Botanical name
Lawsonia inermis
Description
The Henna plant is an evergreen shrub about 6m (20ft) high by 6m (20ft) wide. It has small cream fragrant flowers and grows in tropical grasslands mainly in Africa and Southern Asia, and originated in Egypt. The Henna leaves have no odour even when crushed between the fingers. The flower is small and delicate with four petals, ranging from red, yellow, white and pink. They are sweet and alluring in smell, a combination of the scent of jasmine, rose and mignonette. The plant itself grows on a shrub [plant that dies back to roots in the autumn, grows new shoots in spring and lives for more than 2 growing seasons) , with several, permanent woody stems (but no trunk). It grows from ground level and is usually smaller than a tree] with small bright green leaves and a thorny bark. When mixed with clay, earth and chalk, powdered Henna releases a powerful smell.
Evidence from the Sunnah
There are many ahadeeth in relation to Henna. Amongst them are:
Umm Salma (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “Allah’s Messenger (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon Him), never suffered from a wound or a thorn without applying henna to it.” [Reported by Imam Trimidi (with a hasan isnaad) and Imam al Baihaqi in their sahih]
“Whenever somebody came to Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon him,) with complaints of headache, he directed him to undergo cupping and whosoever complained of pain in the legs, was advised to apply Henna.” (Narrated in Sunan Abee Dawud)
Narrated AbuDharr: The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon him) said: The best things with which grey hair are changed are henna and katam.
Medical Uses
There are many medicinal properties of Henna. The following illustrates the benefits of henna:
- Cooling affect – it reduces the body temperature
- Used as a coagulator for open wounds
- A poultice (soft mask used for inflammation of the skin) made with Henna soothes burns and certain eczema
- Relaxing – when applied to the palms which contain numerous nerve endings, henna relaxes the body
- Antiperspirant – when made into a plaster and applied to areas of the body it causes tightening of the pores, this also results in antibacterial characteristics in that it reduces bad odour
- Reduces headaches when applied mixed with vinegar to the head
Application
- The branches of the shrub are broken and the leaves are dried in the sun. They are then grounded to a fine powder ready for use.
- Henna powder mixed with a mildly acidic liquid (lemon juice, or strong tea) is a cause for the release of lawsone molecules. This gives the powder (now paste) the property of dying. With a combination of selected essential oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus, this improves skin staining.
- Henna mixed with vinegar and applied to the head is used as a remedy for reducing headaches.
- Four drops of henna essential oil with four teaspoons of water creates a room fragrance.
- The Henna blossom (faghya) is known to be one of the best kinds of perfume – it is mild in its hotness and dryness. The scholar Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya mentions that it is used in ointments against facial paralysis and aneurysm (dilation of a portion of the wall of an artery). Its oil helps the organs and relaxes the nerves. Henna plays a partial role in some headaches – such as those caused by fever, and help to soothe them some what. The paste also soothes the nerves when used as a bandage for hot tumors and inflammations. It is also useful in treating burns.
- When chewed Henna helps treat cancers and thrush that appear in the mouth. It can also heal stoma Titus (inflammation of the mucus membrane) that appears in a child’s mouth. Henna as a bandage has the same affect on hot tumors as does the dragon’s tree to open sores.
Constituents
Henna possesses many special qualities, among them the following:
- Lawsone
- Mucilage
- Tannic acid
- Glucose
- Quinone
- Resin
- Mannite
- Decomposing due to its warm watery essence
- Constipating due to the cold earthly essence it contains
- Antiperspirant agents due to the tightening of the pores
- Cooling astringency (coolant) for the body
- Antibacterial in that it prevents bad odour from eminating from the body when applied correctly
- Coagulator
Cautions
According to one study carried out by Kent State University (2004), any child diagnosed with G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, an inherited condition) must not have henna applied. The application of Henna can cause severe anaemia in G6PD deficient infants. This can occur by the Henna penetrating the thin, fragile skin causing oxidative haemolysis of their blood cells. It can cause jaundice within 24 hours, lethargy and vomiting necessitating immediate medical attention. Therefore it is advised that henna should not be applied to individuals who are G6PD deficient especially infants. Please note that G6PD deficient men are twice as likely to have a negative reaction by the application of Henna than women; and this could be one of the wisdoms behind why in Islam Henna is recommended only for women and not for men and Allah knows best.
