"Dr. Hainey says that in whatever condition the patient complains of difficult respiration, where the lungs feel compressed, where the patient cannot lie down because of fear of suffocation, if he sleeps, he has found Baptisia in small doses every hour positively curative. He got this suggestion from a homeopathist and he has proven it to be reliable. "Others have found typhoid cases with the characteristic symptoms, where the brain seems to be overwhelmed with toxins, where the patient has times where the breathing is rapid or panting, alternated with slow respiration, in which this remedy is very prompt. The condition may also be present in diphtheria, and in the so-call black measles or other highly infectious disorders. "It will thus be seen that the agent is properly classed among the alteratives, as its alterative properties stand first, but its pronounced tonic influence will be quickly observed. It overcomes weariness "that tired feeling, " produces a sense of vigor & general improved tone and well-being."

Combinations: For the treatment of infections it may be used with Echinacea and Myrrh. For lymphatic problems it can be combined with Cleavers and Poke Root.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l/2-l teaspoonful of the dried root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take lml of the tincture three times a day.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Baptisia

Wild IndigoBeuscher N Kopanski L [Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria]

Planta Med (1985 Oct) (5):381-4Beuscher N Scheit KH Bodinet C Kopanski L [Immunologically active glycoproteins of Baptisia tinctoria]Planta Med (1989 Aug) 55(4):358-63