Mehndi 

🌿 Botanical Name: Lawsonia inermis

🌿 Herbal Uses of Mehndi (Henna)

1. Skin and Hair Care

   • Natural Dye: Traditionally used to dye hair, skin (mehndi designs), nails, and fabrics.

   • Conditioner: Nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair, and adds shine.

   • Anti-Dandruff: Helps reduce dandruff and scalp irritation.
     
     

2. Wound Healing and Skin Conditions

   • Cooling Agent: Applied to soothe burns, sunburn, and heat rashes.

   • Astringent: Used for minor cuts, bruises, and skin infections.

   • Eczema & Fungal Infections: Has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
     
     

3. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic

   • Arthritis & Joint Pain: Paste applied to joints may help relieve pain and inflammation.

   • Headache Relief: Henna paste on the forehead is a folk remedy for headaches.
     
     

4. Fever and Detoxification

   • Febrifuge: Traditionally used to reduce fever.

   • Detoxifier: Believed to help in removing toxins through its cooling effect.
     
     

5. Oral Health

   • Gum Health: Used in some cultures to treat gum disorders and mouth ulcers.

🌱 Plant Description:

• Type: Tropical shrub or small tree

• Height: 6 to 25 feet (2–8 meters)

• Structure: Multi-branched with spine-tipped branchlets

• Leaves: Opposite, elliptical, smooth-edged, and dark green

• Bark: Greyish-brown and peeling

🌸 Flowering & Fruit:

• Flowers: Small, fragrant, white or pinkish with four crumpled petals

• Inflorescence: Branched panicles

• Fruits: Small, round capsules containing numerous tiny seeds

🌱 Propagation:

• By Seeds: Soaked in water before sowing for better germination

• By Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings rooted in moist soil

🗓️ Harvest Time:

• Leaves: Collected when mature, typically 3–4 times a year in warm climates

• Processing: Dried and powdered for use in dyes and medicine