Henna or Hina is a flowering plant, Lawsonia inermis, used since antiquity to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, and wool.
Active Principle:
The leaves of lawsonia inermis contain soluble matter, lawsone, 2-hydroxy - 1:4 - naphthoquinone resin and tannin, gallic acid, glucose, mannitol, fat, resin and mucilage are also present. The colouring matter is the quinone.
Clinical Uses:
- Henna applied to the skin, provides cooling and astringent action along with protection against many surface fungi and bacteria. Hence acts as an antiseptic, bactericide, and fungicide.
- Paste of Henna applied on nails, increases the luster of the nails and if applied on feet and soles, is effective in burning feet syndrome.
- It increase hair growth and reduces hair loss and black spots on skin.
- It is used as a natural hair dye.
- It is a main constituent of many hair dyes and shampoos.
