“Nature is the greatest doctor.” –Hippocrates
In Western culture, henna has been gaining popularity in the last decade. It is used as a natural dye for hair and as an ornamental hand-and-foot art. Although it is one of most widely used botanicals, it is probably the least utilized for its many healing properties.
MEHNDI
Botanical Name: Lawsonia Inermis
Part Used: Leaves, bark, flowers
Pacifies Pitta and Kapha, may aggravate Vata (in excess)
Actions Antipyretic (fever reduction), alterative (gradually returns proper function to the body), and nervine (calms nervous system).
Henna or Mehndi is an evergreen perennial. Henna is a member of the Loosestrife plant family. It originated in Egypt, which is still the largest supplier of the product. Henna plants are most commonly found in India, Northern Africa, or the Middle East, which have drier climates.
Red-brown dye is created by crushing dried leaves and then mixing the fine powder and other natural and acidic ingredients like lemon juice, eucalyptus oil or black tea.
A helpful hint:Henna which is dark in color could be dangerous and should be avoided. This is because the henna plant has been mixed with chemical compounds to achieve its dark color. Hair dyes that claim to contain henna can sometimes contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or harm for people with sensitive skin. Make sure you read the labels!
Henna leaves
Flowers of Henna
Because henna is associated with India, it’s a common tradition in India for the bride to cover her hands, arms, and feet in intricate designs. Although it has a long history, its use is widespread throughout the Middle East. It was first used in Egypt 1200 BC to dye hair and nails of the pharaohs and during mummification. Cleopatra was said to have used henna for her body decorations.
Henna’s most notable quality is its natural cooling effect. This gives the skin a pleasant tingling sensation similar to when you chew spearmint gum or drink cold water. People from the desert used henna as a cooling agent once they discovered this property. They created an air conditioning effect by applying henna paste to their bodies and then smearing the paste on their skin. As long as there is a henna stain on their skin, the sensation will be felt throughout the body. The henna smears were soon transformed by the desert people into works of art. The mehndi tradition was born.
Mehndi, the art of applying henna to the body, has been used for centuries to bring good fortune and love.
Read More: Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin Allergy:- HARIDRAKHAND
10 HEALING BENEFITS FROM HENNA:
1. Headaches Relief
Henna flowers are said to cure sunburnt headaches. The headaches can be relieved by applying a plaster made from Henna flowers, soaked in vinegar, to the forehead.
2. How to ease arthritis pain
The cooling effects of henna on the nerves can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Read More: Ayurvedic Medicine For arthritis – Cannabis Medicine/Cannabis Oil
3. It treats a wide range of skin conditions
Henna has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat open wounds. It can also be used to coagulate them and to soothe eczema and burns. You can use fresh leaves as a topical antiseptic to treat fungal and bacterial skin infections such as ringworm.
4. Promotes healthy hair
Henna is good for hair health. It seals the hair cuticle and prevents hair from breaking. It can also be used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
5. Fever draws out
The temperature will drop if you roll some Henna leaves with water and place it in your hand.
6. Healthy gums
Chewing henna leaves can reduce gum disease risk and treat mouth ulcers.
7. Mind reduces Pitta
Henna essential oil, also known as Hina, can be used in India to perform religious ceremonies and pray (Devotion). It can be used to increase our psychic abilities, clairvoyancy and reduce anger and irritability.
8. Natural treatment for diaper rash
To reduce irritation and heat, sprinkle a small amount of henna powder over the affected area.
9. A cure for dysentery
Henna seeds are good for treating dysentery. Mix the henna with ghee by crushing it. To cure dysentery, make small balls from the mixture and swallow it with some water.
10. A powerful detoxifier
The benefits of soaking the leaves or bark of the henna plants in water, and then drinking the liquid, have been linked to improved liver and spleen health.
11. Blood pressure regulation
Henna’s benefits for heart health are one of the most overlooked. You can experience a hypotensive effect, which reduces stress on your cardiovascular system and lowers blood pressure by consuming henna seeds or water. This can prevent plaque buildup and platelet accumulation in the heart and arteries. It also helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
The best medicine is often the one that the earth gives us. Henna, the ultimate hidden treasure, is cherished in the east and made its way to the West.