Indigo

(Indigo)
Sanskrit: नीली • Botanical: Indigofera tinctoria Linn.

Neeli (Indigofera tinctoria) or Indigo plant is primarily known as a dye-yielding plant but has significant medicinal value. The text describes it as bitter (Tikta), light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha), and hot in potency. It is beneficial for hair health (Keshya), acts as an antidote to poisons, treats skin diseases and worm infestations. The leaves when rubbed give a dark blue-green color. The dye extract (Indican) is the main chemical constituent. The plant has been used traditionally for hair coloring and treating hair-related conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Neeli is described as alleviating Kapha and Vata doshas. The dye content in leaves is about 0.5-0.5%. Verse refs: pages 406-407.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
About 5% extractable as dye (Indican (Indigo dye), indigotin)
Also Known As
English: Indigo, True Indigo
Sanskrit: नीली, नीलिनी, रञ्जनी, ग्रामीणी, माधवी, श्रीफली, श्रीतुली, काकनील, रतनबन्धनी, रञ्जिनी, शोभा, कृष्णा
Hindi: नील, नीली

What is Indigo (Neeli / नीली)?

Neeli (Indigofera tinctoria) or Indigo plant is primarily known as a dye-yielding plant but has significant medicinal value. The text describes it as bitter (Tikta), light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha), and hot in potency. It is beneficial for hair health (Keshya), acts as an antidote to poisons, treats skin diseases and worm infestations. The leaves when rubbed give a dark blue-green color. The dye extract (Indican) is the main chemical constituent. The plant has been used traditionally for hair coloring and treating hair-related conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Neeli is described as alleviating Kapha and Vata doshas. The dye content in leaves is about 0.5-0.5%. Verse refs: pages 406-407.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Keshya (beneficial for hair)
  • Vishaghna (antidote to poison)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Kushthaghna (treats skin diseases)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Indigo by Condition

Explore how Indigo is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Indigo for Inflammation
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Indigo for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.