Wild indigo's therapeutic uses
Wild indigo, a natural plant product, has a variety of proposed therapeutic uses primarily centered around immune support and treatment of several health conditions. Traditionally utilized by Indigenous Americans for topical applications on non-healing wounds and infections, the root of wild indigo is the part that is most commonly used. It is often combined with other herbs such as echinacea and white cedar to enhance its effects. Research suggests that this combination can significantly alleviate symptoms of the common cold and may improve recovery times in individuals experiencing acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis when paired with antibiotics.
Additionally, wild indigo is thought to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it potentially beneficial for treating skin infections, tonsillitis, and sore throats. Some studies indicate its effectiveness in managing digestive issues like ulcerative colitis and alleviating constipation. Despite these promising applications, comprehensive safety testing has not been conducted, and while no severe adverse effects have been reported in clinical studies, caution is advised for vulnerable groups such as young children and pregnant or nursing women. Overall, wild indigo presents an interesting area of interest for those exploring herbal remedies and immune health support.
Wild indigo's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Chronic bronchitis (acute exacerbation, along with antibiotic therapy), colds and flu (in combination with echinacea and white cedar), immune support, skin infections, sepsis, digestive issues, lymphatic system support, fever
Overview
Like its botanical relative, true indigo (Indigofera tinctoria), wild indigo has historically been used as a source of a deep blue dye. It was also used medicinally: the Indigenous Americans used it as a topical treatment for non-healing wounds and infections of the mouth and throat. The root is the part used.
Therapeutic Dosages
Combination therapies containing wild indigo, echinacea, and white cedar should be taken according to label instructions.
Therapeutic Uses
Wild indigo is primarily used as part of a standardized four-herb combination said to improve immune function. In addition to wild indigo, this combination contains Echinacea purpurea root, E. pallida root, and white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). This combination is hypothesized to have immune-stimulating properties.
In a well-designed double-blind study of 263 people with recent onset of the common cold, use of this combination significantly improved cold symptoms compared with placebo. Recovery occurred approximately three days earlier among people taking the herbal mixture than among those taking the placebo.
Benefits for the common cold were also seen in other double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving a total of about 250 people.
The same combination therapy has also shown promise for augmenting the effects of antibiotics in people with bacterial infections. For example, in one study, fifty-three people experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis were given either antibiotics plus placebo or the same antibiotics plus this herbal combination. The results showed that participants who received the herbal mixture recovered significantly more quickly than those who were given placebo.
Proponents of this combination therapy claim that it works by “balancing” or “strengthening” the immune system. However, while there is evidence that this herbal mixture affects the immune function, scientific knowledge is generally inadequate to determine whether any such effects are good, bad, or indifferent.
There are several other recommended therapeutic uses for wild indigo. Its immune-boosting effects may help treat various skin infections, including boils, ulcers, and wounds, which are also aided by wild indigo’s antiseptic properties. Wild indigo’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help to treat tonsillitis and sore throats. Wild indigo is believed to possess a mild laxative effect, which can help relieve constipation. A 2020 double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed wild indigo effective in treating ulcerative colitis. It is also believed to aid lymphatic drainage and swelling of the lymph nodes. Wild indigo may also treat fevers.
Safety Issues
Wild indigo has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. However, in clinical studies, use of the standardized combination therapy has not been associated with any serious harmful effects. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Hauke, W., et al. "Esberitox N as Supportive Therapy When Providing Standard Antibiotic Treatment in Subjects with a Severe Bacterial Infection (Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis): A Multicentric, Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study." Chemotherapy, vol. 48, 2002, pp. 259-266.
Henneicke-von Zepelin, H., et al. "Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed Combination Phytomedicine in the Treatment of the Common Cold (Acute Viral Respiratory Tract Infection): Results of a Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Multicentre Study." Current Medical Research and Opinion, vol. 15, 2000, pp. 214-227.
Naser, B., et al. "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Dose-Response Trial of an Extract of Baptisia, Echinacea, and Thuja for the Treatment of Patients with Common Cold." Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, vol. 12, 2005, pp. 715-722.
Uchiyama, Kan, et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Short-Term Therapy with Indigo Naturalis for Ulcerative Colitis: An Investigator-Initiated Multicenter Double-Blind Clinical Trial." PLOS ONE, vol. 15, no. 11, 5 Nov. 2020, p. e0241337, doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241337. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
"Wild Indigo – Health Information Library." PeaceHealth, 14 Apr. 2024, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2184005. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
Wustenberg, P., et al. "Efficacy and Mode of Action of an Immunomodulator Herbal Preparation Containing Echinacea, Wild Indigo, and White Cedar." Advances in Therapy, vol. 16, 1999, pp. 51-70.