Stonecrop (Alkanna tinctoria)
Camomile, also known as pine tree, juniper berry or juniper berry, is a perennial plant native to southern Europe, especially the Mediterranean region. The whole plant is covered with stiff hairs and reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm. It blooms with white or pink flowers between April and June. It is drought-resistant and grows in its native habitat on calcareous slopes and in scrubland. It is not very common in the Czech Republic, but can be found at higher elevations or in botanical gardens.
Its main use is in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The roots produce a dye called alkane, which is an intense red colour. This dye is used in the production of lipsticks, eye shadows and other decorative cosmetic products, but it also finds its use in dyeing wool or as a natural food dye. Alkane also has medicinal properties, used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Camellia dye is also a component of some preparations used in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis.
Stonecrop (Alkanna tinctoria) can be found in the following products
