Natural Indigo
- Chinese
- 青黛
- Pinyin
- Qing Dai
- Latin
- Indigo Naturalis
Known in TCM as Qing Dai (青黛), this salty, cold herb enters the Liver, Lung, and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity; cools the Blood and resolves macules for Heat-toxin skin eruptions, most often applied for eczema, hemoptysis, and epilepsy. Modern research has identified Indirubin among its active constituents.
Part used: Indigo pigment
Also Known As
Latin: Indigo Naturalis | Pinyin: Qing Dai | Chinese: 青黛
TCM Properties
- Taste
- salty
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Liver, Lung, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; cools the Blood and resolves macules for Heat-toxin skin eruptions
- Clears Liver Fire; calms fright and stops convulsions, particularly in children with high fever
- Cools the Blood for hemoptysis and epistaxis from Heat in the Blood
Secondary Actions
- Applied topically for mumps, sores, and Heat-toxin swellings
Classical References
- Documented in later Chinese materia medica as a plant-derived blue pigment used for Heat-toxin and Liver Fire patterns
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Indirubin
- Indigo
- Tryptanthrin
- Isatin
Studied Effects
- Multiple randomized controlled trials show oral Indigo Naturalis (0.5-2.0g/day) induces significant clinical remission in ulcerative colitis compared to placebo
- Indigo and indirubin act as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, a proposed mechanism for its anti-inflammatory effect in the gut
- Documented risk of mild liver dysfunction and, rarely, pulmonary arterial hypertension with oral use, prompting dose and duration limits in clinical protocols
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Pre-existing liver disease
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold
Cautions
- Oral use is associated with mild liver enzyme elevation and, in rare cases, serious pulmonary arterial hypertension; monitor liver function during extended use
- Avoid alcohol during oral use, as it may compound liver irritation risk
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natural Indigo used for?
Natural Indigo is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; cools the Blood and resolves macules for Heat-toxin skin eruptions, Clears Liver Fire; calms fright and stops convulsions, particularly in children with high fever, Cools the Blood for hemoptysis and epistaxis from Heat in the Blood. Research has investigated its effects on: Multiple randomized controlled trials show oral Indigo Naturalis (0.5-2.0g/day) induces significant clinical remission in ulcerative colitis compared to placebo; Indigo and indirubin act as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, a proposed mechanism for its anti-inflammatory effect in the gut.
What are other names for Natural Indigo?
Natural Indigo is also known as Indigo pulverata levis, Naturalis. In TCM: 青黛 (Qing Dai); Indigo Naturalis.
Is Natural Indigo safe during pregnancy?
Natural Indigo is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Natural Indigo?
Natural Indigo should not be used in: Pregnancy; Pre-existing liver disease; Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.