We have had a shockingly long history using this plant, which is originally from Central and Southern Europe, as a source of blue dye. Records of the use of Woad date back to ancient times, and may reach as far back as the Neolithic!
The ancient Egyptians used Woad (aka. Indian Barberry; Isatis tinctoria, syn. I. indigotica) as a dye for cloths for mummies and its use predates the use of Indigo as a blue dye source.
Early inhabitants of Britain were recorded as painting (or maybe tattooing) their bodies with a blue dye that is thought to be Woad, and is the reason they became known as Picts (“painted ones”).
The Woad and natural Indigo industries collapsed when it was discovered how to synthesize the pigments artificially. However, there are small Woad farms existing in the UK today for a craft dyer industry.
Woad is a herbaceous perennial, growing up to 1.5 meters tall with lance-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers, following by blue-black seed pods.
There is some history of edible use of Woad, as well, as when the leaves are soaked they may become less bitter, and the seeds have been used to produce oil.
As Woad produces a dye that is safe and biodegradable, there are some efforts to use it for inks in printers, dyes and also for preserving woods. In some locations of the world Woad has become successful as an invasive weed.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Woad has a long tradition of use, mainly for controlling fever and fighting infections; especially encephalitis, upper respiratory infection and gastroenteritis. During the SARS outbreak, it became a popular remedy in China.
The dried root of Woad is prepared into granules which can be dissolved into water or tea.
Through scientific investigation Woad has been found to be active against the SARS-associated coronavirus. Other activities found include neuroprotective, nitric oxide inhibition, activity against Dengue virus, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiparasitic, antibacterial and anticancer.
An alkaloid present in Woad called tryptanthrin has a strong inhibitory activity to the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, and thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
The Antiviral for When Your Feeling Blue.
