Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) Flashcards
How do you recognise Wild Indigo?
A perennial, non-woody member of the Fabaceae. Native to Eastern parts of USA and Canada. Yellow, typical pea family flowers. Stems up to 60cm
Poisonous – but young stems have been used as a food! Used by at least 8 indigenous peoples of the USA – see references.
Used a dye plant – produces a blue dye (not as bright as Indigofera).
What are Wild Indigo’s main constituents?
Constituents:
* Polysaccarides & glycoproteins – immunostimulating. Same debate tho, are they absorbed in the gut, but may interact in local lymphoid tissue in ENT.
* Quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine – immune stimulating but also emetic.
* Isoflavones (oestrogenic, but not therapeutically relevant).
* Coumarins including scopoletine.
* Flavonoids.
* A bitter – baptisin.
* Oleo resins
What family is Wild Indigo in?
Fabaceae
What is Wild Indigo good for?
Summary: Bendle uses this but doesn’t grow it - uses it as a immuno-stimulating plant, but only in small amounts as potentially toxic. Also uses it for focal infections like sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsilitis.
Actions:
* **Immune stimulating. **
* Anti-microbial.
* Lymphatic.
* Anti-catarrhal
* Laxative – purgative and emetic in high doses.
Applications:
* Acute infections - especially of ear nose and throat. Gets into places where infection is localised.
* Laryngitis.
* Sinusitis.
* Rhinitis.
* Tonsilitis.
What is Wild Indigo’s Latin name?
Baptisia tinctoria
What parts of Wild Indigo do you use?
Part used medicinally: root.
What safety issues might Wild Indigo have?
Overdose dangerous! < 10ml/week 1:5 tincture Contraindications: pregnancy & breastfeeding; avoid in children.
What useful research does Wild Indigo have?
What remedies might you use Wild Indigo in?
Often mixed with other herbs for anti-infection use. Bendle often uses 90-95% enchincea with wild indigo and 1-2% chilli for a complaint such as sinusitus.
