A precious and ancient plant dye

Used since ancient times in the Mediterranean region, alkanet is a major dye plant. Its root, dried and then infused or macerated, can be used to obtain intense shades in fatty or slightly alcoholic preparations. It is also used to dye textile fibers, particularly wool and silk, and is used in the manufacture of certain plant-based lipsticks or traditional food colorings (under regulatory control).

Description

Whole or crushed dried roots, purplish-brown to dark red in color, light earthy odor, fibrous and hard appearance.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Alkanet, Alcanna
• Latin name: Alkanna tinctoria
• Family: Boraginaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Whole or crushed
• Origin: Southern Europe, Mediterranean basin (Spain, Greece, Turkey)
• English name: Alkanet root
• German name: Alkannarinde
• Name in Spanish: Root of alkaneta
• Name in Italian: Radice di alcanna
• Name in Arabic: جذور الأنكانا

Main virtues

Natural colorant, light antioxidant (for external use), decorative, pigment, inedible without regulatory framework.

Main constituents

Naphthoquinones (alkanin, shikonin), tannins, phenolic acids, fat-soluble coloring resins.

Traditional use and dosage

• Oily macerate: 10–20 g per 100 ml of vegetable oil, leave to macerate for 10 to 15 days away from light, then filter. Gives a purple to red tint depending on the pH and the oil used.
• Soap coloring: infuse in the oil phase before cold saponification.
• Textile dyeing: decoction in 40° alcohol or vinegar, use on animal fibers (wool, silk).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• For external and cosmetic use only.
• Do not consume without regulatory advice or specific control (substances not authorized for free ingestion).
• May stain textiles and porous surfaces: handle with care.

History and use

Known since ancient Egypt and classical Greece, alkanet was used to dye royal fabrics and as a plant base for makeup. In the Middle Ages, it was used to color cheeses and external medicinal preparations. Today, it remains a staple in plant-based cosmetics and artisanal coloring.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or airtight tinted jar.
• Storage: in a dry, cool place, away from light and air.
• Shelf life: 18 to 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 3203.00.10.00 (coloring matters of plant origin)

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Works of artisanal cosmetics and natural dyes
• Traditional and botanical references on dye plants

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.