People who suffer with an excessive build up of skin which results in red rashes could find help from a indigo plant.

Indigo naturalis has been used in Chinese traditional medicine as a cure for excessive heat, liver problems and convulsion as well as being used for detoxification.

Now a recent study has confirmed its effects on severe psoriasis, which is a red rash that results in painful itching and can lead on to more serious conditions, including heart conditions.

A total of 74 per cent of the study group successfully treated their posoriasis by applying indigo ointment.

The report of the findings published in the Archives of Dermatology concluded: "Tropical indigo naturalis ointment was a novel, safe, and effective therapy for plaque-type psoriasis."

Indigo plants are found in tropical and sub tropical regions of the world, with few species reaching temperate zones in eastern Asia.