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Indigo or nil, Indigofera tinctoria
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Indigo or nil, Indigofera tinctoria
Indigo or nil, Indigofera tinctoria. Handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart after a botanical illustration by David Blair from Robert Bentley and Henry Trimens Medicinal Plants, London, 1880
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Media ID 23154560
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Apothecary Bentley Blair Hanhart Herbal Indigo Indigofera Medicinal Tinctoria Trimen
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Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as Indigo or Nil, is a plant in the Fabaceae family that has been used for centuries for its valuable blue dye. This handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart, after a botanical illustration by David Blair from Robert Bentley and Henry Trimens' "Medicinal Plants," published in London in 1880, showcases the intricate details of this important plant. Indigofera tinctoria is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, and has been used since ancient times for dyeing textiles and producing a natural blue pigment. The dye is extracted from the plant by fermenting the leaves in water, which results in the formation of indigotin. This compound is then oxidized to form the final blue pigment. The use of Indigo for dyeing dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In India, Indigo was cultivated for over 4,000 years and was considered a luxury item. The plant was also used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin conditions. This beautiful botanical illustration captures the various parts of the Indigo plant, including its leaves, flowers, and pods. The handcolouring adds depth and richness to the image, highlighting the intricacies of the plant's veins and patterns. The apothecary jar in the background is a reminder of the plant's historical significance as a valuable medicinal herb. Today, Indigo is still used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and is also used as a natural food colorant. The plant continues to fascinate scientists and researchers, who are exploring its potential uses in modern medicine, including as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
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