Woad (Isatis tinctoria) belongs to the cruciferous family and is native to Western Asia. Nowadays it can be found all over Europe. It grows up to 1.80 meters tall and bears yellow, small flowers from May to July.
Dyer plant
The plant is known because it is the raw material of the blue dye indigo. In Europe, it was therefore cultivated as a dyeing plant and used to dye fabrics, mostly linen.
Until the 17th century, the plant was cultivated in Germany, England and southern France. After that, the plant was replaced by Indian indigo and finally the dye was produced synthetically at the beginning of the 19th century.
Medicinal plant and areas of application
Woad is also considered a medicinal plant and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about 3000 years. The plant can have antibacterial, antibiotic, hemostatic, antipyretic and immunostrengthening effects.
It is mainly used for inflammations and fungi. Woad is also used for complaints such as sore throat, cramps or swelling.
Externally, the plant is used against psoriasis, abscesses, as well as general skin inflammation.