Botanical atlas

Neem

Azadirachta indica

In much of India, neem is simply called the village pharmacy, a tree so woven into daily life that almost nothing about it goes to waste. For generations its twigs were snapped fresh each morning and chewed into soft-bristled toothbrushes called datun, its leaves strung into garlands hung over doorways during festivals and times of illness, and its shade trusted enough that families planted a neem tree beside the house as a matter of course. In Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine, neem leaf has long held a reputation as a great purifier of the blood and skin, used topically for centuries to soothe irritated or troubled complexions and address minor skin complaints. It has also carried strong ties to protection and cleansing in folk custom, particularly around the goddess Shitala, whose devotees waved neem leaves for cooling and blessing during fevers.

Safety.

Neem oil is genuinely toxic if swallowed and has caused serious, sometimes fatal poisoning in infants and young children. It also has a traditional history as an abortifacient, so internal use should be avoided during pregnancy or while trying to conceive without medical guidance.