Neem: The Village Dispensary

Neem is an evergreen tree in the mahogany family and has been known and used for more than 4,000 years. Neem grows in India, Pakistan, China and Africa, and every part of the tree, including bark, leaves and fruit, is used in traditional Indian and Chinese health systems. Neem contains thousands of natural chemical constituents that lend themselves to a wide range of health benefits, hence the nickname, “The Village Dispensary.” Both topically and internally, Neem is a go-to herb for everything from skincare to immune support.

What sets ORGANIC INDIA Neem apart?

ORGANIC INDIA takes every avenue to operate in a way that is Beyond Sustainable, for both the planet and the amazing partners we work with. Our Neem is grown, harvested and prepared in adherence to the following principles and practices:

Small Family Farmers. Ethical partnerships are the heart and soul of our company. We contract with small, family-owned farms across India and purchase crops at premium market price. Most of our partners have been with us for more than ten years, and each is an integral part of our herbal family. We provide all of our farmer partners with health insurance and ongoing training by agricultural experts who are at the cutting edge of organic and regenerative farming⁠—a no-brainer for us, but an unfortunately unheard-of practice in the industry.

Regenerative Agriculture. We are deeply rooted in agriculture that is beyond sustainable—it’s regenerative. What this means is our farming practices not only preserve the land, but make it better. Regenerative means replenished soil, improved biodiversity, enhanced water conservation, and increased carbon sequestration. We look beyond our crop to the whole earth and our responsibility to it as a healthy conscious living company.

Sustainable Production. All of our herbal teas and supplements are produced in our LEED Platinum certified production facility in India, which is a marvel of top-tier sustainable design, construction and operations.

Neem Benefits for Body and Mind

There are many benefits of Neem, from cleaning the teeth to detoxifying the blood. Here are some of the top Neem Benefits:

Neem contains 140 diverse active compounds, including various antioxidants, that help protect the body against oxidative stress, and in Ayurveda the plant is believed to remove ama, or toxins, from the body. *

Immune Support. Neem can help modulate immune function by fighting free radicals and cooling down the body. *

Neem is cooling, light and dry, and may support healthy liver function by alleviating liver heat and dampness. *

Skin Health. Amla can be applied topically in a paste or oil to help promote clear, healthy skin and support a healthy inflammatory response. It can even help soothe insect bites. *

Oral Health. Neem is sometimes referred to as “nature’s toothbrush,” and it’s an Indian tradition to chew on and brush with the twig to promote dental hygiene.

Neem has a balancing effect on the physical and energetic body, and in Ayurveda, the herb is used to balance pitta (fire) and kapha (earth and water) doshas. *

Traditional Significance of Neem

Neem has deep spiritual and health significance in India. The Sanskrit name of the Neem tree is “Arishtha,” meaning “reliever of sickness.” The tree is believed to be of divine origin, having dripped from the heavens as Indira, or the celestial kind. In Hindu mythology, it is believed planting neem trees ensured one’s entry to heaven and the tree is related to Dhanmantri, the Aryan god of medicine.

The tree is still referred to in India as “the village dispensary” because every part of the plant is believed to have health value. It is very common for people to have neem trees growing to purify the air, and in rural areas people may tie neem leaves outside their front door to ward off evil spirits. Brides bathe in Neem leaves before their wedding, and even babies are laid upon a bed of neem leaves for protection when they’re born.

Where is Neem grown?

ORGANIC INDIA Neem is sourced from the hilly region of Bundelkhand, India. The tree is native to dry areas of India, Burma and Sri Lanka but has been introduced in Africa, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Who is it for?

Neem is an excellent addition to any teen and adult health regimen. Neem has both topical uses as a paste or whole twig for skin and oral care, as well as internal uses as a tea or supplement for detoxification and immune support. It is not recommended that babies or young children consume neem. It is also advised that the herb is not taken two weeks before and after surgery, or if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. Please consult with a professional to see if neem is right for you.

Neem for Healthy Conscious Living

ORGANIC INDIA’s Neem is organically grown according to ancient Ayurvedic regenerative cultivation practices to ensure the highest possible efficacy, or “prana.” All ORGANIC INDIA herbs are processed and tested in compliance with FDA and World Health Organization safety protocols.

At ORGANIC INDIA, we recognize the vast interconnectedness of life. From seed, to soil, to field, to factory, our products empower the farmers of India, promote environmental and economic recovery, and provide wellness solutions derived from nature’s intelligence.