Overview
Indigo is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. 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.
How Indigo Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Indigo has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
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
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
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.