Indigo Blue: Not Just a Dye - 6 Surprising Uses

Most commonly recognized for its beautiful, distinct blue coloring, indigo has many uses beyond a dye for fabric. In Japan, indigo has been used as "medicinal herb" for a centuries.

Here are some not so common uses for indigo. Some of them may surprise you!

Indigo tea AIAKANE

Indigo tea

Indigo is edible and can be consumed as a tea. Not only are the leaves and stems used, but also the root, flower and seed depending on the season.

Indigo powder AIAKANE

Edible indigo powder

Indigo can be made into and powder which has a variety of edible uses including in sweets, sauce, spices and smoothies. 

Immune support

Wild indigo is said to increase immune function and has been used to fightthe common cold and flu (especially when combined with echinacea, boneset, and homeopathic arnica).*

Baptisia australis - Blue Wild Indigo

Antibacterial

Indigo is said to have antibacterial effects and can be an effective way to prevent odors. Indigo clothing has been used as a remedy for skin trouble or eczema, while also repelling insects. Ancient samurais used to wear indigo clothing under their armor to help heal wounds and it can more recently be found in soaps.

Japanese firemen, the hikeshi as they were known, of the Edo period (1603-1867).

Flame retardent

In olden days, Japanese firefighters used indigo clothing to protect themselves due to its flame retardant abilities (up to 1500F!).

Indigo hair dye

Hair dye

A natural, chemical free dye, indigo can make your hair appear darker. It can also be combined with henna for a more dark-brown coloring.

 

4 Responses

Kokoro Care Packages

Kokoro Care Packages

June 23, 2022

Thank you for your question! Indigo plants require full sun to partial shade with medium to dry, non-acidic soil. We’re not sure how this would compare to southeast Texas though.

Lori Bush

Lori Bush

June 23, 2022

Question actually. Would the plant grow in southeast Texas? I know the myrtles plantation in the far path grew it for a commodity . It makes me think it would but I want to ask. Does it grow in full sun or partial shade. Thank you!

Kokoro Care Packages

Kokoro Care Packages

May 17, 2022

Hi Ray! Thank you for your question. We can certainly look into this for you and have sent an email to discuss.

Ray

Ray

May 17, 2022

How much for edible indigo?

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