bahasa :
Deskripsi
The Henna tanaman adalah semak cemara sekitar 6m (20ft) tinggi oleh 6m (20ft) lebar. Memiliki krim kecil bunga yang harum dan tumbuh di padang rumput tropis terutama di Afrika dan Asia Selatan, dan berasal dari Mesir. Daun Henna tidak memiliki bau bahkan ketika hancur antara jari-jari. Bunga kecil dan halus dengan empat kelopak, mulai dari merah, kuning, putih dan merah muda. Mereka manis dan memikat di bau, kombinasi aroma melati, mawar dan mignonette. Tanaman itu sendiri tumbuh di semak [tanaman yang mati kembali ke akar di musim gugur, tumbuh tunas baru di musim semi dan tinggal selama lebih dari 2 musim tumbuh), dengan beberapa, kayu permanen batang (tapi tidak ada bagasi). Tumbuh dari permukaan tanah dan biasanya lebih kecil dari pohon] dengan daun hijau kecil terang dan kulit berduri. Ketika dicampur dengan tanah liat, bumi dan kapur, bubuk Henna melepaskan bau yang kuat.
Bukti dari Sunnah
Ada banyak hadits dalam kaitannya dengan Henna. Di antara mereka adalah:
Umm Salma (Semoga Allah senang dengan dia) berkata: "Rasulullah (Perdamaian dan Berkah Allah Jadilah kepada-Nya), tidak pernah menderita luka atau duri tanpa menerapkan henna untuk itu." [HR Imam Trimidi (dengan hasan a sanad) dan Imam al Baihaqi dalam sahih mereka]
"Setiap kali seseorang datang kepada Nabi Muhammad (damai dan Berkat Allah Jadilah atasnya,) dengan keluhan sakit kepala, ia mengarahkan dia untuk menjalani bekam dan barangsiapa mengeluhkan sakit di kaki, disarankan untuk menerapkan Henna." (HR di Sunan Abee Dawud)
Dikisahkan AbuDharr: Nabi (Perdamaian dan Berkah Allah Jadilah besertanya) mengatakan: Hal terbaik dengan rambut beruban yang berubah adalah pacar dan katam.
Penggunaan medis
Ada banyak sifat obat dari Henna. Berikut ini menggambarkan manfaat henna:
-Cooling Mempengaruhi - mengurangi suhu tubuh
-Digunakan Sebagai coagulator untuk luka terbuka
Tapal -A (masker lembut digunakan untuk radang kulit) dibuat dengan Henna menenangkan luka bakar dan eksim tertentu
-Relaxing - Ketika diterapkan pada telapak tangan yang mengandung banyak ujung saraf, henna melemaskan tubuh
-Antiperspirant - Ketika dibuat menjadi plester dan diterapkan ke daerah-daerah tubuh yang menyebabkan pengetatan pori-pori, ini juga menghasilkan karakteristik antibakteri dalam hal mengurangi bau tak sedap
-Mengurangi Sakit kepala bila diterapkan dicampur dengan cuka ke kepala
Aplikasi
-The Cabang semak yang rusak dan daun dikeringkan di bawah sinar matahari. Mereka kemudian beralasan untuk menjadi bubuk halus siap digunakan.
Bubuk -Henna dicampur dengan cairan agak asam (jus lemon, atau teh yang kuat) adalah penyebab pelepasan molekul lawsone. Hal ini memberikan bubuk (sekarang menyisipkan) milik sekarat. Dengan kombinasi yang dipilih minyak esensial seperti pohon teh atau eucalyptus, ini meningkatkan pewarnaan kulit.
-Henna Dicampur dengan cuka dan diterapkan ke kepala digunakan sebagai obat untuk mengurangi sakit kepala.
Tetes-Empat dari minyak esensial henna dengan empat sendok teh air menciptakan aroma kamar.
-The Henna blossom (faghya) dikenal sebagai salah satu jenis terbaik dari parfum - itu adalah ringan di hotness dan kekeringan. Sarjana Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah menyebutkan bahwa itu digunakan dalam salep terhadap kelumpuhan wajah dan aneurisma (pelebaran bagian dari dinding arteri). Minyaknya membantu organ-organ dan melemaskan saraf. Henna memainkan peran parsial di beberapa sakit kepala - seperti yang disebabkan oleh demam, dan membantu untuk menenangkan mereka beberapa apa. Pasta juga menenangkan saraf bila digunakan sebagai perban untuk tumor panas dan radang. Hal ini juga berguna dalam mengobati luka bakar.
