Henna - Medicinal Importance, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects

Henna – Medicinal Importance, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects – Medicinal Importance of Henna Plant

There is no one who doesn’t recognize henna. Henna (also known as Jetuka) is so immersed in Assamese culture that there is no need for any introduction. The scientific name of Henna plant is-‘Lawsonia Inermis’. Henna shares an inseparable relation with Bohag Bihu. Medium, bushy shaped henna plant carries plenty of small sized leaves. From the whole plant, the leaves are mainly used. It has been like a tradition for Assamese people in Bohag bihu to apply henna on palms as well as the performing dancers. Henna leaves are now becoming more popular as ‘Mehndi’.

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Distribution and Cultivation Process of Henna

Distribution and Cultivation Process of Henna

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The henna tree grows to a height of about 3-4 m. Evergreen henna trees are most commonly found in hot climatic regions. Although it is not known exactly where the henna was found in the early stage, it is said that the first henna was found in Asia and later spread to other parts of the world. Written data and biogeographical factors suggest that henna was first found in Pakistan and Western India. Wild species of henna are still found in these areas.

Henna is usually grown from branch cutting. About 30 cm long stalks are used for planting. The month of July-August is considered suitable for planting henna stalks as the rainfall is high during this time. Adequate watering is required in the early stages for its growth after planting. Soil with high drainage, free of trees, and a drainage system is generally suitable for planting. About 1000-1200 henna trees of henna can be planted on 0.1 hectares on a commercial henna farm. The spacing between each row should be 60 cm and the spacing between each tree should be 30-45 cm. It takes 6-7 months for the plant and leaves to develop from an adequate amount of water, soap, and fertilizer.

Important elements of Henna plants

Henna leaves contain a chemical called Lawson. For this solution, red pigmentation occurs when the pasted leaves of henna are applied. Apart from the cosmetic uses Henna also has some medicinal importance. Henna contains many phytochemicals which make the plant capable of resisting various diseases. The Phytochemicals present in henna are- Tannin, Saponin, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Glycoside, Phenol, Anthraquinone, fatty acid etc.

Medicinal Importance of Henna

Although henna is mainly used in cosmetics, it has considerable medicinal properties. A variety of products are made from the leaves of Henna. The various medicinal properties of henna are mentioned below –

Henna leaves grinded with date seeds and mustard seed and applying this paste on the palm may prevent pox and other skin diseases.
Henna leaves can rejuvenate the hair color. Moreover, it also prevents related hair problems like – dandruff, hair fall etc.
Applying henna paste on the forehead can relieve headaches and other related problems.
In case of chest pain and blood vomit, consuming henna leave juice may help. Moreover, applying henna leaf juice all over the body can cure inflammation.
Consuming henna juice mixed with milk and michiri may relieve nightmare problems.
Applying henna paste around nails can cure nail problems.
Chewing henna leaf can remove bad breath.
In the case of Jaundice, eat 2 spoons of henna flower juice mixed with 10 spoons of rice water twice a day for 5-6 days. It will help.
In the case of blisters and pus, apply about 2 drops of henna leaf juice on the particular area.
The benefits and medicinal importance of henna can be seen In case of eye diseases, the leaves of henna are boiled with lukewarm water and used the same water to wash eyes to get relief.
In order to get rid of body odor, sweat, etc.; the body odor is removed by washing the body with the juice of henna leaves.
If you suffer from insomnia, you can mix half a teaspoon of honey with the juice of henna leaves.
Blood is purified by taking a few teaspoons of Henna leaf juice regularly.
Henna leaf paste can be used to treat inflammation, pain and various related ailments.
Henna leaf paste applied on the forehead and scalp can provide some relief from high blood pressure.
To prevent urinary tract stone and various related diseases, 4-5 teaspoons of henna leaf juice can be consumed for 15 days.
Problems with sores on the tongue can be relieved by chewing henna leaves.
In case of pyrexia, the gums become swollen, starts bleeding. The juice of henna leaves can be used to apply on the area affected.
In epilepsy, consuming milk mixed with the juice of henna leaves can provide relief.

Practical Aspects/Uses of Henna

Henna can be used in various diseases due to its medicinal properties. The practical aspects of henna are being used more or less by everyone in our society and no major disadvantages have been observed. However, it is important to use expert advice (in case of medicinal uses) and scientifically formulated ingredients. The following are some of the ways in which it can be prepared to use –

Henna Powder:

1/2-1 teaspoon of Henna Powder (Dried), Ginger Powder should be mixed with honey. This mixture can be eaten after having a meal.

Henna Juice:

Fresh juice can be extracted from the leaves with the help of a grinder or any modern equipment. This juice can be mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of water or honey. This mix can be consumed twice a day.

Henna leaf paste:

Prepare a thick paste of henna leaf and rose water. Apply the mix on your forehead and leave it for 10-15 minutes and then thoroughly wash it. This application provides a lot of relief from mental exhaustion and headaches.

Henna Paste for Hair/ hair mask:

The medicinal importance of henna is also seen in improving hair quality. Make a poultice by mixing 5-10 teaspoons of henna leaves with lukewarm water. After that, it should be applied well to the hair. After 4-5 hours it can be washed with water. This makes the hair fresh and strong.

Side effects of Henna Plant

Only scientifically prepared henna leaf juice should be consumed. Otherwise it may lead to stomach ache, muscle cramps, kidney disease and infections of red blood cells.
Applying henna on the skin can cause an allergic reaction in people having allergy issues. This can also lead to skin rashes, red spots, swelling, etc.
Pregnant women should avoid consuming henna juice.
The henna leaves contain a small amount of P-phenylenediamine. P-Phenylenediamine can cause dermatitis, eye irritation, asthma, asthma, asthma, asthma and other conditions.

Conclusion

The use of henna has been a tradition in our society. Not only on the occasion of Bihu but also many other social norms and because of the medicinal importance of henna, its application is seen in the cure of diseases. In the current market system, the demand and price of henna-made products like Henna Hair Dye, Mehendi, Henna Powder, etc. are also high. We hope the information carried by the above article will help you with various health problems. Thank you!