Henna

Scientific name of Henna plant: Lawsonia Inermis

Name of Henna in different languages:

English: Egyptian priven, Mignonette tree

Sanskrit: Mendhi, madayantika, madanaka, mendika, raktagarba, kuravaka

Hindi: Mehadni मेहेंदी

Malayalam: Mailanji മൈലാഞ്ചി

Plant description:-

Henna tree – Lawsonia inermis is a shrub or small tree, that grows to a height up to 25 ft. It is multi-branched; there is a spine at the branch end. The leaves are small, oppositely arranged, glabrous, sub-sessile, elliptical, and wider in the middle; sized to 1.5 to 5.0 cm long and 0.5 to 2 cm broad. Flowers are very small and borne in a cluster, which is fragrant; fruits are small, brownish capsules, up to 8 mm in diameter.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Oval	Margin-Entire	Venation-pinnate

Useful plant parts:

Leaf

Medicinal uses: 

To treat skin diseases, urinary stones, ringworm, dandruff

Chemical content:

Antifungal, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic.

Henna Ayurveda uses

Henna, scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis, is a plant that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various purposes. In Ayurveda, it is known as “Madayantika” or “Mehandi.”

Here are some of the Ayurvedic uses of Henna:

1. Cooling Properties: Henna is believed to have cooling properties, which can be beneficial for conditions related to excess heat in the body.
2. Hair Care: It is widely used in Ayurveda for hair care. Henna is known to strengthen hair, promote hair growth, and provide a natural conditioning effect. It is often used as a natural hair dye to cover gray hair.
3. Skin Conditions: Henna paste, when applied externally, is believed to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used for skin conditions like rashes or irritation.
4. Anti-fungal: Henna is thought to have anti-fungal properties, which can be useful in treating certain skin conditions caused by fungal infections.
5. Nail Health: In some Ayurvedic practices, Henna may be used to strengthen nails and promote overall nail health.
6. Astringent Properties: It is believed to have astringent properties, which can be beneficial for conditions where tightening or toning of the skin is desired.
7. Headache Relief: In some Ayurvedic traditions, a paste made from Henna leaves may be applied on the forehead to help alleviate headaches.
8. Wound Healing: Henna paste may be used topically on wounds due to its potential wound-healing properties.
9. Menstrual Disorders: In Ayurveda, Henna is sometimes used to address certain menstrual disorders, although specific applications may vary.
10. Anti-inflammatory: Henna is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for conditions characterized by inflammation.

Remember that while Henna has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, scientific studies validating its efficacy and safety for these specific uses may vary. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or Ayurvedic practitioner before using Henna for medicinal purposes. They can provide personalized advice based on your health condition and needs.

How to prepare medicines:

leaves of Mehandi and common salt ground well and apply on affected areas of skin problems occur, especially for the itching in the joint part of legs.

leaves of Mehandi and common salt ground well and apply on affected areas of skin problems occur, especially for the itching in the joint part of legs.

Henna is one of the ingredients in Ayurveda medicines like-

Maha Panchagavya Ghrita