Here's what you may want to know about the possible side effects of Qing Dai, what to watch out for, and how to use it thoughtfully as part of a gut wellness routine.
What you need to know about taking Qing Dai
Qing Dai is a traditional botanical that works best when used with proper guidance, including appropriate amounts and a structured plan.
Here's how it has been studied: Indigo and Indirubin are recognized for their interactions with what is known as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Aryl hydrocarbon receptors are found along the gastrointestinal tract. Research has explored how their activation is associated with signaling that may support the body's natural balance in the intestinal environment, including pathways involving interleukin (IL)-22, a molecule connected with tissue renewal and barrier support.
If you're looking to purchase Qing Dai, make sure the product has gone through third-party LCMS lab testing to confirm the minimally required content of Indigo and Indirubin, or you may not be using a product with consistent botanical content.
Possible Side Effects
There have been a few, extremely rare reports of pulmonary hypertension associated with Qing Dai use. These were always reversible and resolved after discontinuation. It should be noted that these cases were always reported with unregulated and untested formulations of Qing Dai, taken at very high amounts for extended periods of time.
In studies using the QD1 formulation of Qing Dai at a regulated amount and for a limited duration, there have been zero reports of pulmonary hypertension or any concerning side effects.
Rarely, QD has been associated with intussusception, which is when a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part (like the folding of a telescope) and may cause obstruction. If you do experience sudden severe abdominal pain, stop QD until consulting with your physician.
How to take Qing Dai powder?
The most important thing to know about Qing Dai is that, although natural, it is a potent compound, not just an everyday supplement. Therefore it should be taken within a structured framework for tapering, tailored to your specific needs and with the guidance of your physician or clinic service.
Even with such guidance, it's highly advised to take QD in a regulated capsule form, not powder form, as this can lead to ingesting varying and hard-to-control amounts of QD.
About the Author
Nir Salomon (C.Ac, C.Hb) is an integrative gastroenterology specialist. He is the founder and director of the integrative gastroenterology unit in Sheba Medical Center (the largest hospital in the Middle East). Nir is also a co-founder and acting CEO of the Sino-Israeli Research Foundation (SIRF), an organization conducting academic and research collaboration between world-leading medical centers.