-Ketika Dikunyah Henna membantu mengobati kanker dan sariawan yang muncul di mulut. Hal ini juga dapat menyembuhkan stoma Titus (radang selaput lendir) yang muncul di mulut anak. Henna sebagai perban memiliki sama mempengaruhi tumor panas seperti halnya pohon naga untuk membuka luka.
Konstituen
Henna memiliki banyak kualitas istimewa, di antaranya sebagai berikut:
-Lawsone
-Mucilage
Asam -Tannic
-Glucose
-Quinone
-Resin
-Mannite
-Decomposing Karena esensi berair hangat
-Constipating Karena esensi duniawi dingin mengandung
Agen -Antiperspirant karena pengetatan pori-pori
-Cooling Astringency (pendingin) untuk tubuh
-Antibacterial Dalam hal mencegah bau buruk dari eminating dari tubuh bila diterapkan dengan benar
-Coagulator
Perhatian
Menurut sebuah studi yang dilakukan oleh Kent State University (2004), setiap anak yang didiagnosis dengan defisiensi G6PD (defisiensi dehidrogenase glukosa-6-fosfat, kondisi warisan) tidak harus pacar diterapkan. Penerapan Henna dapat menyebabkan anemia berat di G6PD bayi kekurangan. Hal ini dapat terjadi dengan Henna menembus tipis, kulit rapuh menyebabkan hemolisis oksidatif sel darah mereka. Hal ini dapat menyebabkan penyakit kuning dalam waktu 24 jam, lesu dan muntah memerlukan perhatian medis segera. Oleh karena itu disarankan bahwa pacar tidak harus diterapkan kepada individu yang G6PD kekurangan terutama bayi. Harap dicatat bahwa G6PD pria kekurangan dua kali lebih mungkin untuk memiliki reaksi negatif dengan penerapan Henna daripada wanita; dan ini bisa menjadi salah satu kearifan di balik mengapa dalam Islam Henna hanya disarankan untuk wanita dan bukan untuk manusia dan Allah tahu yang terbaik.
HENNA
Henna plant (scientifically known as Lawsonia Inermis) is well known for long time in the Arab and Muslims world, extensively grown in India and Sudan and used mainly for cosmetic purposes.
Over the last many years I have used Henna as medicine after I read the Hadith about it that the Prophet (PUH) ordered any one who has been pricked by a thorn or has an ulcer on his leg to put Henna on it.
After many years of experience I came to call it the Magic Plant
And in the following paragraphs I will explain why:
1-It has a great healing effect, it contain many healing substances like Tannine and other Glue like substances.
2-It has anti microbial effect especially anti-viral effect.
HENNA USES
- BURNS
Henna when applied to a burn area first or second degree it gives very good results;
-Decrease pain.
-Decrease fluid loss from the burn site, this is important if the burn area is large.
-It look to have anti-microbial effect, it decrease infection.
-Stick to the burned site until healing is complete.
-Easy to apply to the burned site as paste or powdered.
-Cheap and available.
2-HEALING PROPERTIES
Henna promote wound healing especially chronic wounds and ulcers, I have used it on nuropathic ulcers of the foot and proved to be very effective. The main factor that promotes healing is not known but I think it has this effect by its nourishing effect on the wound and its anti-microbial properties. If the wound is infected antibiotic cover usually needed.
3-ANTI-HAEMOORAGIC
I used henna for treatment of Epistaxis, and it prove very effective, and give a long lasting cure. And dose not need to be applied more than once most of the times, the powdered stick to the bleeding area until it healed, it work better than cauterization , which is most of the times need to be repeated and still can not guarantee that recurrence of the bleed is not going to occurs.
ANTERIOR NOSE BLEED (from little area): treated by applying the powdered to bleeding spot ,using a ready made ear cleaning stick with its cotton covered end ,and pack the powder to the site of the bleeder ,that will stop the bleeding , rarely it need to be repeated again and that is really Magic way of treatment for epistaxis.
POSTERIOR NOSE BLEED: Which is very difficult to treat as every ENT doctor knows, with this Henna powder just ask the patient to sniff the powder through the anterior nostril to make it reach the back of the nose or posterior nostril and by this action the powder will stick to the bleeding area and the bleeding will stop, no more we need to use posterior nose pack which is a nightmare for the patient and the doctor at the same time.
