More than a fabric dye: Japanese Indigo and its benefits and uses

Indigo, a perfect shade of deep blue, is a natural color extracted from indigo plants that has been used by human beings across civilizations. Indigo has a colorful history that can be traced back to ancient times. 

Indigo dye has given birth to the unique color known as “Japan blue.” Do you know that the “Japan blue” is used in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics emblem? This deep blue color embodies the essence of Japanese elegance and it is also Japan’s color of victory and it is featured in Japan’s national soccer and baseball team uniforms. Let’s learn more about this special hue and how it is being used as a fabric dye and in other surprising ways. 

Indigo dye

The traditional indigo dyeing method is called “aizome” in Japanese and this time-honored technique grew in popularity during the Edo period. The natural indigo dye “sukumo” is extracted from the Japanese indigo plant, persicaria tinctoria. The intricate production of the color dye is time-consuming and requires great skills and precision and this art is mastered by craftsmen called “tamashi.”

Tokushima, one of the four prefectures in Shikoku, is renowned for its indigo dye and it is one of Japan’s biggest producers of indigo dye. Its famous indigo dye “awa ai” is a high quality brand of indigo dye.

Indigo medicinal products

Other than being used as a dye, Indigo is used in some Asian countries as a medicine because it is rich in nutrients and has healing properties. Back in the Edo period, merchants were known to carry indigo in charm bags as the plant has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can help with stomach and intestinal problems. 

Indigo is a medicinal herb that is used in Chinese traditional medicine. The plant has anti-inflammatory effects and can help to treat gum inflammation, insect or snake bites, sore throat, fever and more. In addition, wild indigo plants are believed to boost immunity and can relieve common cold and flu. 

Indigo skin care and beauty products

Indigo is a popular ingredient used in skin and hair products because it has antibacterial effects. The plant products are beneficial for skin conditions like eczema or severe dermatitis and they can also help with cuts. Ancient samurais used to wear indigo clothing under their armor to help to heal their wounds.

Moreover, indigo produces a wonderful fragrance and it is also a natural mosquito repellent. Nowadays, you can find skin care products like cream and soap infused with indigo essence. Other than its fabric dying function, indigo is a natural, chemical free hair dye that can help with hair coloring.

Indigo food products

Indigo is used in food products due to its nutritious elements. The polyphenol content in indigo is believed to be four times more than blueberries. Indigo can be made into ingredients like powder and food coloring that can be used in a variety of food products like sweets, sauce, spices, and even health food like juice and smoothies. 

Indigo tea

The indigo plants are not only used to produce color dyes, different parts of the plant like leaves, flowers, stalks, and even seeds of the versatile plant are edible and they can be used to produce high quality tea. Indigo tea has great nutritious value and it comes with a fragrant aroma and enhances the enjoyment of the tea with a vibrant shade of blue.

Try the special indigo tea by Atelier Aiakane, a tea farm in Nagasaki that produces indigo tea leaves naturally, without using any chemicals, and hand pick and pack their tea products. If you enjoy Japanese tea, check out Kokoro Cares’ exclusive “Ryu” Care Package that comes with a curated selection of Japanese green and specialty teas.

Written by Wendy Ng