The leaves can be used to make blue dye, and also known by glastum, or indigotin, and is a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard family). The Egyptians used it to dye mummy’s wrapping cloth and it’s been found on pottery dating back to the Iron Age. It was used by ancient warriors as body paint, and the Scottish Pictish people (Painted Ones) would paint and tattoo their skin. Wards off acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by strengthening the immune system. An antibacterial, antiviral, scaly, itchy skin, and anti-inflammatory agent.