One for Toddy....

[Fenlander]

While chainsawing this morning, I dropped a piece of Horse Chestnut into a ditch and the water turned bright blue

Is Horse Chestnut used to obtain blue dye??

 

[maverick]

The same happened to me when i tried retting some chestnut I asked the same question (and yes of course Toddy did reply lol) here is a link to the post.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=5946

Hope this helps

 

[Toddy]

I keep meaning to try this fresh and see if I can get some of the blue to 'fix' on anything. My problem is that all of the information that I researched was full of horrendous warnings about poisonings. Even so, I'd give it a go if I knew that I wasn't likely to wipe out the newts, etc., should I have a spillage in the garden.
I'd appreciate hearing if someone does manage something other than yellow dye or a cream for haemorroids or varicose veins from it
Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Fenlander]

I keep meaning to try this fresh and see if I can get some of the blue to 'fix' on anything. My problem is that all of the information that I researched was full of horrendous warnings about poisonings. Even so, I'd give it a go if I knew that I wasn't likely to wipe out the newts, etc., should I have a spillage in the garden.
I'd appreciate hearing if someone does manage something other than yellow or a cream for haemorroids or varicose veins from it
Cheers,
Toddy

Leaves in warm water are reasonable for soaping and cleaning your hands Not as good as Soapwort though

 

[Biddlesby]

So is it only the wood, not the leaves, which has this alleged toxin?