Evidence supporting the use of: Assam indigo
For the health condition: Rashes and Hives
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Assam indigo (Strobilanthes cusia), also known as "Qing Dai" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for various skin conditions, including rashes and hives (urticaria). In TCM, Assam indigo is believed to have "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" properties, which can help soothe inflammatory skin eruptions. Historical texts and materia medica record its topical and oral use for conditions characterized by redness, swelling, or itching. However, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for rashes and hives is limited. Some modern pharmacological studies have identified anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in extracts of Assam indigo, but these are preliminary and mostly in vitro or animal studies. There are few, if any, well-controlled clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness specifically for rashes or hives in humans. Most recommendations for its use in these conditions are therefore based on traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. Practitioners of TCM may recommend it as part of a broader herbal formula, tailored to individual patient presentations. As with all herbal treatments, users should consult qualified professionals, as allergic reactions and interactions with other medications are possible. In summary, while Assam indigo's use for rashes and hives is deeply rooted in tradition, the strength of modern scientific support is modest.
Other ingredients used for Rashes and Hives
aloe verabeeswax
myrobalan
bisabolol
burdock
chamomile
cucumber
gotu kola
immunoglobin G
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
rubia cordifolia
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
morus
silk tree
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
sea salt
akebia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Albizia
Anserina
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bogbean
Black Poplar
Banyan
Borage
Bittersweet
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Cyathula
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Corktree
Cowslip
Chinatree
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
David's Milkberry
Dwarf Nettle
Dendramine
Emu Oil
Eupatorium
Lotus
Orchid
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by assam indigo
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Inflammation
Rashes and Hives
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores