Cedar Grey
It is obtained from the dried fruits of the Terminalia chebula and Terminalia citrina plants. The genus Terminalia belongs to the Combretaceae family. There are approximately 250 species within this genus. Among these species, in particular Terminalia chebula and Terminalia citrina—plants whose dried fruits are used in traditional medicine to prevent certain diseases and are utilised by the general public for various purposes—the bioactive compound content, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial and mutagenic properties have been analysed.
The marigold is a potential ornamental plant derived from various Tagetes species within the Asteraceae family, which are commercially cultivated in different regions of the world. It is regarded as a potential source of highly interesting biologically active compounds, such as carotenoids used as food colourings. Tagetes (marigold flowers) come in colours ranging from yellow to orange-red and are a rich source of the carotenoid pigment lutein. The main colouring component of marigold flowers is lutein, a fat-soluble carotenoid responsible for the flower’s yellow to orange colour. It also contains galena, lycopene and β-carotene. Marigold possesses numerous medicinal properties. It is used in the treatment of indigestion, colic, severe constipation, coughs and dysentery.
Indigo is a natural dye that has been used since ancient times to produce beautiful shades of blue, ranging from sky blue to a deep, almost black blue. Dyeing with indigo is difficult, as this dye is challenging to work with, particularly because it is insoluble in water. To solve this problem, the main colouring component is extracted from the leaves of the Indigofera tinctoria plant using biological and environmentally friendly methods. The main colouring component of indigo blue is indigotin. Indigo is a dark blue crystalline powder and is insoluble in water or alcohol. First, it is rendered soluble in an alkaline container by removing oxygen through a fermentation process. Natural indigo is truly superior because it can produce a deeper blue colour and, as it is insoluble in water, it can be washed many times without losing its colour. Natural indigo is a sustainable dye; once the pigment has been extracted, the plant residues are composted and can also be used as fertiliser.
Rubia cardifolia, commonly known as Indian madder, is an evergreen plant native to the Himalayas. It is an important and economical source of red dye for the textile industry. The roots of madder produce a variety of red hues, including orange-reds, brick-reds, blood-reds and fire-reds. The colour depends on the climatic conditions of the environment in which the plant grows, the soil in which the roots grow, their age, the mineral content of the water used for dyeing, the temperature of the process, the dye vat used, and also the dyeing vessel used. According to Elayf, it depends on how much root dye is used. Madder can be used on cotton, leather, wool and silk. Madder is one of the most valuable plants used in *Ayurveda. It is known as a natural colourant. Its medicinal uses in Ayurveda are also emphasised. Madder is a substance known to purify the blood and aids in the treatment of various skin conditions and ailments.
*Ayurveda: The Indian System of Alternative Medicine
Plant galls are abnormal growths in plant tissues caused by various parasites, particularly insects. Chinese sumac (Tuya) trees produce oak galls; these resemble hazelnuts and are known as ‘galls’ or ‘hazelnuts’. They are small trees or shrubs, 2–5 metres tall, found in Greece, Central Asia and Iran. This tree produces oak galls, which are widely used in dyeing and tanning processes. Tannin contains tannic acid (50–70 per cent) as its main component. It also contains gallic acid, ellagic acid, gum, starch, sugar and essential oils. It is widely used for its astringent effect. Safra has a wide range of applications in tanning, dyeing, mordanting and ink production. When used on its own, thuja extract produces beige and khaki tones on wool, cotton and silk. After the dye bath, the colour turns to grey and black when ironed.
Apsara dye is made from Rheum emodi, also known as Himalayan rhubarb, a natural dye used in textiles. It produces a bright yellow colour and has a distinctive scent. This dye is produced by drying the rhizome and cultivars of Rheum emodi. The dye is extracted from the dry powder in an aqueous solution. When dissolved in water, it imparts a golden-yellow colour to fabrics and silk that have been treated with alum and copper sulphate. This plant is used in the Indian System of Alternative Medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also possesses similar beneficial properties to those of a laxative and astringent tonic.
Apsara dye is made from Rheum emodi, also known as Himalayan rhubarb, a natural dye used in textiles. It produces a bright yellow colour and has a distinctive scent. This dye is produced by drying the rhizome and cultivars of Rheum emodi. The dye is extracted from the dry powder in an aqueous solution. When dissolved in water, it imparts a golden-yellow colour to fabrics and silk that have been treated with alum and copper sulphate. This plant is used in the Indian System of Alternative Medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also possesses similar beneficial properties to those of a laxative and astringent tonic.