Wild Indigo
Latin name: Tephrosia purpurea
Sanskrit/Indian name: Sarapunkha
General information:
The Sanskrit name of Wild Indigo, Sarapunkha, is a combination of two words—arrow and wings. This refers to the physical appearance of the plant. If both the ends of its leaf are held and pulled, edges like that of an arrow are formed (Source: www.herbalcureindia.com).
The plant is beneficial in treating skin eruptions and has insecticidal properties.Therapeutic constituents:
The leaves of Wild Indigo contain rotenoid, which is an insecticidal. The seeds contain a flavonoid, lanceolarin B, which gives the plant its skin healing property.Key therapeutic benefits:
- Wild Indigo promotes skin healing. The oil from the seeds of the plant are beneficial in treating skin eruptions, eczema, scabies and leprosy.
- A poultice made from the plant acts as an insect-repellant.
Used in Erina-EP