Nutritional Supplement

Wild Indigo

Also indexed as: Baptisia tinctoria, Indigo (Wild)

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.

How It Works

According to test tube experiments, the polysaccharides and proteins in wild indigo are believed to stimulate the immune system.1 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.2 The root also contains alkaloids, which may contribute to its medicinal actions.

References

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

2. 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.

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

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

5. Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995.

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

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

8. 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 by TraceGains 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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.