Natural dye is a colorant derived from plants, minerals, or insects, used to color textiles, food, and other materials. Common sources include indigo from plants, cochineal from insects, and turmeric from roots. These dyes are often preferred for their eco-friendliness and unique hues. The process of creating natural dyes involves extracting pigments through boiling or soaking the source material. The resulting dye can then be applied to fabrics, often requiring a mordant, such as alum, to help the color bond effectively. Natural dyes are celebrated for their rich, varied colors and historical significance in many cultures.