Is heena a medicinal plant?
Lawsonia inermis Linn, commonly known as henna, is a member of the Lythraceae family and has been found to contain a variety of compounds with both industrial and medicinal applications in its stem, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds. The art of henna, known as “al-ḥinnā” in Arabic, has deep roots in Middle Eastern and North African cultures. Its use dates back over 5,000 years, with Egypt being the original home of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). In Arabic traditions, henna has a special place in celebrations and rituals.Ethnobotanical Uses Others: The leaves of the henna plant are the source of red-brown dye widely used for body art. The paste of ground leaves has been used to color skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. The flowers and fruits are used in perfumery.Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna, is a plant known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well as its hepatoprotective activities. It has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines and exhibit antioxidant properties.The great scholar Ibn AI-Qayyim mentioned many of its benefits in his book The Prophetic Medicine that henna is used in treating headaches and migraines. It is also used to treat burns caused by fire. Apart from that it is beneficial for mouth ulcers and blisters when chewed.In both cultures, henna was used to produce intricate patterns on the bodies of men and women during special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. This art form is mostly known as mehndi throughout Asia, and India is often credited for popularising it in present day.
What are the medicinal uses of henna plants?
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. When henna is used on the hands, it helps to relax the body via the cooling effect it has on the nerves, thus reducing inflammation caused by arthritis symptoms. Traditional medicinal uses for henna include being used as a coagulant for open wounds and a poultice to sooth burns and eczema.Henna is a natural conditioner and colorant. Mix it with coffee to create a paste, then apply it to your hair. This can turn grey hair to black naturally while conditioning your hair.While it is famous for its natural advantages, henna sometimes tends to make the hair dry, especially in case of dry or brittle hair. Tannins and proteins present in henna do work on strengthening and conditioning the hair but may strip away the moisture.For centuries, henna has been used to cool the skin, calm inflammation, and restore balance. For those living with eczema, henna helps soothe irritation, reduce itching, and protect sensitive skin naturally. It carries antibacterial and antifungal properties, supporting the skin as it repairs itself.Black tea is also a great ingredient to add to your henna mixture. It contains tannin concentrates that can darken your body art. Just brew some fresh tea leaves with water, add them to the henna powder mixture, mix, and apply. Ideally, allow 6 hours to lapse before exposing your henna to water.
Are henna leaves used in medicine?
Herbal wound healing agents Decoction and ointment of henna leaves is also useful in wound healing, burns, and ulcers. Topical application of ethanolic extract of henna leaves shows significant improvement in wound healing due to the presence of Lawsone in it [54, 55]. This dye can be used as a dye for skin, nail, hair, silk, and wool. Extracting the lawsone from the Henna leaves can be carried out by the mass transfer of dyestuff from solid to liquid phase (solvent) [3]. This method of extraction is commonly called as solid-liquid extraction (leaching).Chewing on henna leaves is said to reduce the risk of gum disease and treat mouth ulcers. The essential oil that is derived from Henna, also knows as Hina, is used in India for religious ceremonies and prayer (Devotion). It is great for opening our psychic abilities, clairvoyancy, and reducing anger and irritability.Henna itself is harmless, made from the ground leaves of the plant Lawsonia inermis whose active ingredient is a naphthoquinone mixed with water or oil. When applied to the skin it does not penetrate into the dermis but stains the epidermis a reddish-brown. It doesn’t cause any allergic reactions.
What are the disadvantages of henna?
One of the main disadvantages of henna is its limited flexibility in terms of colouring. It does not offer a wide range of colour options like chemical dyes, so it is difficult to obtain particular shades, and the result obtained is closely related to the base colour of the hair. The natural pigments from the Lawsonia inermis leaf coat each strand. Using a natural hair dye means building a protective layer around the hair cuticles and every strand, safeguarding your hair against potential damage. Hair dyes with henna lock in moisture boosting luster and strength.The history of henna One of the earliest uses of henna can be dated back to Ancient Egypt, where henna paste was used to stain mummies and mummy wrappings. The Egyptians believed henna retained a person’s spirituality. The lawsone also made the skin stronger and resistant to decay.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.Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyi wassallam) informed us of the beneficial elements contained in Henna over 1400 years ago. Indeed, he (sallallahu alaiyi wassallam) used to dye his own hair with Henna.