Wild Indigo

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about Wild Indigo. Wild indigo 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: common cold/sore throat, infection, and influenza.

Historically, wild indigo was most commonly used to make a blue dye used to color clothing. It has also been used by European herbalists to create remedies for ulcers and mouth, lymph node, and throat infections.

Common Names

Wild Indigo, Yellow False Indigo

Latin Names

Baptisia tinctoria

What It Is Used For

• Today it is believed that the polysaccharides and proteins in wild indigo may be effective immune system stimulators. This would explain why wild indigo products have been used to fight the cold and flu.

How It Is Used

Wild indigo is rarely used alone and is most commonly found as a component in herbal mixtures and remedies.

What the Science Says

• There is no clinical evidence for wild indigo upon which dosing recommendations can be based.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Sources

• Drugs.Com Web site. Accessed on February 7, 2009.
• From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Accessed on February 7, 2009.