A Study on the Dyeing of Ramie Fabric Treated with Medicinal Plant V. The Natural Dyeing on Ramie Fabric Using Epimedium brevicornum Herba

This study was performed to investigate the effect of Epimedium brevicornum Herba extract on the treatment of chromaticity and colorfastness. Epimedium brevicornum Herba has been used as a Korean medicine. It is effective in sexual excitement, depressant of blood pressure and anti-virus. It is also good as a tonic and in treating involuntary emission of semen. In the long history of Korea, dyeing has been applied for a means representing the grace of natural and inner esthetic consciousness of man. Vegetable dyes give us such great benefits, diversified color, but no pollution. And ramie fabric has distinctive features such as beautiful brilliance, elegance, and strong durability. So, it is regarded as a special product of Korea traditionally. These studies were carried out to treat with acetate iron, dichloride copper and alum with a mordant to ramie fabric. The ramie fabric was died with Epimedium brevicornum Herba extract. The results of experiment showed as follows: First, the chromophoric degree was the highest in acetate iron but not distinction in another mordants. Second, the light colorfastness was the highest in non treated and dichloride copper, but alum was the lowest. Third, the discoloration was alum and dichloride copper showed first grade in washing colorfastness. Abrasion colorfastness was not significant in this test. According the previous results, Epimedium brevicornum Herba has an efficiency in sexual excitement, depressant of blood pressure and anti-virus. So it is considered that Epimedium brevicornum Herba can be applied effectively to tonic and in treating involuntary emission of semen.