What is the primary safety concern regarding topical neem oil application for nursing mothers?
Systemic absorption that could pass into breast milk
Even when neem oil is applied externally to the skin, the overarching concern for a nursing mother is not primarily the localized effect on her skin, but rather the systemic risk posed to the dependent infant. Systemic absorption refers to the process where compounds applied externally are absorbed through the skin, enter the maternal bloodstream, and subsequently have the potential to be transferred into the breast milk produced for the baby. Because breast milk is the sole source of nutrition for many infants, any substance absorbed by the mother that could potentially harm the baby necessitates extreme caution. This pathway of transfer into the milk is why official guidance often defaults to caution, even when direct application seems localized.
