Wild Indigo

Wild Indigo

Latin Name: Baptisia tinctoria.
Family: Fabaceae (Legume)

Part used: Root.
Energetics: Bitter, pungent, astringent, cool.
Iris: All types.
Tongue: Useful if the tongue is dark or deep red.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Avoid when diarrhoea is present.
  • Short-term use preferable.
  • Long-term use or large doses can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, other intestinal problems, and spasms.
  • Avoid in pregnancy.

ACTIONS

  • Powerful antiseptic
  • Antiviral
  • Alterative
  • Febrifuge
  • Immune stimulant resembling Echinacea but more specific to fevers
  • Anti-infective
  • Lymphatic
  • Vulnerary
  • Detoxifier
  • Emmenagogue
  • Laxative
  • Astringent

Main Constituents

  • Alkaloids (cytosine, baptisine)
  • Flavonoids
  • Polysaccharides
  • Coumarins
  • Isoflavones
  • Glycosides (bapin)
  • Oleoresin

Main Uses

Combines well with Myrrh and Echinacea.
Digestive System: Ulcerative colitis

Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus coli.
Viruses: Coxsackie B, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica
Integumentary System: Boils
Oral System: Mouth ulcers
Immune System: Exhausting feverish conditions that persist
Respiratory System: Pharyngitis
Lymphatic System: Lymphatic infections, Swollen glands, Tonsillitis

More About Wild Indigo

Wild indigo root is an important anti-infective and antiseptic agent with similarities to Echinacea. It has been used for hundreds of years, beginning with Native American tribes on the East Coast.
The Greeks used decoctions of this root to boost vitality and immunity. Leukocyte production and activity are increased and toxins are removed and eliminated. Inflammation is reduced and infectious, septic processes are halted and reversed.
Wild indigo is for dark discolouration of the tongue and mucous membranes, with purple veins and a purple face- like someone who has been exposed to the cold.
The remedy is ideal where liver and intestinal stagnation is also present, especially when combined with Goldenseal.
It can combat unfriendly microorganisms of the bowel and clear deep infections, especially in cases of gastroenteritis and bacterial dysentery.
It is helpful in chronic cases of cystitis and can be used as a douche for vaginal discharge, thrush and bacterial vaginosis.
Wild indigo can help with chronic skin eruptions and in fevers where the person is reaching a disease crisis.
A tea or tincture of Wild indigo can be used as a mouthwash or gargle for inflammation or infection of the gums, mouth ulcers and sore throats.

Recipes:


Wild Indigo Tea

Ingredients:

  • Dried wild indigo root (1-2 teaspoons)
  • Hot water (1 cup)

Instructions:

  • Place the dried wild indigo root in a cup.
  • Boil water and pour it over the dried root.
  • Cover and steep for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Strain and drink the infusion while it's warm.
  • You can add honey or lemon for flavor if desired.
Wild Indigo Infused Mouthwash

Ingredients:

  • Dried wild indigo root (1-2 tablespoons)
  • Distilled water (1 cup)
  • Optional: Peppermint essential oil (a few drops for flavor)

Instructions:

  • Place the dried wild indigo root in a clean, dry glass jar.
  • Boil distilled water and pour it over the dried root.
  • Allow the mixture to steep and cool, covering the jar.
  • If desired, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for flavor. Make sure it is well-mixed.
  • Once the infusion has cooled completely, strain it to remove the wild indigo root.
  • Transfer the infused mouthwash to a clean, airtight container.
  • Label it with the date of preparation.

References


Typhoid

Efficacy of Baptisia tinctoria in the treatment of typhoid: its possible role in inducing antibody formation
Thus, this study suggests that Baptisia tinctoria extract can be used for the prevention and treatment of typhoid.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22850071/

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