Annatto
सिंदूरी ( Sindūri )
Bixa orellana
As a natural plant dye, annatto is known for its excellent fixing qualities and easily penetrates coarse and dense fibers to impart bright, warm shades of reds to oranges to yellows.
Annatto grows naturally as an evergreen shrub or tree and is indigenous to South and Central America. It has been cultivated widely in India where the climate supports its growth. It is the seeds of the prickly fruit of the annatto tree that have been used in various forms for thousands of years.
Indigenous communities have used it as a bright red pigment for body painting, protecting the skin from the sun, and also as an insect repellant. Its antimicrobial properties are beneficial for medicinal uses.
Its high anti-oxidant capacity makes annatto especially beneficial for skin health. This tiny seed has the power to reduce inflammation, slow the effects of aging, and promote glowing skin.
Annatto is used in AyurSatwa’s Chakra Yoga Mat to symbolize the second chakra, the Svadishthan chakra, which is associated with the color orange. Wearing this color helps balance this chakra and nourishes your capacity to receive joy, pleasure and wellbeing.
In Jyotish, the Vedic study of astrology, the color orange is associated with the energy of Mars, the significator of will power, ambition, and motivation.
Wear this color to boost courage and drive.
