Henna (Lawsonia inermis syn. L. alba)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Lythraceae
• Common Names: Henna, Egyptian Privet, Mehndi
• Parts Used: Leaves, bark, flowers

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Description

Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna, is a shrub native to North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It is widely recognized for its use as a natural dye, but it also possesses medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, cooling, and wound-healing benefits.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used for centuries in traditional medicine for skin and scalp health.
• Employed in Ayurveda and Unani medicine to cool the body and reduce fever.
• Traditionally applied as a paste to wounds, burns, and fungal infections.
• Used as a hair and skin dye for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

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Constituents

• Lawsone (a natural pigment with antimicrobial properties)
• Tannins
• Flavonoids
• Essential oils
• Alkaloids

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Actions

• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cooling
• Astringent
• Antifungal
• Wound healing

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Medicinal Uses

1. Skin and Wound Healing:
Henna is applied to cuts, burns, and wounds to promote healing and prevent infection.

2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Benefits:
Used for fungal infections, including athlete’s foot and ringworm.

3. Hair and Scalp Health:
Strengthens hair, reduces dandruff, and soothes an irritated scalp.

4. Cooling and Fever Reduction:
Traditionally used as a cooling agent to reduce body heat and fevers.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Support:
Applied topically for arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory skin conditions.

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Preparation and Dosage

Henna Paste (Topical Use):

• Fresh or dried henna leaves ground into a paste and applied to the skin, scalp, or wounds.

Infusion (Tea for External Use):

• 1-2 tsp of dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes; used as a rinse or compress.

Tincture:

• 2-4 ml taken up to 3 times daily (less common for internal use).

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution; consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions; perform a patch test before applying widely.
• Internal Use: Limited traditional use internally; external applications are more common.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and drying; supports skin, inflammation, and fever management.
• Ayurveda: Primarily balances Pitta by cooling excess heat, but excessive use may aggravate Vata.
• Unani Medicine: Used for its cooling, purifying, and antimicrobial effects.

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Combinations

• For Skin Healing: Combine with aloe vera and calendula.
• For Antifungal Support: Combine with neem and tea tree oil.
• For Hair and Scalp Health: Combine with bhringraj and amla.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Leaves are collected in summer and dried for medicinal use.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Storage: Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Lawsonia inermis’s antimicrobial, cooling, and wound-healing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

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Henna remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for skin care, hair health, and antimicrobial applications.