Source Natural Indigo is the dried powder or mass prepared from the leaf or stem and leaf of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek. (Fam. Acanthaceae).
Producing Areas Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Hebei and Yunnan, etc.
Properties Salty, Cold
Channels Liver, Lung, Stomach
Action
•Removes toxic heat
For eruptive fever, ulcers in the mouth, mumps, pharyngitis, laryngitis, infantile convulsions.
•Reduces heat in blood
Curtails spitting of blood and epitaxis due to heat in the blood, chest pain and hemoptysis.
Usage and Dosage
0.3 – 1g is swallowed directly. 1.5 – 6g is decocted. It should be wrapped with cloth before decocting as it is not soluble. Suitable amount is used externally.
Notes Use with caution in the case with cold of the stomach.
Large doses may cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
StorageKeep in a dry place.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one has an even blue colour, can float in water and produces purplish red smog for a long time when burnt.
Professional Advice
Identifying Dyers Woad Leaf, Isatis Root and Natural Indigo
Similarities: The three products are derived from the same source and have similar actions — removing virulent factors or toxic materials, cooling blood and dispersing maculae.
Differences: Dyers Woad Leaf is effective in cooling blood and dispersing maculae. Isatis Root is effective in removing toxins and benefiting the throat. Natural Indigo is effective in clearing away liver-fire.
