The efficacy and function of indigofera ternata

Indigofera ternata is a relatively familiar traditional Chinese medicine. It has many benefits for our body. If we want to consume it correctly in our lives, we need to have some understanding of Indigofera ternata. Let’s take a look at it below.

【English Name】 Trifoliolate Indigo

[Alias] Ground indigo, wild indigo.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb or root of the leguminous plant Indigofera trifoliata.

[Original form] Indigofera ternata is a perennial herb. The stem is procumbent or nearly erect, and the stem is woody; the young branches have flat hairs that soon fall off and almost disappear. Leaves are alternate; petioles are 6-10mm long and slender; stipules are tiny; ternate or palmate compound leaves, leaf blades are obovate-oblong or oblanceolate, 1-2.5cm long, 4-7mm wide, with rounded apex and a small tip, base cuneate, gray-green above, light green below with dark brown or red glandular dots, and covered with close-fitting soft hairs on both sides. The flowers are gathered in axillary, nearly capitate racemes with very short pedicels and very small flowers, 6-12 in number; the calyx is bell-shaped, about 2.5mm long, densely covered with stiff hairs, 5-lobed, and the calyx teeth are closed by bristles; the papilionate corolla is red, 5-7.5mm long. The pods are linear, drooping, 1-1.6 cm long, with obvious ridges on the sutures on both sides of the north abdomen. They are hairy at first and then gradually become hairless. 6-8 seeds. The flowering period is from July to September, and the fruiting period is from September to October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in grass on hillsides above 1700m above sea level.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The whole plant is 30-60cm long, with herbaceous upper part and woody base. The leaflets are 3 or fallen off, oblong ovate or oblong, 1-2.5cm long, 4-7mm wide, with a rounded tip and a small tip, a cuneate base, covered with white soft hairs on both sides, and dark brown glandular dots can be seen underneath. The racemes are axillary, the calyx is bell-shaped, densely covered with stiff hairs, and the corolla is reddish brown, 2-3 times longer than the calyx. The pods are linear, 1-1.6 cm long, and contain 6-8 seeds.

[Chemical composition] The seeds contain protein (22%), carbohydrates (9.68%), and lipids (1.61%). The main proteins are globulin and albumin.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cold

【Meridian】 Heart meridian

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Sore throat; fever and headache; mumps; breast abscess

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-15g. For external use: take appropriate amount and wash with decoction.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": The whole plant tastes bitter and is cold in nature. It has the effect of clearing away heat and reducing swelling. Used for acute pharyngitis, acute and chronic tonsillitis, and mastitis.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above article introduces the effects of indigofera ternata. I hope it will be helpful to you in your life. But it is important to note that you should not randomly combine it with other foods. You should consult a professional before making a decision.