Tropical
Neem
Azadirachta indica · Neem / Nim / Lilas des Indes
Nature's most complete antibacterial and antifungal plant
Neem has been called 'the village pharmacy' across India, Africa, and the Caribbean. Every part of the tree — leaf, bark, seed, oil — carries therapeutic action. In the Caribbean, neem leaf tea is used to treat skin infections, cleanse the liver, and fight fungal overgrowth. It's one of the rare plants that works both internally (tea) and externally (oil, decoction).
Therapeutic benefits
Antibacterial — targets gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Antifungal — resolves Candida and ringworm
Liver detoxifier — supports hepatic regeneration
Antiparasitic — effective against intestinal parasites
Anti-inflammatory for skin — calms acne, psoriasis, eczema
Supports healthy gums and oral microbiome
🫖 Preparation & Dosage
- 1
Internal: steep 5 fresh neem leaves in 250 ml boiling water for 10 minutes
- 2
Strain and drink 1 cup each morning for 2–3 weeks
- 3
External (skin): boil a double-strength decoction (10 leaves / 200 ml), cool, apply to skin
- 4
Oral health: chew 1–2 fresh neem leaves or use neem oil diluted in coconut oil
🌴 Caribbean traditional use
Introduced to the Caribbean via Africa and India, neem trees now grow widely across Saint-Martin, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Local healers use neem leaf baths to treat children's skin infections and neem tea as a spring cleanse.
Cautions
Do not use internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Limit internal use to 3 weeks maximum. Very large internal doses may cause liver stress — respect the dosage.
Related herbs
Need a personalized protocol?
Kenan selects the exact herbs for your specific situation.