Acid-Base Indicators

Litmus is a natural acid-base indicator, turmeric is another such indicator.

There are synthetic indicators such as methyl orange and phenolphthalein
to test for acids and bases. There are many other natural materials like red
cabbage leaves, turmeric, coloured petals of some flowers such as
Hydrangea, Petunia and Geranium, which indicate the presence of acid or
base in a solution. These are called acid-base indicators or sometimes
simply indicators.

More about Litmus

Litmus is a water-soluble mixture of different dyes extracted from lichens,
plants belonging to the division Thallophyta. It is often absorbed onto filter
paper to produce one of the oldest forms of acid base /pH indicator.

When the litmus solution is neither acidic nor basic, its colour is purple.

Blue Litmus Paper

When blue litmus paper is placed in a substance that is acidic, it will turn
to red. However, if placed in a substance that is basic or neutral, it will
remain blue. Blue litmus paper is meant to test only for an acidic pH level.

Red Litmus Paper

When red litmus paper is placed into a basic substance, it will turn blue. If
it comes in contact with an acidic or neutral substance, it will remain red.
Red litmus paper is meant to test only for an alkaline pH level.