Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root) – Powerful Herbal Support for Immunity, Throat Health, and Heat Clearing

Health Benefits of Ban Lan Gen 

✅ Immune System Support

Ban Lan Gen is commonly used to boost immune defenses and reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. It helps the body fight off pathogens in the early stages of illness.

✅ Sore Throat and Tonsillitis Relief

Its strong heat-clearing and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for benefiting sore, swollen throats, painful swallowing, or red tonsils.

✅ Antiviral and Antibacterial Activity

Ban Lan Gen is widely studied for its ability to inhibit viral replication, especially for respiratory viruses. Research shows it is effective against various bacteria, making it a broad-spectrum infection fighter.

✅ Detoxification and Fever Reduction

Used to cool internal heat and eliminate toxins, Ban Lan Gen is excellent in aiding fevers, swollen lymph nodes, skin eruptions, or inflammatory responses.

✅ Upper Respiratory Infection Support

Ban Lan Gen is particularly useful during outbreaks of flu or COVID-like symptoms. It can be used both preventively and at the onset of symptoms to support recovery.

Why Ban Lan Gen Works – Modern Science Meets Herbal Tradition

Active Compounds:

• Indirubin & Indigotin – Anti-inflammatory and antiviral

• Tryptanthrin – Inhibits viral enzymes and inflammatory markers

• Polysaccharides – Immunomodulatory; stimulate white blood cell activity

• Glucosinolates – Natural compounds with antibacterial and detoxifying properties

These constituents work together to:

• Reduce inflammation

• Fight off viruses and bacteria

• Regulate immune response

• Protect cellular function during infections

How to Use Ban Lan Gen

 Ban Lan Gen is best taken at the first sign of symptoms for optimal results. It can also be used short-term for prevention during high-risk periods.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective – How Ban Lan Gen Clears Heat and Toxins

In TCM, Ban Lan Gen is classified as a cold and bitter herb that enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. Its actions include:

• Clearing heat and resolving fire toxins: Used for febrile diseases, hot throat conditions, and contagious epidemics.

• Cooling the blood: Helps with rashes, swollen glands, and inflammatory conditions where the heat has entered deeper layers.

• Relieving sore throat: Especially when accompanied by red, swollen tonsils or painful speech.

• Supporting Lung Qi: When heat has congested the lungs, Ban Lan Gen helps restore clarity and ventilation.

It is a common ingredient in formulas used for epidemic diseases, and has historically been used during outbreaks of viral illnesses in China to reduce spread and severity.

When to Use Ban Lan Gen

• At the first sign of sore throat, fever, or swollen glands

• During cold and flu season as a short-term preventive measure

• As a supportive herb for tonsillitis, strep throat, laryngitis

• For general detoxification and inflammation relief

• In formulas for early-stage viral infections or flu-like symptoms

• To protect immunity while traveling or during outbreaks

Who Should Not Use Ban Lan Gen

• Individuals with weak digestion, chronic diarrhea, or Spleen Qi deficiency

• Not for long-term use in healthy individuals — best used short-term or acutely

• Avoid during pregnancy unless prescribed by a qualified herbalist

• Consult a practitioner before combining with prescription antivirals or antibiotics

Common Name: Dyer's Woad, Faberwaid, Indigo, Chinese Indigo, Woad Root, Isatis Root, Radix Isatidis     
Botanical Name: Isatis indigotica root
Pin Yin Name:  Ban Lan Gen 
Category: Herbs that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Ban Lan Gen Dosage: Follow doctors instructions on how to use this herb.
Ban Lan Gen Precautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Prolonged use may cause excessive bleeding.

Ban Lan Gen Benefits & Information

Ban Lan Gen is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to drain heat, resolve fire toxicity, relieve swelling, disperse stagnation and cool the blood. Ban Lan Gen is a powerful antiviral herb with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic  and antibacterial properties. 

• Botanical Respiratory Support
• Benefits the Throat
• Supports Digestive Health

Ban Lan Gen Properties: Bitter, Cold
Ban Lan Gen Channels / Meridians:   Heart, Lung, Stomach
Ban Lan Gen Naturally Occurring Components:  sucrose, amino acids, tryptophan, evaporating oils, beta sitosterol, isatin

Herbs That Combine With Ban Lan Gen

Burdock     Scutellaria Baicalensis     Water Plantain     

Shop Ban Lan Gen Forms and Sizes Below

References:  
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Ban-Lan-Gen-Cid3005
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8360416/
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/BanLanGen.html
http://alternativehealing.org/ban_lan_gen.htm