Another name for woad is Isatis tinctoria . It is also unremarkably referred to as dyer ’s woad or glastum . Woad is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries for various purposes , in particular as a natural dye .
Dyer ’s woad has a fascinating history and has been cultivated for its dyestuff - develop properties since ancient times . The utilisation of woad as a dyestuff can be retrace back to at least the 1st century BC , and it was highly value for its vibrant blue color . In fact , woad was once the primary source of blue dyestuff in Europe before the introduction of indigotin from Asia .
The name “ woad ” itself is derived from the Old English parole “ mess , ” which mean “ woad . ” This name probably originate from the plant ’s tie with dyeing and its role in give rise a blue colouring .
Woad is a biennial plant that belong to the Brassicaceae kinfolk , which also includes dough , Brassica oleracea italica , and mustard greens . It has a deep taproot and grows up to 1 meter magniloquent . The flora has broad , lance - forge parting that are blue - green in people of color , which is one of its make out features .
When woad plants reach adulthood , they make clusters of small , yellow flowers . These flowers are not peculiarly showy but are still quite lovely in their own right . After unfolding , the plant form small , round ejaculate pods that contain the plant ’s seed .
One of the reasons woad is so highly prize is its ability to produce a blue dye . The folio of the woad plant contain a chemical compound called indican , which is converted into grim dye through a fermentation process . This dyestuff can be extracted by crushing the leaves and then fermenting them in water .
To extract the dyestuff , the leafage are typically harvest in the summertime when they are at their blossom . The leaves are then crushed or bray , and the ensue pulp is lead to fermenting in water system . This fermentation process converts the indican into indigo , which is the gamey dye . The dyestuff can then be used to color cloth , yarn , or other materials .
In improver to its use as a dye , woad also has medicative properties . It has been used in traditional medical specialty for centuries , peculiarly for its anti - inflammatory and antimicrobic effects . Woad has also been used to deal skin condition like eczema and psoriasis .
In my own experience , I have had the opportunity to grow woad in my garden . It was a rewarding experience to cultivate this ancient plant and witness its shift from seeded player to a vibrant blue dyestuff . The appendage of elicit the dye was clock time - consuming but implausibly cheering , and I was able to dye several pieces of fabric using the woad dye .
Woad is a fascinating plant with a rich history and a variety of uses . Whether it ’s for its dyestuff - producing properties or its medicative benefits , woad keep on to entrance nurseryman and enthusiasts likewise .
Caroline Bates
