The common name is Glisten or Woad for Insatis Tinctoria which is a yellow colored flowering plant from the family Brassicaceae often called dyer’s woad. Apparently the ancient Egyptians used woad to create their blue dye cloth for wrappings mummies. The dye extracted from woad is indigo, which is one of the seven colors of the rainbow placed between the color blue and violet.
This herb is so astringent that it is not good to be taken inwardly, however it can be made into an ointment and applied externally that can be helpful with curbing pains and cooling inflammation.
Woad also works well as an antiviral, because it is a natural antibiotic, it has been successfully used to prevent secondary infections. Woad and other types of Isatis have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years with its unique ability to prevent viruses such as influenza and measles.
When using woad for medicinal purposes it is best to consult with an experienced herbalist or therapist practitioner who specializes in understanding and using this herbal plant.
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