There a hundred of species of plant that are known by the name indigo and the history of them is intricately tied to the history of the Southern United States. The oldest known evidence of the dye plant dates back to a discovery in Peru which is over 6,000 years old.
Here in the Southern U.S. we have our own native indigo that was used by indigenous people for dyeing and medicinal purposes before the imports came on the scene. Referred to as wild or false blue indigo, rattleweed, or horse fly weed, actually the botanical name is Baptisia australis. It grows easily throughout most of the country in zones 3-9. Wild Indigo reaches sizes of up to four feet high and three feet wide. The plant can be propagated from seed, but will take up to three years to begin blooming. The plant is a special favorite of pollinators and the flowers make a good dye plant. All things considered be sure to place the plant in a spot with full sun, and good drainage.
It’s use in the state of Louisiana goes back to the early 1700s. Evidence exists that French planters were utilizing wild indigo as a dye plant. This existed until the introduction of other types of indigo and the enslaved laborers to care for it happened later in the century.
Magical Uses of Indigo
- Make a weak infusion by pouring boiling water over the dried flowers. Let cool and then strain. You can then add a splash of this to your magickal floorwash to bless and protect your home. Additionally you can also place some in a spray bottle to spray the corners of rooms and under the bed.
- The dried flowers can also be added to an herbal gris-gris bag, which is then carried or placed in the home to remove negativity.
- Plant some indigo near the door of your home to stop unwanted energy from entering.
- A small sprig placed in your pocket will help with psychic knowledge and intuition
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