Wild Indigo

Botanical name: Baptisia tinctoria

Parts used and where grown

The plant is native to the midwestern United States and continues to grow primarily in this region. The root of wild indigo is used medicinally.

Wild indigo has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Common cold/sore throat

Infection

Influenza

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Historically, the root of wild indigo was used to make blue dye. It was also used by European herbalists to treat ulcers and several types of infections, including those affecting the mouth and gums, lymph nodes, and throat.¹

Active constituents

According to test tube experiments, the polysaccharides and proteins in wild indigo are believed to stimulate the immune system.² This might account for its role against the common cold and flu. Wild indigo is rarely used alone and is a part of a popular European product for colds and flu that combines the herb with echinacea and thuja.³ The root also contains alkaloids, which may contribute to its medicinal actions.

How much is usually taken?

Wild indigo is generally used in combination with herbs such as echinacea and thuja. A tincture, 1–2 ml three times per day, is sometimes used. When taking the whole herb, 500–1,000 mg is taken as a tea three times daily.⁴

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Higher intakes (over 30 grams per day) of wild indigo can cause nausea and vomiting.⁵ Long-term use (more than two to three weeks) is not recommended. The safety of wild indigo during pregnancy and breast-feeding has only been established in a product combining it with echinacea and thuja. Used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the combination delivers 90 mg of wild indigo per day.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with wild indigo.

References
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1. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal. Shaftsbury, Dorset, UK and Rockport, MA: Element, 1990, 241.

2. Beuscher N, Kopanski L. Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria. Planta Med 1985;5:381–4.

3. Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Hentshcel C, Schnitker J, et al. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory infection): Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Current Med Res Opinion 1999;15:214–27.

4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jeanicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 684–5.

5. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jeanicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 684–5.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.