Indian lilac
Azadirachta indica A.Juss.
LocalLocal names & traditional uses
Evergreen tree widely used in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide across South Asia and Africa.
Traditional benefits
- Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties
- Neem oil used as a natural pesticide
- Twigs traditionally chewed as toothbrushes
Uses & benefits
How people around the world use this plant, and why it matters.
- antimalarial
Valued locally for antimalarial.
- skin
Valued locally for skin.
- skin care
Applied to the skin for moisture, minor burns and irritation.
Health benefits
What communities traditionally use Indian lilac for, and why it may help.
- antimalarial
Bitter preparations are traditionally drunk during fevers. Malaria still needs a test and proper medicine — use these only alongside real treatment.
- skin
Applied to the skin for wounds, burns, rashes and fungal patches thanks to soothing and antimicrobial compounds.
Herbal remedies & preparation
The common ways plant parts are prepared at home. Always wash material well and use clean water.
- Infusion (tea)
Pour hot water over a handful of fresh or dried leaves or flowers, cover for 5–10 minutes, then strain. Used for gentle, aromatic parts.
- Decoction
Simmer tougher parts — bark, roots, seeds or stems — in water for 15–30 minutes, then strain. This draws out compounds that a quick tea cannot.
- Poultice / compress
Crush washed fresh leaves (or warm them briefly) and hold them against the skin with a clean cloth. Traditionally used on bruises, boils and slow-healing cuts.
- Juice or extract
Blend or pound the fresh part and squeeze out the liquid through a clean cloth. Best used the same day; refrigerate briefly if needed.
- Powder
Dry the part in shade until brittle, grind it, then store in an airtight jar away from light. Stirred into food, pap or water by the spoonful.
- Steam inhalation
Add leaves to a bowl of just-boiled water, lean over it with a towel over the head and breathe gently. Traditionally used for blocked noses and coughs.
- Infused oil or ointment
Steep dried material in a carrier oil (coconut, shea, olive) for days in gentle warmth, then strain. Applied to dry or irritated skin.
Community uses, recipes & remedies
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In depth
Simple Facts
Short, clear explanations — great for homework and school projects.
- Indian lilac is a plant. Plants make their own food from sunlight, water and air.
- Its scientific name is “Azadirachta indica”. Every species has one, so people everywhere know exactly which one you mean.
- Scientists put it in the Meliaceae family, inside the order Sapindales — a group of relatives that share features.
- Its genus (closest relatives) is Azadirachta.
- Higher up, it belongs to Magnoliopsida → Tracheophyta → Plantae.
- People use it for antimalarial, skin, skin care.
- Other names people call it: 150 maladies, Aryaveppu, Azédarach d'Inde, Azédarach d'Inde, Lilas sacré, Lilas, Margosier, Neem, Balnimb.
- You can find it in places like East Africa, Caribbean, Senegal [c]; Gambia [c]; Guinea [c]; Burkina Faso [c]; Togo [c]; Benin [c]; Cameroon [c]; Central African Republic [c]; Chad [c]; South Sudan [c]; Ascension Isl. [c]; Mauritius [c]; La Réunion [c]; E-Iran [c]; China [c]; Pakistan [c]; Nepal [c]; Bhutan [c]; India (widespread [c]); Lakshadweep Isl. [Laccadives] [c]; Maldives [c]; Sri Lanka [c]; Bangladesh [c]; Andaman Isl. [c]; Nicobar Isl. [c]; Myanmar; Laos [c]; Cambodia [c]; Vietnam [c]; peninsular Malaysia [c]; Singapore [c]; Sumatra [c]; Philippines [c]; Java [c]; Lesser Sunda Isl. [c] (Bali [c], Lombok [c], Sumbawa [c]); Australia [c] (N-Western Australia [c], Northern Territory [c], Queensland [c]); New Caledonia [c]; Fiji [c]; Fed. States of Micronesia [c] (Pohnpei [c]); Mexico [c]; Honduras [c]; Nicaragua [c]; Costa Rica [c]; Cuba [c]; Jamaica [c]; Dominican Republic [c]; Haiti [c]; Puerto Rico [c]; Virgin Isl. [c]; Anguilla [c]; St. Kitts [c]; Antigua [c]; Montserrat [c]; Guadeloupe [c]; Martinique [I]; Trinidad & Tobago [c]; Colombia [c]; Venezuela [c]; Ecuador [c]; Brazil [c], Montería, Andaman Is..
- Conservation experts list it as least concern.
- Plants like this one give off oxygen, hold soil together and feed insects, birds and people.
Videos
Watch documentaries, uses and preparation guides on YouTube.
Descriptions
Asia
Tree
200 - 1300 msnm
Amazonia | Andina | Caribe
FALSO
FALSO
Distribution
Synonyms
Common Names
References
- GBIF entry
- Encyclopedia of Life
- iNaturalist
- Fajardo, F., Montealegre, C., & Pardo P, M. E. (2015). ZOCAMATA. Guía de plantas del cañón del Chicamocha. Fundación Natura
- Mémoires du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle,19: 221,1830
- Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)n, http://www.hear.org/pier/species/azadirachta_indica.htm
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