too much if used in large quantities, making the body more susceptible to infections.

Blood Pressure: Neem may lower blood pressure. While this can be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure, it can cause complications for individuals with already low blood pressure or those on blood pressure-lowering medications. If you have hypotension (low blood pressure) or take medications for high blood pressure, consult a healthcare provider before using neem.

Lowers blood sugar: Neem has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for those with diabetes. However, it could also cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if combined with diabetes medication. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully when using neem and consult their doctor about potential interactions with their medication.

Fertility: Neem oil and neem extracts may have contraceptive properties. They can influence hormonal levels, especially by altering ovulation or affecting the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Neem may potentially reduce ovulation in women, making it harder for them to conceive. These effects are likely due to the presence of compounds like azadirachtin in neem, which has been found to interfere with the normal hormonal balance needed for ovulation.

Surgeries: Because neem can have blood-thinning effects, it is advised to avoid using neem in large quantities before surgery, as it could increase the risk of bleeding. It's best to stop using neem at least two weeks prior to a scheduled surgery to avoid complications.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Neem Leaf. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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Reviews for Neem Leaf

(4.00 out of 5 stars) 4 ratings
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“Neem, should only be used for children in small quantities. You can make a tea with 8oz warm almond milk and 1/8tsp neem. Then give one tbsp to the child. since neem is a strong herb, it may be better to schedule a consultation with with a qualified herbalist or practitioner to suggest the right amount. Thanks for asking! Best, -John"
priyanka chaudhary Ghaziabad
2013-01-31
“Can neem be combined with other herbs to offset its Vata-aggravating qualities? Which are those herbs? "
“It can be combined with coconut oil, almond milk, or other nourishing ingredients. It can be combined with shatavari or other tonic herbs."
april DE
2013-10-24
“couldn't get past the repulsive taste.. almond milk helped a little but wow.. I take or have taken and adjusted to a lot of "healthy vitamin or mineral tastes" but that was a really tough one."
Janet Chesapeake, VA
2015-03-02
“Perfect any time of the day. I start and end my day with it, and feel lighter and more myself. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to feel better but not through drastic measures. I will definitely be re-ordering in the future. "
Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT Albuquerque, NM
2015-03-02
“Try it with almond milk and maple syrup. See if it helps the bitter taste!"
Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT Albuquerque, NM
2015-03-02
“Try it with almond milk and maple syrup. See if it helps the bitter taste!"
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.