NeemNimba

As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.

• ✕Pregnancy — abortifacient; classical contraindication
• ✕Active conception attempts (male and female) — documented antifertility action
• ✕Infants and small children — neem seed oil has caused fatal Reye-like syndrome
• ✕Recent organ transplant — immunostimulant
• ✕Severe Vata depletion, low body weight, dry constitutions
• ✕Liver disease — case reports of hepatotoxicity
• ✕Hypoglycemia or on diabetes medication without monitoring

Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.

May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.

Specific to Neem: Highly bitter and cold; depletes ojas with long-term use. Hepatotoxicity reported with neem seed oil and high internal doses.

Belongs to the Meliaceae family. Topical contact dermatitis is common; patch-test first. Oral allergy with swelling is rare but documented.