Woad (ban lan gen)

Isatis tinctoria (syn. I. indigotica)

Traditionally attributed effects: root (ban lan gen) and leaf (da qing ye) cool heat and 'toxin' in viral infections, sore throat and mumps.

Safety notes

Not with a cold, weak spleen or stomach or without real heat. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Always have fever with rash, mumps and pneumonia assessed medically.

Preparation

Root and leaf. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool heat and detoxify'. In China the root (ban lan gen) and leaves (da qing ye) are widely used for sore throat, flu and mumps; ban lan gen granules are bought in bulk during epidemics. In Europe woad was the main source of blue dye until the arrival of indigo.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: bitter, cold
Meridians: lung, heart, stomach

Attributed effects

Root and leaf are often used together as a strong remedy against heat and 'toxin': contagious febrile diseases such as flu, mumps and pneumonia, sore throat from viruses or bacteria, heat in the blood with blotchy rash and ulcers, and jaundice.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 9–30 g a day, usually in a decoction. Formerly an important blue dye plant in Europe.

Combinations

With honeysuckle flower and lian qiao for sore throat and mumps
With gypsum for high fever with restlessness

Caution: Always have fever with rash, mumps and pneumonia assessed medically.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Dang gui long hui wan

Sources

All herbs from Asia →