Description

Wild Indigo Root

Description Wild Indigo or Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) may also be called Blue False Indigo, Indigo Broom, Baptisia, Clover Broom and Horsefly Weed. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the pea family. The Wild Indigo is native to North America. This plant may grow to about 3.2 feet in height and is very common in gardens and yards because of its beauty and its pea-like appearance. This plant is low maintenance and can withstand warm temperatures. The Wild Indigo root is just one of the many parts of the Wild Indigo which is used as an herbal remedy. When dug up, the roots may appear woody and are colored black; the roots may even show wart-like projections as well. The stems of the Wild Indigo contain a sap that can be seen as bluish in color. The leaves of the Wild Indigo are colored grayish green and are alternately arranged. The flowers are pea-like and blossom in June and are colored indigo in color. The Wild Indigo root is used in many herbal treatments and is effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and as an immune system enhancer.

History and Origin The Wild Indigo as well as the Wild Indigo root has been used by Native American tribes in the production of blue dye, this process was imitated by European settlers. Thus the name Wild Indigo is derived from the color of the dye. The name of the genus baptisia was from the Ancient Greek word ‘bapto’ which basically means ‘to immerse’ or ‘to dip’, ‘australis’ is a Latin word for South.

Ancient Uses The Wild Indigo along with the Wild Indigo root was used by the native Cherokee tribes in northern America as a source of blue dye. It was also used as a tea to cure intestinal parasites and also to treat minor gastrointestinal problems. It was also used to cure toothaches and even as an eyewash.