The only side effect of Henna here is , it causes the patient to sneeze a little.
The anti-bleeding effect of Henna could be used at other sights like bleeding duodenal ulcer or esophageal varices . This needs to be tried as far as there are no side effect known.
This anti-bleeding effect may be due to its coagulation like effect or its locally burning effect.
4-ANTI-VIRAL
Henna definitely has an anti-viral effect, that became clear by its action on;
1-warts; we have tried it many times especially on these warts which are resistant to cryo (Nitrogen liquid) treatment and prove effective, one giant wart measuring 1.5x1.5cm on a child thumb which was resistant to all forms of treatment, at last the child referred to the plastic surgeon for operation, we tried Henna on it, applied every other day over night and in few weeks it disappeared completely . The Dermatologist nurse has a wart on her finger for more than two years which was resistant to liquid nitrogen treatment , we asked her to use henna and got cured.
We found it very useful especially on multiple wars.
On warts Henna applied as paste.
2-Herpes Simplex:
This the second proven and successful effect of Henna on viral infections. We applied it as powdered to herpes site, we noticed:
-It dried the vesicles at the site early.
-Prevent ulceration and crust formation.
-Prevent secondary infection.
Henna applied on herpes as powdered.
This anti-viral effect of Henna is very promising , and should be explored further, It could used as treatment for AIDS . It is natural ,cheap, and it look to have no side effect even when taken by oral route.
We have prepared Henna in capsules now at home and used it as a prophylaxis against Flu during last Haj and we think it helped, As we did not get the infection while most people got Haj Flu which is usually a severe one. But this too early to be sure about and need more trails.
5-OTHER USES OF HENNA:
Henna can be used as a prophylaxis especially to protect diabetic patients feet, I routinely now advise my diabetic patients to use henna at least once a month because:
- It help to heals fissures and cracks in the foot and reduce foot infection.
- It improve the skin texture, which look healthier and softer.
- It may delay the nuropathic effect of diabetes, In fact it may reverse the early ones, This need more time to prove.
Henna could be used in the following areas:
1-Back pain
2-Ulcerative colitis as enema.
3-Bleeding duodenal ulcers.
This is our experience with Henna over the last six years or more, the most promising is its anti-viral effect which could prove a breakthrough in modern medicine as a treatment for HIV patients.
HENNA
Overview
Henna is a plant. The leaf is used to make medicine.
Don’t confuse henna with henna root (Alkanna tinctoria), also referred to as alkanna root.
Historically, henna has been used for severe
diarrhea caused by a
parasite (amoebic dysentery),
cancer,
enlarged spleen,
headache,
jaundice, and
skin conditions. These days, people take henna for
stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Henna is sometimes applied directly to the affected area for
dandruff,
eczema,
scabies, fungal infections, and wounds.
In manufacturing, henna is used in
cosmetics,
hair dyes, and
hair care products; and as a dye for nails, hands, and clothing.
People also use henna on the skin as temporary “tattoos.”
How does it work?
Henna contains substances that might help fight certain infections. There is also some information that henna might decrease the growth of tumors, prevent or reduce spasms, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Ulcers in the stomach or intestines.
- Severe diarrhea caused by parasites called amoebas (amoebic dysentery).
- Cancer.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Headache.
- Yellow skin (jaundice).
- Skin conditions, when taken by mouth or applied to the skin.
- Dandruff, when applied to the scalp.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of henna for these uses.
Side Effects
Henna seems to be safe for most adults when used on the skin or hair. It can cause some side effects such as inflammation of the skin (
dermatitis) including redness,
itching, burning, swelling, scaling, broken skin,
blisters, and scarring of the skin. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur such as
hives,
runny nose, wheezing, and
asthma.
Henna is considered to be
UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Accidentally swallowing henna requires prompt medical attention. It can cause stomach upset and other side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Henna is considered
UNSAFE for use in children, especially in infants. There have been cases of serious side effects when henna was applied to the skin of infants.
Infants with a condition called glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at especially high risk. Putting henna on the skin of these infants can cause their red
blood cells to burst.
Pregnancy or breast-feeding: It’s
UNSAFE to take henna by mouth if you are pregnant. There is some evidence that it might cause a
miscarriage. It’s also
UNSAFE to take henna if you are breast-feeding.
