Lawsonia inermis L.
Common Name: Henna
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Lawsonia
Species: inermis
Malayalam Name: Mailanchi,
Tamil Name: Mehndi, Maruthani
Description:
Henna is a tall shrub or small tree, 2–6 m high. It is glabrous, multibranched with spine tipped branchlets. Leaves are opposite, entire, glabrous, sub-sessile, elliptical, and broadly lanceolate, acuminate, having depressed veins on the dorsal surface. The leaves gradually yellow and fall during prolonged dry or cool intervals. Henna flowers have four sepals and a 2 mm calyx tube with 3 mm spread lobes. Petals are obvate, white or red stamens inserted in pairs on the rim of the calyx tube. Ovary is four celled, style up to 5 mm long and erect. Fruits are small, brownish capsules
USES
Skin: Henna can treat dermatological infections like eczema and psoriasis, and prevent skin inflammation. It can also treat wounds and ulcers.
Hair: Henna can protect hair from UV damage and lice, and can also treat dandruff and ringworm. It can also build a protective layer around hair cuticles, which can strengthen hair and boost its luster.
Feet: Henna can treat athlete’s foot and prevent moisture loss, skin cracking, and chronic ulcers.
Liver: Henna can protect the liver from damage.
Other conditions: Henna can treat headaches, insomnia, bronchitis, lumbago, hemicrania, leukoderma, scabies, boils, and ophthalmic disorders.
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