Assam indigo (strobilanthes cusia)
Synopsis of assam indigo
Assam indigo (Strobilanthes cusia or sometimes Indigofera tinctoria, depending on regional classification) is a medicinal and dye-producing plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly Assam (India), southern China, and Taiwan. It is most widely recognized for its role in producing a deep blue indigo dye, traditionally extracted from its leaves through a fermentation process. In addition to its economic value as a natural dye source, Assam indigo has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other herbal systems for its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant contains indican (a glycoside), indirubin, tryptanthrin, and other indole alkaloids, which contribute to its antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is especially known for supporting skin, respiratory, and immune health, and is used in both internal and external preparations.
Medicinal applications include the treatment of:
- Fevers and sore throats
- Respiratory infections and bronchitis
- Viral conditions (including mumps and measles)
- Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Bleeding gums or mouth ulcers
In herbal practice, it is commonly found in formulas as Qing Dai (青黛), the powdered indigo pigment used in TCM to “clear heat, cool the blood, and reduce toxicity.” It is often combined with herbs like Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) or Scutellaria (Huang Qin) for immune and inflammation-related conditions.
Historical Use:
Assam indigo has been used for centuries across India, China, and Southeast Asia, both as a natural dye and a medicinal plant. In Ayurvedic medicine, indigo species like Indigofera tinctoria were used for liver conditions, detoxification, epilepsy, and skin eruptions, and the dye was also applied topically for wounds and inflammation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Strobilanthes cusia is a core ingredient in herbal formulas for febrile diseases, viral outbreaks, and skin rashes, often associated with “excess heat and toxins in the blood.” During historical epidemics, Qing Dai and its related compounds were used to help reduce fever, inflammation, and rash formation.
It has also been part of folk remedies in rural Asia, used as a poultice for snakebites, ulcers, and abscesses, and consumed in teas or pastes for internal cooling and immune support.
Today, Assam indigo is still used in both herbal medicine and natural dyeing, bridging cultural tradition, pharmacological interest, and sustainable industry. Its bioactive components continue to be studied for anti-cancer, antiviral, and skin-protective effects, making it a valued plant in both ancient and modern healing systems.
Assam indigo is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abrasions (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
