Turmeric
हरिद्रा / हलदी (Haridrā / Haldi)
Curcuma Longa
Turmeric’s healing properties have been celebrated since Vedic times. It is a staple found in kitchens across India and used as a home remedy to treat everything from cuts, burns, cold and flu, and used as a rejuvenating tonic.
In Ayurveda, turmeric is prized for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric dyed textiles can be used as a healing fabric to support the wellness of young children and anyone who is building immunity.
AyurSatwa’s turmeric plant-dye imparts a bright and uplifting goldenrod hue.
The turmeric dyed section of AyurSatwa's Chakra Yoga Mat represents the third chakra, Manipur chakra. Yellow balances the energy of this chakra by imparting a sense of wellness and expanding awareness of one’s own agency.
In Jyotish, the Vedic system of astrology, the bright yellow color of turmeric is associated with Jupiter, the planet of wisdom, abundance and all blessings.
Turmeric-dyed fabrics react with sweat from the skin but any discoloration to the fabric is temporary and is easily removed after a wash. Keep turmeric-dyed fabrics away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and spots. Use a gentle cleanser like soap nut to care for your natural plant-dyed fabric.
Turmeric dyed fabrics are prone to bleeding and fading. To improve color-fastness and the binding of the dye to the fibers, we recommend adding alum to the dye bath.
Alum is a safe and naturally occuring mordant that has astringent and antiseptic properties.
In general, mordants act as a barrier to the absorption of kashyam, the Ayurvedic medicinal herb concoction that is added to all our dye baths. Alum is a gentle acting, natural mordant that allows the Ayurvedic medicinal concoction to penetrate into the fibers.