Henna allergy: If you are allergic to henna, avoid contact.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction: Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
The appropriate dose of henna depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for henna. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other
healthcare professional before using.
Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009
PROPHET'S MEDICINE
Dr. M. Laiq Ahmed Khan
The Henna plant is not only extensively grown throughout India, but cultivated as well. It is planted as hedges around houses, buildings and sometimes fields. It is two-meter long when fully grown and emission of a typical fragrance is also noted during nights. It is cultivated throughout India. For ages. The Mehndi of Faridabad is very much popular and liked by the users. The different parts of the plant viz. leaves, stems, flowers and fruits are being used for cosmetic as well as medicinal purposes.
Hazrat Umme Salma (R) narrates: “In the life of Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh), no injury or thorn piercing was treated on which Henna was not applied.” (Tirmizi, Sanad-e-Ahmed)
“Whenever somebody came to Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) with complaints of headache, he directed him to undergo cupping and whosoever complained of pain in legs, was advised to apply Henna.” (Bukhari, Abu Dawood)
In another narration Henna was prescribed for headache also Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates: Nabi-e-Akram (Pbuh) said that Jews and Christians did not use Khizab, you oppose that.
The same verse is narrated by other narrators in Nisai and Tirmizi.
Osman bin Abdullah Ibn Mohib narrates: “My family sent me to Ummul Momineen, Hazrat Salma (R), with a bowl of water (the narrator of this Hadith, Israil closed his three fingers and said the bowl was of silver). A few holy hairs of Prophet (Pbuh) were there in the bowl. If some one fell ill with evil sight or with any other ailment would send the water in a bowl to Umme-e-Salma. She would dip the plate in it. I looked into the water and found that the colour of the Prophet’s hair was red.” (Bukhari)
Jahzma (R) the wife of Bashir Bin Khasasia (R) narrates “I saw Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) coming out of the house. He was coming after taking bath, therefore, he was shaking his hairs. The colour of Henna was visible on his head.” (Tirmizi)
Wasila (R) narrates that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said “Use Henna, it makes your head lustrous, cleanses your hearts, increases the sexual vigour and will be witness in your graves”
Abi Rafai narrates, “I was present before Prophet (Pbuh). Passing his hand over his head he said that the head of all dyes was Henna which ganeaglow to the face and increased the sexual vigour.” (Abu Naim)
The scholars of Hadith paid a great attention towards its use keeping in view the repeated sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).
Sahaba and Tabayeen like Abu Bakr, Umar, Abu Ubaida, Mohammed Ibnal Hanifa, Mohammed Ibn Al Sirin used to apply Henna on their hairs.
Mohaddis Abdul Latif Baghdadi says that its red colour is very attractive and its colour and smell is a nerve stimulant. The fact is well understood in today’s scenario, from the impact of colour and odour on personality and physiology.
Mohd. Ahmed Zahbi says that there are three essential factors for healing
- Expulsion of fluids from the wounds
- Cessation of production of any more fluids
- Formation of healthy flesh (granulation tissue) to fill the gap.
Henna contains all these three factors and possesses very good healing properties. If Mehndi leaves are soaked in water throughout the night and this decanted water, if taken in morning for 40 days, is effective in leprosy and heals the wounds.
Hafiz Ibu al Qayyim in the light of his experiences describes it a good healing agent for burns. Its gargles are beneficial in stomatitis and all ulcers of tongue, cheeks and lips. Its local application has soothing effects on acute inflammations and hot abscesses. Henna levels’ extract in oil mixed with natural wax and oil of rose, if applied locally in conditions of backache, is highly effective.
It is a clinically tested fact that if Mehndi leaves paste is applied on the soles of the patients of small pox and chicken pox, the eyes remain unaffected with the disease and besides become dry very soon.
Dry leaves of Henna if kept in clothes, serve the purpose of insect repellant.
If the paste of Henna is applied on nails, the lustre of the nails increases and if applied on feet and soles, is effective in burning feet syndrome.
If the nails become disfigured after getting fungal infection, it is advisable to use Henna with vinegar to restore it to normalcy. The paste of Henna is very effective in Burns and scalds. It heals the boils of scalp if applied with Roghan-e-Zaitoon.
The physicians of Unani Medicine describe it as a good blood purifier. Hakim Ajmal Khan once used the paste of Henna on the palms of a female patient who was suffering from Menorrhagia and she got cured. Headache from heat is cured by inhaling the scent of its flowers.
