What Are the Health Advantages of Wild Indigo Extract?

Grown mainly in the Eastern United States, wild indigo is a perennial plant that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and--contrary to its name--is covered in yellow flowers when in bloom. This Native American plant is well known for it's variety of medicinal uses, mostly due to it's antiseptic properties. One of the earliest notations of the medicinal use of this herb was noted in "King's American Dispensary" in 1898.

Immune System Stimulant

• Wild indigo is used as part of a standardized, four-part combination of herbs to support the immune system. Added to echinachea purperia root, echinachea pallida root and thuja occididententalis (white cedar), it is beneficial for the common cold and flu. It has also been deemed helpful for sinus and ear infections.

Mouth and Throat Conditions

• Gargling with wild indigo has long been known to heal mouth ulcers (canker sores), and severe conditions of sore throat such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. Because of its antiseptic qualities, this herb is also used to heal periodontal issues such as gingivitis and pyorrhea.

Wounds

• Wild indigo has antiseptic properties that have made it well known as a potent herb originally used by Native Americans for healing wounds. Not only can it be used for healing of ulcers on the skin, but ointments can be made to relieve sore nipples from breast feeding. Caution should be taken to thoroughly wash it off the ointment before breastfeeding a baby.