Description

Alkanet root is primarily used as a natural coloring agent in soaps and also in lip balms.  It will produce a deep red color, however in soap it will produce color ranging from a light pink to a deep blue or purple depending on the amount used, the oils used, and the saponification process.   Typically the herb is placed in a glass jar with the oil of choice for several weeks and shaken often during that time.  It is then strained and the oil is used as part of the recipe to impart the coloring agent into the product.  This method can be accelerated by slowly and gently heating the oil to create the infusion in much less time, even hours.