The oil prepared from olive oil and leaves of Henna is very much effective in muscular rigidity. If Henna leaves are soaked in a sufficient quantity of water and kept throughout the night and the decanted water is taken in morning it is effective in Jaundice and Splenomegaly.
(The writer is director, Shah Faisal Institute of Hadith and Medical Sciences, Kasganj-207123 (U.P)
TRADITIONAL, MEDICINAL USES OF HENNA PLANT
Henna – Medicinal Plant
Henna or Mehandi is a medicinal plant. Its bark and seeds are used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicines. Henna is a middle-sized shrub with many branches. It yields small white or pinkish fragrant flowers in large terminal bunches and small round fruits. This fascinating plant known world-wide for the beautiful colouring dye used by the orientals to colour their hands and body.
Henna oil is used during medicinal treatment of wide range of ailment ranging from headache to leprosy and other skin disorders. As a medicinal plant henna is used as an astringent, anti-hemorrhagic intestinal anti-neoplastic, cardio-inhibitory, hypotensive, and a sedative. The Henna extracts exihibit antibacterial, antifungal, and ultraviolet light screening activity. The oil of its flower relieves muscular pains, while its seeds are used in deodorants and to regulate menstruation. Henna oil induce sleep, cure headaches and bruises. The bark is also used to treat symptoms of jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Henna oil can be applied to the skin to treat eczema, scabies, fungal infections and burns.
Medicinal Benefits of Henna oil / seeds
Arthritis: Henna oil is used for rheumatic and arthritic pains. Ground leaves are applied to sore flints to ease rheumatism. The juice of the medicinal plant can be applied to the skin for headaches, and the henna oil is applied to hair to prevent it from graying. Dysentery: The bark of the plant is very effective in the treatment of dysentery. The seeds are powdered, mixed with ghee and rolled into small balls and then taken with water.
Liver Disorders: The bark of the plant is very effective in the treatment of liver disorders like Jaundice and enlargement of the liver. Henna can be consumed in the form of powder from 1 to 5 decigrams doses or it can be taken in decoction from 30 to 50 grams doses to cure liver disorders. Baldness: Using mustard oil boiled with Henna leaves promotes healthy hair growth. 250 grams of mustard oil is boiled in a pan. Some 50 to 60 grams of Henna leaves are added gradually to the oil and heated. The oil is then filtered through a cloth and stored in a bottle. Regular massage with this oil produces abundant hair.
Prickly Heat: Henna leaves are beneficial in the treatment of prickly heat. The leaves ground with water are applied over the affected area.
Headaches: Henna flowers cure headaches caused by the heat of the sun. A plaster made of Henna, flowers in vinegar and applied over forehead relieves the headaches.
Feet Burning Sensation: Fresh leaves mixed with vinegar or limp juice is bandaged onto the soles to treat burning feet.
Skin Disease: Henna leaves are very effective in the treatment of skin disorders like boils & burns. Coarsely ground Henna leaves applied to the affected parts cures the disorders. It can be applied beneficially in rheumatic joints, inflammatory swelling, bruises & leprosy. The Ayurvedic system uses thy henna leaves to treat vitiligo (pale patches on the skin where pigment is lost). And the seeds are also used to fever. Henna contains natural ingredients which are vital for nourishment of hair. It has a bond with the hair structure as it serves to penetrate, cleanse and thicken the hair shafts thus improving its quality. It also has great dandruff fighting ability. Henna is mainly used as a colouring agent. It is mixed with other natural dyes and is largely used as a hair dye and in textiles. The henna oil obtained form its flower is used in perfumery. In India, Henna paste is applied to decorate palms & heels on special occasions. Especially in marriages the bride’s palms & legs are decorated with Henna paste as a customary ritual. Powers of Henna Plant
- Applied henna powder to decorate feet and hands for its cooling properties
- Henna powder with water mixed as part of marriage rituals for decorating the bride
- Henna used in medications for its healing properties as a skin healer and cleanser
- It is used to hair as a natural conditioner and colorant and stain the fingers of pharaohs before their mummification
- Applied henna by persons to be in compliance with religion because it makes the individual more conscious of the Earth’s energies.
Modern Applications of Henna Plant
- Temporary tattoos
- Henna Nourisher or hair conditioner as shampoo
- Skin care products
- Natural hair dyes
- Body decoration
- Henna Hair tonic
- Henna Essential Oils
