Wild Indigo: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Wild indigo is an herb. The root is used to make medicine. Sometimes the sap of wild indigo is used as a dye.

Wild indigo is used for infections such as diphtheria, influenza (flu), the common cold, other upper respiratory tract infections, malaria, typhoid, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Do not confuse wild indigo with other plants that are often referred to as indigo. Also, don't confuse wild indigo with indigo carmine. Indigo carmine is a dye that is created in a lab and is used for many industrial purposes.

There isn't enough information to know how wild indigo works.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough information to know how wild indigo works.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Common cold.
Cold sores.
Low white blood cell count (leukopenia).
Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).
Swelling (inflammation) of the tonsils (tonsillitis).
Diphtheria.
Influenza (flu).
Malaria.
Typhoid fever.
Scarlet fever.
Sore throat.
Swelling of the mouth and throat.
Fever.
Crohn disease.
Ulcers.
Wounds.
Sore and painful nipples.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of wild indigo for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Wild indigo is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth long-term or in large doses such as 30 grams or more. Large doses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, other intestinal problems, and spasms. There isn't enough reliable information to know if wild indigo is safe when used in lower doses.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if wild indigo is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Wild indigo is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Avoid use.

Stomach or intestinal problems: Wild indigo can be especially harmful to people with stomach or intestinal problems. Avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Wild Indigo overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of wild indigo depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for wild indigo. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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