Many parts of the world are opting traditional medicines and treatment methods. Today the use medicinal plants and herbs are increasing on a quick pace among the people. Studies show that the use of medicinal plants act not only on a particular system but on the whole body. Also herbal drugs are less harmful since they cause less side effects and toxicity to the body, compared to the chemical synthetic drugs. Since herbal drugs are not as costly as synthetic drugs, they are also affordable to all people. There are some herbs which are having some toxic effect on the body. But can be used in little quantity after proper purification and herbs are directly related with the prakriti or nature. So one which is nearer to the nature is good for human body also.
Study of Neeli
True indigo is the common name of Neeli. It is known in Ayurveda for its medicinal values and anti poisonous effect. Many scientific studies have been conducted on Neeli to prove its pharmacology activities. It has been widely used in almost all developing countries for its excellent medicinal value.
In China traditional medicine it is used to detoxify liver, as a blood purifier, to reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
Scientific Description of Neeli
Botanical Name : Indigofera tinctoria
Family : Fabaceae
Plant description: True indigo is a shrub with light green pinnate leaves with mostly bisexual flowers. They are found mostly in Asia as well as in Africa.
Chemical properties
Rasa (Taste) : Tikta (bitter)
Guna (Quality) : Laghu, Ruksha (light & penetrating)
Veerya (potency) : Usna (Hot)
Vipaka ( taste after digestion ) : Katu (pungent)
Chemical composition
Presence of alkaloid in its alcoholic extract of leaves. Presence of steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, phenol.
Karma (Action on body)
It is antibacterial, anti oxidant, anti hyperglycemic, anti inflammatory, hepatic protective, anti diabetic and anti cancerous. It acts as a laxative, expectorant, anti helminthes, used in splenomegaly, epilepsy, gastropathy, cardiopathy etc.
Medicinal value
Use of Neeli in Visha Chikitsa (in poisonous treatment)
Neeli acts as an anti dot for poisoning. It is used widely for poisoning caused by both animal and herbal poisons. It is used in many agada preparations (anti poisonous medicines).
Cobra poison
Other uses of Neeli
Besides its use for humans as a medicine and an antipoisonous agent, it is also used for soil health too. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving its fertility and enhancing the soil.
It is widely used as a source for synthesizing dye. Dye is obtained from processing the plant leaves and it is marketed as a natural colouring plant.