How Organic Sindoor Is Made From Camellia Tree Fruit Seeds – News18

Sindoor, more popularly known as vermilion, is a significant adornment for married Hindu women, signifying their marital status. It’s an ancient tradition of putting vermilion powder on the hair partition. vermilion is often made from turmeric, alum, lime, or other herbal elements. However, it might surprise you that vermilion can also be made from the fruit seeds on the Camellia tree, despite the commercially available versions being chemically produced. Let’s delve into the process of making organic sindoor, or vermilion, from this tree.

Talking to a media portal, Somesh Gupta, a resident of Tidoni in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, shared the fascinating process of producing organic vermilion from Camellia tree fruit seeds, which has been making headlines lately.

According to Gupta, the seeds found within the fruits of the Camellia tree are harnessed to create red dye and processed into vermilion in powder or liquid forms. The resulting colour is sometimes dubbed the “liquid lipstick tree” due to its natural lip colour potential.

Gupta stressed the meticulous care these trees demand, requiring a specific climate and delicate handling. Overwatering or excessive fertilisation can harm the plant, while insufficient water affects its fruit-bearing capabilities. Nonetheless, each tree can yield around 1 to 1.5 kilograms of vermilion at a time.

This organic vermilion typically sells for approximately Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kilogram in markets. The Camellia tree, resembling a guava tree and standing at 20 to 25 feet tall, is widely used during religious ceremonies.

Cultivating these trees proves highly profitable for farmers. Moreover, the Camellia tree offers several health benefits:

1. Alleviates skin problems.

2. The tea seed derived from the Camellia plant is favoured as a remedy for individuals with high blood pressure.

3. Supports blood pressure regulation, heart health and stroke prevention.