baptisia

Baptisia

(wild indigo)

Baptisia (also known as wild indigo) is the botanical genus name of a group of plants belonging to the legume family and is native to North America. It is used to treat infectious diseases.

The main active substances are polysaccharides and glycoproteins, and it is the dried roots that are used. The main effect of baptisia is to speed up antibody formation.

Baptisia (wild indigo):

Botany

The genus Baptisia (Vent.) consists of 15 species that belong to distinct phylogenetic groups and belongs to the Fabaceae family. All the species studied hybridise readily with each other, resulting in a large number of hybrids in addition to the 15 species, and these have often be considered as distinct species. For this reason, it is sometimes assumed that there are 30 species of Baptisia.

Baptisia (wild indigo):

History of the medicinal plant

Wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) was used by the indigenous peoples of North America as a decoction made from the root as a basis for rubs for wounds and bruises. They gave the watery root extract to their children at the first signs of illness, to prevent the onset; other groups used powdered seeds of a Baptisia species mixed with buffalo fat as a rub to treat colic.

The medicinal plant was adopted by European settlers on the American continent and used as an antiseptic for treating typhus and scarlet fever. This happened from the middle of the last century. Today, it is often used in combination with other substances as a herbal immunostimulant.

Baptisia

Baptisia (wild indigo) has a long tradition of use as a medicinal plant: more than 2,000 years ago, it was already being administered by indigenous peoples at the first signs of illness.

Baptisia (wild indigo)
Ivy

Ivy is a plant with a history: even in ancient times, it was dedicated to the gods of wine and fertility. Later, its healing properties became increasingly recognised.

Ivy (Hedera helix)
Echinacea

Echinacea belongs to the daisy family. The name "echinacea" is derived from the ancient Greek word "echinos", meaning sea urchin, referring to the spiky, pointed bracts of the flower head. It is native to eastern and central North America.

Echinacea (coneflower)
Thuja

The healing power of thuja was historically prized by the indigenous peoples of North America. The parts of the thuja plant used for medicinal purposes are the twig tips and the younger shoots of the tree.

Thuja (arborvitae)
Sage

Sage (salvia) is a member of the mint family. It is one of the most species-rich genera. When boiled and steeped, sage has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and also stimulates blood flow. Ginger also imparts a pleasant warming sensation from within.

Peppermint

Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and is used both internally and externally. It also soothes the mucous membranes of the nose when you have a cold.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also known as roseroot, has a long tradition as a medicinal plant in Northern Europe. It is used traditionally to combat stress and enhance performance.