Wild Indigo

Uses

Botanical names:
Baptisia tinctoria

Parts Used & 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.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
1 Star
Common Cold and Sore Throat
Refer to label instructions
Wild indigo appears to stimulate immune function and is considered a strong antimicrobial agent. In tinctures with echinacea, boneset, white cedar, and homeopathic arnica, it also has prevented and reduced colds.

According to test tube experiments, wild indigo stimulates immune function, which might account for its role in fighting the common cold and flu. In combination with echinacea, boneset, and homeopathic arnica, wild indigo has prevented and reduced symptoms of the common cold in double-blind research. Wild indigo is traditionally considered a strong antimicrobial agent, though it has not yet been investigated as an agent against cold viruses.

1 Star
Infection
Refer to label instructions
Wild indigo is both immune supportive and antimicrobial.

Herbs that support a person’s immune system in the fight against microbes and directly attack microbes include the following: barberry, echinacea, elderberry, goldenseal, licorice, Oregon grape, osha, and .

1 Star
Influenza
Refer to label instructions
Wild indigo contains polysaccharides and proteins that have been reported to stimulate the immune system. It is often used in combination with herbs such as echinacea, goldenseal, or thuja.

contains polysaccharides and proteins that have been reported in test tube studies to stimulate the immune system. The immune-enhancing effect of wild indigo is consistent with its use in traditional herbal medicine to fight the flu. However, wild indigo is generally used in combination with other herbs such as echinacea, goldenseal, or thuja.

Traditional Use (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

How It Works

Botanical names:
Baptisia tinctoria

How It Works

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 to Use It

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

Interactions

Botanical names:
Baptisia tinctoria

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Baptisia tinctoria

Side Effects

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.

References

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 H, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, et al. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, multicentre study. Curr Med Res Opin 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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