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Wild Indigo and Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation, one in which you feel as if your head is spinning or your surroundings are moving. It is rarely serious, though it may increase your chances of falling. Wild indigo is sometimes used as a home remedy to treat vertigo.

  1. Causes of Vertigo

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, benign positional vertigo is one of the most common forms of vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is caused by disturbances in the inner ear. Vertigo can also happen after a bout of cold or flu or viral infection of the inner ear.

    Wild Indigo

    • Wild indigo (scientific name: Baptisia australis) is a perennial herb, native to the Midwest United States. A member of the pea family, the blue wild indigo has striking blue flowers, and was a source of blue dye for the early Cherokees.

    Traditional Uses

    • According to the United States Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation, some Indian tribes use wild indigo for medicinal purposes. Among them are an eyewash made from wild indigo and wild indigo tea used as a purgative and to prevent vomiting. The powdered root is used to relieve toothache.

    Benefits

    • Wild Indigo has two main active ingredients--glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Both of these are key molecules involved in the immune system. Boosting immunity can help treat underlying causes of vertigo.

    Herbal Remedies

    • Due to its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties, wild indigo has been used to treat many ailments. According to Herbs2000, wild indigo is beneficial for treating upper respiratory infections, lymphatic disorders, viral infections and as a mouthwash to treat canker sores, gum diseases and sore throats.

    Wild Indigo and Vertigo

    • Although there is no scientific evidence to show that wild indigo can cure vertigo, herbal practitioners believe that wild indigo's natural immune-boosting properties can treat underlying conditions that give rise to vertigo, such as cold, flu and viral infection of the ear. Always consult a certified practitioner before using wild indigo.

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