Explainer: Is there any Herb that Stains Skin Permanently?

Read this article where we discuss the herb that stains skin which also happens to possess significant applications in the current industry setting.

Introduction:

Mother nature is full of herbs that offer a long list of benefits but some herbs also can stain human skin. This happens when pigment compounds from these herbs come in contact with the skin and leave temporary or semi-permanent coloring on the skin.

This staining happens when pigments from these herbs come in contact with the protein complex present in the outer layer of human skin. It should also be kept in mind that such stains give different colors and application times depending on the concentration and chemical nature of the herb.

Are there any permanent Herb Stains?

There are no herbs out there in nature that can permanently stain the skin for three reasons. First, the stains from herbs happen at the outermost layer of human skin called the epidermal layer. These stains induced by herbs just stay in this layer. For comparison, permanent tattoos are induced much deeper than the epidermal layer that’s why they last as a permanent impression on human skin.

Second, the nature of herb chemicals responsible for staining undergoes oxidation or degradation upon exposure to light and air which contributes to their fading over time. Lastly, the epidermis itself undergoes natural skin shedding which replaces the outer layer of skin cells thus the stains also fade.

Below are the most common herbs that are known to stain the skin when they come in contact with humans:

1. Black Walnut Hulls: Also called Juglans nigra is a herb that stains skin due to the presence of a brownish to black colored pigment called juglone. This pigment is a naphthoquinone compound in nature (containing a naphthalene ring system with two ketone groups.) and is used in natural dyes due to its strong staining properties.

2. Turmeric: With the scientific name Curcuma longa, it also has strong staining properties on the skin especially when in pure form and exposed for a longer period. 

3. Alkanet: Also termed as Alkanna tinctoria, this herb when infused in certain oils and herbals slaves known to give semi-permanent stains on the skin.

4. Saffron: Also known as Crocus sativus is derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus flower. It is known for its strong reddish color which can stain the skin with semi-permanent impressions for a few days.

5. Henna: Also known by the scientific name Lawsonia inermis, is a common herb that stains skin and its staining properties are used to create creative designs on the skin similar to tattoo art known as henna art. When henna paste (crushed henna with mixed water) is applied on the skin, lawsone molecules are released from the henna leaves which come in contact with keratin proteins in our skin and leave a stain that can last from a few days to weeks.

Other common herbs with staining properties include yarrow (Achillea millefolium), mullein (Verbascum spp), goldenrod(Solidago canadensis), and marigold (Tagetes erecta).

Applications of Herbs Staining:

1. Cosmetic Applications:

Many herbs are used in cosmetics due to their staining features to achieve various purposes in a cosmetic product. For example, an extract of a herb called beetroot a.k.a Beta vulgaris is a herb that stains skin. It is used to provide one’s lips with a natural pink color. The extract provides pigments that stain the outer layer of lips and can last for days. They are also great options for those who don’t want to use synthetic products on their lips.

2. Hair Dyes:

Some herbs are used as natural hair dyes as their staining can withstand fading for a longer period as compared to synthetic hair dye. Such herbs are great for those who are looking for plant-based hair coloring options and don’t want to risk potential damage to their hair.

3. Textile Coloring:

Aside from their application on the skin, the staining properties of such herbs are also used in coloring and dyeing processes for commercially produced fabrics, yarns, fibers, and other materials. This makes them a great alternative to traditional industrial coloring procedures and is considered an eco-friendly coloring process.