Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Indigo Naturalis |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 青黛 · Qing Dai |
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| Medicinal Part | Others |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried powder or lump made from the processed leaves or stems and leaves of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek., Polygonum tinctorium Ait or Isatis indigotica Fort. (Acanthaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Salty; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver |
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What Is Qing Dai?
Qing Dai (Natural Indigo) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Hebei, Yunnan.
Nature & Flavour: Salty; Cold
Channels Entered: Liver
Qing Dai: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Indigo Naturalis
Botanical Origin
The dried powder or lump made from the processed leaves or stems and leaves of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek., Polygonum tinctorium Ait or Isatis indigotica Fort. (Acanthaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Hebei, Yunnan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is evenly blue, floating up on water, producing purplish-red smoke for a while when burned.
Macroscopic Features
Extremely fine powder, grayish-blue or dark blue, light in weight, easily rises as dust, can stick to hand or paper. Grass-like odor; slightly sour taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Salty; ColdLiver
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves toxin, cools blood and dissipates macules, purges fire and calms fright.
How Qing Dai Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Qing Dai is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
