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Baptisia tinctoria (Leguminosae)
WILD INDIGO, BAPTISIA,
AMERICAN INDIGO
The roots of this plant are used by herbalists internally for mouth and
throat infections, and externally for boils, ulcers and rheumatism.
This is not the source of the famous bluejeans dye, but is a native to North America once used by the indigenous Indians as a dye and for medicine.
Wild indigo is a small
perennial shrub with rounded clover-like leaves and bunches of small yellow flowers during late summer.
PARTS USED
Dried root.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Isoflavones, including genistein
and aptogenin; flavonoids; alkaloids, including cytisine; coumarins.
ACTIONS
Anti-infective; laxative; helps reduce fever; increases the flow of bile.
MEDICINAL. USE
Given internally for infections and inflammation of the mouth, throat, or tonsils, inflammation of the lymphatic system,
and as a douche for vaginal discharges. Externally, it is used on boils and ulcers, and for rheumatism.
PREPARATIONS
Decoction, tincture, cream. |
