Overview
Indigo is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. Neeli (Indigofera tinctoria) or Indigo plant is primarily known as a dye-yielding plant but has significant medicinal value. The text describes it as bitter (Tikta), light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha), and hot in potency. It is beneficial for hair health (Keshya), acts as an antidote to poisons, treats skin diseases and worm infestations. The leaves when rubbed give a dark blue-green color. The dye extract (Indican) is the main chemical constituent. The plant has been used traditionally for hair coloring and treating hair-related conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Neeli is described as alleviating Kapha and Vata doshas. The dye content in leaves is about 0.5-0.5%. Verse refs: pages 406-407.
How Indigo Helps with Parasites and Worms
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Indigo has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms
See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
Twenty types of prameha classified by dosha: 10 kapha (curable), 6 pitta (palliable), 4 vata (incurable) Kapha types: water-like, sugarcane-juice-like, dense, layered, white, seminal, cold, slow-flowing, saliva-like, sand-containing urines Pitta types: alkali-like, black, indigo, turmeric-colored, madder-colored, blood-containing urines Vata types: bone-marrow, vital-essence, muscle-fat, lymph-mixed urines Obese patients require depletion therapy first;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Ch. 6
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Ch. 6
— Nilini (indigo — Indigofera tinctoria), Saindhava (rock salt), and Krishna Lavana (black salt) should be added and powdered.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Another hair-blackening paste: Triphala, Nilika (indigo, Indigofera tinctoria) leaves, iron filings (Loha), and Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba) in equal parts, ground with sheep's urine -- this is renowned as a hair-blackening (Krishnikara) preparation.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
This is one of the most comprehensive natural hair-darkening formulations, combining the tannin-iron chemistry of Triphala with indigo's natural dye, Bhringaraja's melanogenesis-promoting action, and the alkaline sheep urine as a mordant to fix the color.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
With seeds of hrasva-shigru (small Moringa), or combined with bronze and nili (indigo), anti-helminthic pressed nasya ground with urine should be applied.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.