ISATIS Overview Information
Isatis is an herb. The dried leaf and root have been used as medicine since ancient times. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ban Lang Gen refers to the isatis root. Da Qing Ye refers to the leaf.
Isatis is used to treat the common cold and other infections of the nose, throat, and sinuses (upper respiratory tract infections), as well as infections of the glands that make saliva (parotitis). It is also used for encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that is usually caused by infection; a liver disorder (hepatitis); pockets of infection (abscesses) in the lungs; digestive tract infections including dysentery and acute gastroenteritis; prostate cancer; and AIDS/HIV.
Isatis is applied directly to the skin for a skin condition, psoriasis. Some people also take isatis by mouth for this condition.
In manufacturing, isatis is used to make indigo dye.
How does it work?
Isatis might be able to fight bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. It also seems to be able to reduce fever and swelling. There is some interest in using isatis for cancer because it contains chemicals that might keep cancer cells from multiplying.
ISATIS Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Psoriasis. There is one report suggesting that an ointment containing isatis plus phellodendron and Baikal skullcap improved psoriasis in an 8-year-old boy after usual treatments didn’t help.
- Prostate cancer.
- Upper respiratory infections.
- Swelling (inflammation) in the brain.
- Hepatitis.
- Lung infections.
- Diarrhea.
- HIV.
- Other conditions.
ISATIS Side Effects & Safety
There isn't enough information to know if isatis is safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of isatis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Aspirinallergy: Isatis contains chemicals that are similar to the chemicals in aspirin. There is a concern that isatis might trigger an asthma attack or an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.
ISATIS Interactions
We currently have no information for ISATIS Interactions
ISATIS Dosing
The appropriate dose of isatis depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for isatis. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
