A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Nimba
(Azadirachta indica)
Latin Name: Azadirachta indica Juss.
Family: Meliaceae (Nimba Kula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Kandughna (anti-pruritic), Tiktaskandha (group of bitter-tasting herbs).
Sushruta Samhita: Aragyadhadi, Guduchyadi, Laxadi.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Pichumarda, Arishtaka, Hinguniryasa, Paribhadra, Prabhadra, Varatikta, Chhardana, Sutiktaka, Krimighna, Subhadra.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Neem
Marathi: Kadunimba, Balantanimba
Tamil: Vembu
Telugu: Vepa
Malayalam: Veppu
English: Margosa tree
Morphology: A tall tree, 14-16 meters in height, with a firm, straight stem. The bark is smoky black with longitudinal furrows, red on the inside. It secretes a thin juice and gum. Leaves are alternate, 20-35 cm long, and imparipinnate with sub-opposite, serrate leaflets. Flowers are white and borne in inflorescences. The fruit is a one-seeded drupe with a woody endocarp. Flowers in spring (Vasant ritu) and fruits at the end of summer.
Habitat: Found throughout India, particularly in western and northern regions with scanty rainfall.
Part Used: Flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, and oil.
Purification (Śodhana): Not explicitly mentioned in the source text.
Preservation: Not explicitly mentioned in the source text.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Vīrya (Potency) Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Karma: Kaphaghna (reduces Kapha) and Pittaghna (reduces Pitta, due to its Sheeta Virya). However, due to its Laghu and Ruksha Gunas, it is Vatakara (can aggravate Vata).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
External Application / Local:
Mechanism: Its Tikta-Katu-Kashaya Rasa combination helps eliminate watery and purulent secretions. It is bactericidal.
Clinical Use: Dressing for infected wounds, diabetic ulcers; mouthwash for dental caries; fumigation of wounds and the atmosphere.
Annavaha & Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System):
Mechanism: Rochana (appetizer), Grahi (absorbent), Krimighna (anthelmintic), Yakritottejaka (liver stimulant). Absorbs excess fluid and digests Ama.
Clinical Use: Aruchi (anorexia), Chhardi (vomiting), Grahani (malabsorption syndrome), Agnimandya (indigestion), Krimi (worms), Yakrit Vikara (liver disorders), Amlapitta (acid peptic disease), Atisara (diarrhea), Pravahika (dysentery).
Udakavaha Srotas (Water Metabolism):
Mechanism: Tikta Rasa and Sheeta Virya pacify thirst.
Clinical Use: Trishna (excessive thirst) associated with Ama, Pitta, and Jvara; also in Prameha (diabetes) to control dryness of mouth.
Rasa-Raktavaha Srotas (Plasma & Blood Systems):
Mechanism: Amapachana (digests toxins), purifies blood by absorbing Kleda (excess moisture), pacifies Pitta in the blood and liver.
Clinical Use: Jvara (fever, especially Ama, Pitta, and Kapha types), Visarpa (herpes), Visphota (blisters), Masurika (smallpox), Daha (burning sensation), Kamala (jaundice), Pandu (anemia), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). It is also a detoxifier for various poisons (Vishaghna).
Mamsa-Medovaha Srotas (Muscle & Adipose Tissue):
Mechanism: Absorbs Kleda and purifies dhatus through its Tikta and Ruksha properties.
Clinical Use: Kushtha (skin diseases like scabies, eczema), Prameha (diabetes mellitus).
Artavavaha Srotas (Female Reproductive System):
Mechanism: Seeds are Garbhashayottejaka (uterine stimulant, oxytocic).
Clinical Use: Sakashtaprasava (difficult labor), Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea).
Primary Actions: Krimighna (anthelmintic), Vishaghna (antitoxic), Jvaraghna (antipyretic), Raktashodhaka (blood purifier), Vranashodhana (wound cleanser), Kandughna (anti-pruritic), Stanyashodhana (purifies breast milk).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Churna (Powder): 1 to 3 grams
Patra Svarasa (Leaf Juice): 10 to 20 ml
Anupāna (Vehicle): Honey, Water.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Nimbadi Churna, Nimbaharidra Khanda, Vranashodhana Taila, Nimbagandhaka Churna.
Amayika Prayoga (Practical Uses):
Decoction of Nimba, Katuka, and Kiratatikta with honey in Jvara.
Nimbapatra Kalka (leaf paste) applied for cleansing and healing infected ulcers.
Nimba Panchanga (five parts of the plant) decoction in Kushtha.
Nimba Patra juice with honey for Krimi (worms).
Contraindications (Nivārita): Due to its Ruksha (dry) and Laghu (light) qualities, it should be used with caution in conditions of excessive Vata aggravation, emaciation, or severe dryness.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Not explicitly mentioned in the source text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Not explicitly mentioned in the source text.
Chemical Composition:
Bark: Nimbin, nimbinin, nimbosterol, volatile oil, tannin, margosin.
Oil: Bitter sulphur-containing alkaloids, resin, fatty acids.
Seed: Contains up to 45% oil.
Research Notes:
Neem oil has been found to be spermicidal in rats, rhesus monkeys, and female humans.
Intravaginal application exerts an anti-implantation effect.
Studies on female albino rats showed that treatment with neem oil or paste prevented delivery, indicating resorption of fetuses and confirming anti-fertility activity.