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Uses of Henna

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HENNA FOR YOUR HAIR

Henna oil is used during medicinal treatment of wide range of ailment ranging from headache to leprosy and other skin disorders. As a medicinal plant henna is used as an astringent, anti-hemorrhagic intestinal anti-neoplastic, cardio-inhibitory, hypotensive, and a sedative. The Henna extracts exihibit antibacterial, antifungal, and ultraviolet light screening activity.
The oil of its flower relieves muscular pains, while its seeds are used in deodorants and to regulate menstruation. Henna oil induce sleep, cure headaches and bruises. The bark is also used to treat symptoms of jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Henna oil can be applied to the skin to treat eczema, scabies, fungal infections and burns.
Medicinal Benefits of Henna oil / seeds
Anti-inflammatory properties:
Bio-chemical compounds extracted from the leaves such as isoplumbagin and lawsaritol have shown significant anti-inflammatory properties similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone used in treating fever, pain and body inflammation.
Arthritis:
Henna oil is used for rheumatic andarthritic pains. Ground leaves are applied to sore flints to ease rheumatism. The juice of the medicinal plant can be applied to the skin for headaches, and the henna oil is applied to hair to prevent it from graying.
Dysentery:
The bark of the plant is very effective in the treatment of dysentery. The seeds are powdered, mixed with ghee and rolled into small balls and then taken with water.
Liver Disorders:
The bark of the plant is very effective in the treatment of liver disorders like Jaundice and enlargement of the liver. Henna can be consumed in the form of powder from 1 to 5 decigrams doses or it can be taken in decoction from 30 to 50 grams doses to cureliver disorders.

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Besides the leaves the other beneficial parts of the henna plant are the bark, flowers as well as the seeds of the henna plant.

Henna for Hair:
One of the key benefits of henna for hair is that it acts as a natural remedy for hair loss and is also excellent for maintaining overall hair quality. This is because the regular use of henna is known to seal and repair the hair cuticle which in turn prevents the breakage of hair and also helps in retaining the shine of the hair. Another one of the benefits of henna for hair is that its prevents premature hair fall as it helps in retaining the pH balance of the scalp and also acts as an effective natural cure against dryness, dandruff as well as premature graying of hair. Henna is also used for hair conditioning as its makes the hair silky and soft and nourishes them right from the root. In fact it is recommended that in order to maximize the benefit of henna for hair you should soak the henna in some fresh curds and then apply this mixture on your head. This serves a dual purpose as curd ensures that the hair does not dry out and it adds to the shine of the hair.
Baldness:
Using mustard oil boiled with Henna leaves promotes healthy hair growth. 250 grams of mustard oil is boiled in a pan. Some 50 to 60 grams of Henna leaves are added gradually to the oil and heated. The oil is then filtered through a cloth and stored in a bottle. Regular massage with this oil produces abundant hair.
Prickly Heat:
Henna leaves are beneficial in the treatment of prickly heat. The leaves ground with water are applied over the affected area.
Headaches:
Henna is also known to be effective against headaches that may have been caused on account of heat strokes. One of the home remedies for headaches involving henna involves crushing the whitish, pinkish flowers of the henna plant along with some vinegar and then applying this paste on your temples to get quick relief from a headache.

Feet Burning Sensation:
Fresh leaves mixed with vinegar or limp juice is bandaged onto the soles to treat burning feet.
Skin Disease:
Henna leaves are very effective in the treatment of skin disorders like boils & burns. Coarsely ground Henna leaves applied to the affected parts cures the disorders. It can be applied beneficially in rheumatic joints, inflammatory swelling, bruises & leprosy. The Ayurvedic system uses thy henna leaves to treat vitiligo (pale patches on the skin where pigment is lost). And the seeds are also used to fever. Henna contains natural ingredients which are vital for nourishment of hair. It has a bond with the hair structure as it serves to penetrate, cleanse and thicken the hair shafts thus improving its quality. It also has great dandruff fighting ability. Henna is mainly used as a colouring agent. It is mixed with other natural dyes and is largely used as a hair dye and in textiles. The henna oil obtained form its flower is used in perfumery. In India, Henna paste is applied to decorate palms & heels on special occasions. Especially in marriages the bride’s palms & legs are decorated with Henna paste as a customary ritual.
Henna for Nails:
Henna is also known to be effective in treating cracking nails. This is possible via a home remedy of drinking the water in which the henna leaves have been soaked in overnight. This treatment should continue for at least 10 days for best results. The medicinal uses of henna for nails also includes mixing together some butter and henna powder and using it as a poultice to treat pus filled swellings, mange and scabies.
Jaundice:
You can use the bark of the henna plant for treating liver disorders like jaundice and enlargement of the liver. You can have it in henna powder from 1–5 decigrams doses. It is also beneficial for other conditions associated with liver.
How to use it on hair:
Henna is easy to use on your hair. Grate henna in a non-metal container as metal can react with henna and spoil your dye, glass is best. Add hot water and green tea to it to and stir the mixture with a wooden stick. Once its fully dissolved leave the henna covered in cling film to sit overnight to develop. Then use this paste on your hair. Apply it directly to clean dry hair. Cover your hair with plastic wrap to keep the heat and moisture in. This will help the dye activate. Leave on for 4 hours then wash.
Note: 
Henna is not safe for children, especially infants. Its unsafe to consume henna by mouth if you are pregnant as it may lead to miscarriage. It should be avoided if you are breastfeeding. While using henna one should also be aware of the possible side effects which are more so in the use of black henna which is known to result in rashes, skin allergies and reactions. In some synthetic henna dyes for the hair, the manufacturer may mix some chemicals into the henna which may result in a negative reaction with the hair or scalp.
Sources:
O.A. Habbal, A.A. Al-Jabri, A.G. El-Hag. (2007) antimicrobial properties of Lawsonia inermis: a review. Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism.
http://www.naturehomeopathy.com/traditional-henna-medicinal-plant.html
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