Woad Root Powder

Woad (Isatis tinctoria) powder made from roots

What is Woad (Isatis tinctoria)?

Woad, a plant from the mustard family (Brassicaceae), is known for its unique characteristics. Its blue-green leaves and yellow, rapeseed-like flowers may seem modest at first glance, but the plant’s exceptional adaptability deserves attention. The leaves are covered with a natural wax coating that protects them from drought, heat, and decay—three conditions that pose challenges for many other plants. Scientifically named Isatis tinctoria, this species can withstand extreme weather conditions thanks to a sophisticated water-conducting system within its stem, which can grow up to 150 cm tall.

This remarkable plant is originally native to Western Asia and Europe.

For our product, we use finely ground woad roots sourced from sustainable cultivation.

Not a Modern Invention

Woad has played an important role since the Iron Age, mainly for its dyeing properties. Its striking indigo blue was cherished even in ancient times. Additionally, woad has been valued as a medicinal plant. For more than 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used woad roots—known as "Banlangen"—as a healing remedy. In TCM, the plant is considered heat-clearing and is associated with the heart and stomach meridians. To this day, therapists in the Far East prescribe it for coughs, colds, fevers, and a variety of unwanted intruders.

Woad is also well-known in traditional European folk medicine, where it has been used especially for coughs, throat and stomach ailments, and to support the immune system.

Although not all compounds in woad have been fully studied, it is known to contain tannins, glucosinolates (such as glucobrassicin), alkaloids, flavonoids, and fatty acids.

Ingredients

Woad (Isatis tinctoria), from the roots

Note

We offer this powder as a plant-based raw material (in food-grade quality) without any specific intended use.