Henna (Mehndi)
Also known as
Latin : Lawsonia inermis
English : Henna
Sanskrit : Madayantika
Hindi : Mehndi
Marathi : Mehadi
Tamil : Mailanchi, Marudani
Telugu : Goranta
Malayalam : Mailanchi
Kannada : Maurangi
How it looks- It is a much branched woody shrub, its branches ending in spines, with white or rose coloured fragrant flowers.
What we use- Root, leaves, flower, bark
What is does- Roots-diuretic, emmenagogue, refrigerant
Leaves- refrigerant, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, liver tonic
Flowers-refrigerant, cardiotonic, febrifuge
How we use it-
In
fungus and scabies- In fungus affecting the crevices between the toes and fingers, apply a paste of henna leaves on the affected area and leave at on until the pack gets dry
and cracks. Do this everyday until the infection is wiped out.
In
fainting and hysteria- The peculiar smell of henna flowers has an invigorating effect in bouts of hysteria and fainting and reduces frequency of attacks.
In
sleeplessness- Fitting a pillow with henna flowers before sleeping gives a restful slumber.
In
burns and scalds- The decoction of the bark is a soothing agent when poured on the affected area.
In
headache- Drink a cold infusion of the flowers twice a day to relieve headaches.
In
stomatitis- Gargle frequently with a decoction of the leaves to soothe the oral ulcers.
In
gout- The paste of the leaves is tied as around the affected joints and left overnight to relieve burning sensation.
As a
blood purifier- The decoction of henna flowers should be taken twice a day in skin infections and rashes to relieve itching and burning sensation.
