Himalayan Rhubarb Extract

Himalayan Rhubarb Extract is a concentrated dye powder made from Rheum emodi, a wild rhubarb that grows in the high altitudes of the Himalayas. This powerful dye produces bright, clear yellows and golden tones on protein fibers.

With the right mordants, it also creates rich olives and greenish-golds, making it a versatile option for natural dyers. Use 5–10% WOF for light yellows, or up to 20% WOF for deeper golden hues. Himalayan Rhubarb Extract works best on wool and silk but can also dye cellulose fibers like cotton and linen when properly mordanted.

Background and History

Himalayan Rhubarb Extract (Rheum emodi) has been used for centuries in traditional dyeing and herbal medicine throughout Nepal, Bhutan, and Northern India. As a dye, it is highly valued for its intense yellow color and strong tinctorial strength. Unlike many yellow dyes, it maintains brightness even with low concentrations and shifts beautifully with mordants.

The roots of Himalayan Rhubarb are the dye-bearing part. Local artisans traditionally boiled them to extract color for woolen fabrics. Today, dyers use the powdered extract form for consistent results and ease of handling. The primary coloring agents include chrysophanol and emodin, both anthraquinone-based compounds that respond well to alum, iron, and tin mordants.

Safety Precautions for Himalayan Rhubarb Extract

• DO NOT INGEST. This extract is for textile use only—not for food, supplements, or herbal remedies.
• Avoid eye contact. If contact occurs, rinse with cool water.
• Do not apply directly to skin or hair.
• Use in a well-ventilated area. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling fine powder.
• Use only dye-dedicated pots, utensils, and containers—never reuse for food.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Prop 65 Warning: Contains botanical dust, which may pose cancer risks per California regulations.
• We are not liable for misuse or damage. Use only as directed.

Recommended Supplies for Himalayan Rhubarb Extract

• Dye pot: Large enough to allow free movement of fiber and liquid.
• Metal tongs: For stirring and removing hot fiber safely.
• Rubber gloves: Wear when handling mordanted or freshly dyed fiber.
• Candy thermometer: Track temperature accurately for consistent color.
• Scale: Weigh fiber, mordant, and dye extract precisely.
• Alum mordant: Use aluminum potassium sulfate for clear yellow shades.
• Iron mordant (optional): Use small amounts to create olive or moss green tones.
• Cream of tartar (optional): Helps brighten color and soften fiber.

Mordanting

Himalayan Rhubarb Extract performs best on protein fibers like wool, alpaca, and silk. Cellulose fibers require tannin and alum mordanting for good results.

For Protein Fibers:

1. Weigh your dry fiber to calculate your dye percentage.
2. Scour with ½ tsp pH-neutral detergent per pound of fiber in warm water.
3. Heat to 180°F for wool, 160°F for silk. Maintain for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Rinse with same-temperature water and allow to cool.

Mordanting:

1. Use 10% alum and 5–10% cream of tartar (WOF).
2. Dissolve both in hot water and mix well.
3. Add fiber and heat to 180–190°F for 1 hour.
4. Let the fiber cool in the bath overnight for deeper penetration.
5. Rinse before dyeing.

Preparation: Building the Dye Bath

Weigh the Extract: Use 5–20% WOF depending on desired color intensity.

Dissolve the Dye:

• Mix the Himalayan Rhubarb Extract into warm water to form a smooth slurry.
• Add slurry to the dye pot with enough water to cover your fiber fully.

Simmer the Bath:

• Heat slowly to 180°F.
• Hold temperature for 30–45 minutes before adding fiber.

Optional Color Shifting:

• Add 1–2% iron (WOF) to shift yellow to olive green.
• Add tin mordant to brighten and intensify yellow.

Recipe: Golden Yellow to Olive Green

This recipe creates a bright golden yellow on wool, with the option to shift to a mossy olive using iron.

Build the Dye Bath:

• Use 10–15% WOF Himalayan Rhubarb Extract.
• Dissolve in hot water and add to dye pot.

Add Mordanted Fiber:

• Use fiber pre-mordanted with 10% alum and 5% cream of tartar.

Heat the Bath:

• Raise temperature to 180°F.
• Hold for 45–60 minutes, stirring gently.

Modify (Optional):

• For olive, add 1% iron mordant after 30 minutes and continue heating.

Cool and Rinse:

• Let fiber cool in the bath for deep absorption.
• Rinse thoroughly, then wash with pH-neutral detergent.

Dry in Shade:

• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent premature fading.