Henna is considered as an ancient herb of grace and
healing. It is mentioned as a valuable medicine in Egyptian
hieroglyphs, in Solomon's Song of Songs of the Old
Testament, an in the writings of Theophrastes, a disciple of
Aristotle who wrote the History of Plants. When Henna is
applied to the skin, its active elements provide cooling and
astringent action along with protection against many surface
fungi and bacteria. Henna can help to lower body temperature
to soothe headaches, fevers, burning feet (which may be a B-
Vitamin deficiency), and even hysteria or a violent temper.
Following are the most common medicinal uses of Henna.
Headache Remedy
In addition to the relaxing and cooling properties of the
henna seeds, anise seeds are also a good antispasmodic.
- 1 tablespoon (15 gm) henna seeds, outer shells
cracked and inner seeds ground
- 1 tablespoon (15 gm) black anise (Pimpinella anisum)
seeds, crushed Boiled, cooled water or apple cider
vinegar
- 1 gauze compress
1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound and grind
together the henna and black anise seeds. Add just enough
water or vinegar to make a paste.
2. Spread the paste onto a gauze compress. Apply the
compress to the head, lay down to rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
Irritated skin balm
Lawsome may be the ingredient in henna that serves as an
antiseptic, bactericide, and fungicide. This remedy will not
stain the skin.
- 2-3 tablespoon (10-15 gm) neutral, uncoloured henna
powder
- 4-5 ounces (130 ml) apple cider vinegar, warmed
1. Mix henna powder with warm vinegar to form
a paste.
2. Apply as a dressing directly to the affected area
of skin.
Scalp Treatment
Try this updated Indian and Pakistani remedy to increase
hair growth and reduce hair loss.
- 1 tablespon (15 ml) henna flower oil
- 1 tablespon (15 ml) jojoba extract
- 1 tablespon (15 ml) calendula infused oil
- ½ tablespoon (2.5 ml) carrot seed oil
- 2 drops essential oil of clove bud
- 4 drops of essential oil of rosemary
- 5 drops East Indian essential oil of patchouli
- 2 drops essential oil of cedarwood
1. In a 2-to-3-ounce (60-95 ml) opaque bottle,
combine henna, jojoba, calendula, and carrot seed oils. Add
essential oils and shake to mix. Label and date.
2. If desired, warm the bottle of oil in a warn
water bath before using. Massage a few drops into scalp
before bedtime. Apply two or three times a week.
Nail- conditioning
Treatment Here's an easy, low-cost routine. Remove existing
nail polish a day or two before the treatment. Remember to
stir the paste each time.
- ½ cup (130 ml) boiled spring -or distilled
water, cooled to warm
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) uncolored, neutral henna
powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) plain organic yogurt (optional)
- 2-3 drops eucalyptus oil (optional)
1. In a plastic or glass bowl, mix neutral
henna and water to form a paste. Store leftover mixture in a
sealed container in refrigerator for 2-3 days only.
2. Using a chopstick or flat-edged toothpick, globe
the henna paste on each of your clean, dry nails and
cuticles. Keep the paste for 10 minutes. If you have time,
put both hands in a plastic bag and cover with a towel for
as long as possible.
3. Rinse your fingers in lukewarm water and
towel-dry. Gently buff the nails with a chamois nail buffer.
Then coat your nails with deep, penetrating avocado, almond,
or calendula oil.
