Alkanet — known as  Alkanna Tinctoria, Common Bugloss, and Orchanet — is a leafy and flowery herb in the Boraginaceae family that has a myriad of benefits and uses. It’s USDA hardiness in zones 4-8, and it can be found growing in various soil types.

Depending on the way Alkanett is processed and sourced, its coloring (dye) properties may be promising to CPGs as a replacement to some modern and harmful inks or dyes.

So let’s dive into some of the benefits of Alkanet. 

What is Alkanet for?

• Anti-inflammatory
• Wound healing
• Fever abatement (sweat inducing properties)
• Skin Health
• Ulcers
• Anti-cancer [1]
• Dyeing and coloring properties

Alkanet goes way back to times of antiquity. It’s been a tool and aid to many peoples and cultures for generations.

Alkanet Popularity

It’s noted that even Hippocrates (400 B.C.E) prescribed Alkanet for ailments like ulcers [2]. The herb has a long history in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and parts of Asia — where it is native.

It’s been cultivated for centuries by European farmers (central and southern) and imported mostly as a dye and coloring agent.

Today, we see Alkanet dye in quite a few products:

• lip balm
• food coloring
• fabrics and yarn
• soaps
• cosmetics

Herbs like Alkanet hold an interesting place in the CPG realm. It’s an herb with many uses in the supplement category — but few in the CPG utility category. Because it is seen as a “weed” in many parts of the United States, research into its use could bolster sustainability efforts.

***Please note that this information is solely academic. Consult your healthcare provider before using supplements like Alkanet***

Be Well,

The Team at Journey

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