Description
Dried and ground root of indian madder root (Rubia cordifolia).
Indian madder, also known as munjeet, is a relative of the European / Middle Eastern madder (Rubia tinctorum) that is typically used as a dye in Europe, and originates in Iran. Indian madder originates in India or the surrounding area, and was the tradition source of red color in India, Nepal, and Tibet. Red dyeing has a 4000 year long history in the area.
Indian madder was an ingredient in Turkish red, a complicated and secret red dyeing method for cotton. Indian madder contains several dyes that are also found in European madder, plus the dye munjistin.
Use this dye on alum mordanted wool. Let the Indian madder soak overnight in rainwater or other soft water, then add a small amount of acid (acetic acid or vinegar) to pH 4. Boil the dyebath for one hour. After it cools off, neutralize with soda (sodium carbonate) to pH 7, then dye wool in the bath.
Also popular as a soapmaking ingredient!
