Indigo is a leguminous shrub that when cultivated, produces a beautiful organic dye used not only for creating rich colors on fabric ranging from deep purple to light blue (denim jeans), but for light absorbing qualities, and protecting humans from nagging mosquitos, snakes and ticks with its natural insect repellent qualities too.
For ages, ancient cultures and civilizations swaddled newborn babies in indigo dyed cloths (India)and dipped farming pants in cauldrons full of dark blue to keep the pests away while working in the rice fields of China. Indigo dyed mosquito netting kept the blood suckers away while Egyptian Queens slept, and was used to enhance the 3rd chakra and subdue the suns rays on traveling nomads in the Sub Sahara Desert. Even today in many 3rd world cultures, the natural growing indigo plant with its organic based properties still serve to provide the same benefits as it did hundreds of years ago. And in areas where the plant is not as prevalent, science has found ways to recreate through synthetic applications, the powerful indigo dye. While mosquitos and biting pests are welcomed to continue to serve their higher purpose in maintaining orde

r and balance on the planet Earth as a whole, we certainly are not obligated to extend the invite of these nagging bugs into our homes or on our flesh.
The next time you come across traditional indigo dyed material, stop and pick up a yard or two. Better yet, dye your own at home. For curtains, netting, garments, tents, sleeping bags and bedding, indigo can offer not only a beautiful rich palate and stylish appeal, but a protective property too.
For human/eco friendly insect repellents that you can use on your body, try these following natural growing plant based options:
* oil of lemon eucalyptus – Reapply every 5 hours. Not for use on children under age 3.
* oil of citronella – Used often in candles. Available as skin application.