Natural Dyeing with Ayurvedic Plants

 

We’re excited to launch our limited edition range of naturally dyed pieces in three unique shades—Nutmeg, Olive, and Heather—each created using a combination of Ayurvedic plants and botanicals such as onion skins, madder root, acacia bark, and myrobalan fruit.

HEATHER

Karungali Bark & Myrobalan

 

NUTMEG

Madder Root & Acacia

 

OLIVE

Tulasi, Bhringraj, Nochi & Onion Skins

Below we explore more about the combination of Ayurvedic plants used to create each colour, their unique properties and the colours that they create:

HEATHER

Karungali Bark (Diospyros ebenum)

  • Also known as Indian Ebony; used in traditional Tamil medicine.

  • Valued for its grounding, cleansing, and protective qualities.

  • Often used in rituals and natural healing practices.

  • Produces deep browns and greys in dyeing, with natural antimicrobial qualities.

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Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula / Haritaki)

  • A key Ayurvedic plant, known as the “king of medicines.”

  • Supports digestion, immunity, and overall rejuvenation.

  • Used as a natural tannin-rich mordant in dyeing.

  • Creates soft yellows and helps fix other plant dyes to fabric.

NUTMEG

Madder Root (Rubia cordifolia / Manjistha)

  • A traditional Ayurvedic herb for blood purification and skin support.

  • Known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Used in dyeing for thousands of years.

  • Produces warm tones—reds, rusts, and soft peachy pinks.

Acacia Bark (Acacia catechu / Khair or Cutch)

  • Used in Ayurveda for astringent and anti-inflammatory benefits.

  • Sometimes used for oral health or digestion support.

  • Rich in tannins; helps deepen natural dye colours.

  • Yields golden browns and deep, earthy tones.

OLIVE

Tulasi (Holy Basil) (Ocimum sanctum)

  • Revered in Ayurveda as a sacred, adaptogenic, and purifying herb.

  • Used to reduce stress and support immunity and respiratory health.

  • Imparts soft earthy hues and adds a calming energy to the dye.

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

  • Known as the “king of herbs” for hair growth and nourishment.

  • Used in Ayurveda to rejuvenate tissues and support liver function.

  • Offers subtle colour tones and is valued for its soothing effect on skin.

Nochi (Vitex negundo)

  • Commonly used in South Indian medicine for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Often applied to treat joint pain or skin irritation.

  • Adds gentle tones and enhances the fabric's natural qualities.

Onion Skins

  • A traditional natural dye used in kitchens and dye houses alike.

  • Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, offering antibacterial benefits.

  • Produces warm yellows, golds, and rusts—depending on fabric and mordant.

 
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