Therapeutic properties of natural dyes
Natural Dyes, as the name suggests are obtained from natural sources as diverse as Roots, Bark, Leaves, Fruit
and minerals - there are hundreds of such sources and combinations with different naturally occuring
mordants yield an even bigger, bewildering range of hues.
Apart from the obvious advantages of being sustainable and eco-friendly, most of these natural dye sources
in fact offer therapeutic properties and many of these sources find uses in ancient systems of medicine from
Ayurveda to Unani to Tibetan and even Chinese.
We have chosen to use only a few of the combinations available, choosing them on the basis of ease of use
and quality and reliability of resultant dye and of course the Therapeutic Benefits each dye offers.
Since our fabric dyeing process does not use any chemicals - herbal/floral dyes tend to have lower
washfastness in comparison to synthetic dyes and we recommend that you handwash these garments with
mild detergent without pre-soaking and dry them in shade. See product care for details.
Please click on the links below to know more about the dyes we use.
Manjistha (Indian Madder)
Commonly known as Indian Madder, this herb is a creeper that grows in the western Himalayas and other mountainous regions. The sanskrit name Manjistha, literally means 'Bright red' and the beautiful, deep green, heart shaped leaves yield a red sap that has medicinal properties.
The herb's powdered root serves as a natural dyeing agent in many Asian countries.
In Ayurveda, Manjistha is a sweet, bitter and astringent herb that pacifies the Kapha and Pitta dosh. Its two contrasting properties of Soma (cooling) and Agni (fire) make it unique and valuable in Ayurvedic preparations.
The herb mentioned in all three revered texts of Ayurveda:- Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, is also used to improve the color and complexion of Skin!
Therapeutic benefits
- Boosts immunity
- Purifies the lymphatic system
- Purifies blood
- Reduces toxicity
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is native to the region stretching from North India to Iran - but it is now grown in semi-arid regions across the world and is increasingly recognised across the world as an elixir
Pomegranate juice has been popular across Europe and now across America too. In Asia, it has been used as a dried spice and a cherished fruit. The rind is used for extracts for dietary supplements and food preservatives and also for Dyeing.
In a long list of anti-XXXX properties - the humble pomeganate is rich in antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, is antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and finally it is probiotic!
It helps in controlling obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Osteoporosis, Dental health and is even anti-hypertensive.
Therapeutic benefits
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiviral
- Antimicrobial and Antifungal
Sappan (Indian Redwood)
Also known as Pathimugam, a multipurpose and a flowering tree in the legume family, this tree is native to tropical Asia and in India it is grown extensively in the southern states. It was a precious traded commodity in the 17th century with exports to Thailand and even to Japan.
The tree finds uses as timber for inlay work, cabinet making, violin bows and walking sticks among others.
It produces a reddish dye called Brazilin which is used for dyeing fabrics as well as making paints and Inks.
But it is much more valued for its medicinal properties. It has antibacteial and anticoagulant properties and is in fact used as an additive to herbal drinking water in regions as diverse as Kerala to Central Java. In this drink, it is frequently mixed with ginger, cinnamon and cloves and is highly valued in Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine
Therapeutic benefits
- Antibacterial
- Anticoagulant
- Purifies blood
- Reduces caffeine, alcohol and drug toxicity
Marigold
This popular flowering plant is a native of Mexico and Guatemala but is now cultivated in thousands of variants across the globe. Valued for its bright shades of yellow, orange and even brown - the flowers and the plant itself finds uses in medicine, food, dyeing and even fragrances.
The essential oil derived from the whole plant is useful in applications from an antifungal agent in plants to fragrances where it is often blended with sandalwood.
Dried and ground flower petals are used as a popular spice in the Caucasus - and the dye thus derived can also be used a colorant in foods and also a dyeing agent in animal based textiles and cotton and even in synthetic textiles.
Therapeutic benefits
- Rich in carotenoids
- Natural colorant for foods
- Traditionally used for digestive ailments
- Aids in respiratory diseases
Neem
In Sanskrit, the ubiquitous Neem tree is called Arista, which translates to perfect, imperishable and complete.
Not just the leaves which are frequently used in home remedies in India, the tree's seeds, root and bark also contain valuable compounds that have therapeutic benefits and even finds uses in dermatology.
Neem is know for being an anti-aging agent - its antioxidant properties protect the skin from harmful UV rays and vitamins and fatty acids help maintain 'elasticity in skin', reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Extracts from Neem leaves are also used to dye natural fabrics and yield a rich greenish grey.
Therapeutic benefits
- Antioxidant
- Immunity booster
- Anti-fungal
- Anti- bacterial
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Turmeric has been revered and used in Asia for thousands of years and has been a major contributant to Ayrurveda, Unani, Siddha and even Chinese medicine. It has recently been studied widely for uses in modern medicine as well.
The plant itself belongs to the Ginger family and is a native of Southern India. The root of the plant contains Curcumin which is the main active ingredient and is responsible for the strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In fact, Curcumin has been linked to increased brain function and reduced risk of brain diseases. It even lowers the risk of heart disease and possibly prevents cancer, arthritis and alzheimers!!!
And luckily for us! its also used as a dye!
Therapeutic benefits
- Antioxidant
- Immunity booster
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic