Introduction:Henna-Lawsonia inermis also known as hina, the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet). The name henna also refers to the dye prepared from the plant and the art of temporary tattooing based on those dyes. Henna has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair, and fingernails, as well as fabrics including silk, wool, and leather. Historically, henna was used for cosmetic purposes in the Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt, as well as other parts of North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Near East and South Asia. It was also popular among women in 19th-century Europe. Today, bridal henna nights remain an important tradition in many of these areas.

Vernacular Names:-Hindi- Mehndi in, Sanskrit- Mendika, Rakigarbha Malayalam- Mailanchi Tamil- Muruthani Oriya- Benjati in, Kannada -Mayilanchi Bengali -Mehedi English-HennaLattin- Lawsonia Inermis

Synonyms:-Timir-Nakharanjaka-

Kula – MadayantikaFamily- Lythraceae

Habitat:-Grows all over India

Morphology:Henna is a tall shrub or small tree, standing 1.8 to 7.6 m (5 ft 10 in to 24 ft 10 in) tall. It having spine-tipped branch lets. The leaves grow opposite each other on the stem and are glabrous, Henna flowers have four sepals and a 2 mm (0.079 in) calyx tube, with 3 mm (0.12 in) spread lobes.The ovary is four-celled, 5 mm (0.20 in) long, and erect. Henna fruits are small, brownish capsules, 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) in diameter, with 32–49 seeds per fruit, and open irregularly into four splits.

Chemical Composition:-Leaves consistsTannin- 10.21%Lawsone- Colouring agentGallic acidGlucoseMannitolResinMucilage& An alkaline Substance

Properties:-Guna- Ruksha, LaguRasa- Tikta, KashayaVeerya- SheetaVipaka- Katu

Dosha Karma:-Kapha-Pittashamaka

The bark is considered emmenagogue; given in jaundice, enlarged spleen, calculus affections, obstinate skin diseases and as an alterative in leprosy. Decoction of the bark is applied to burns and scalds. The leaves are emetic, expectorant, diuretic and vulnerary; given in jaundice. Its paste is a valuable external application in headache, skin diseases, eczema, leprosy, dandruff and burning of the feet as an emollient poultice.

Fomentation with an infusion of the leaves is much employed as a local application to bruises and sprains.

The leaf juice mixed with water and sugar is given as a remedy for spermatorrhoea. A decoction of the leaves is used as an astringent gargle in sore throat. The flowers are considered refrigerant and vulnerary; used as a soporific, being for this purpose placed in pillows; an infusion cures headache. The seeds are tonic to the brain

Functions Acc to Diff Scholars

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Useful Part:-PatraPuspaBeeja

Dosage:Swarasa- 5-10 mlBeejachurna- 1-3 gm

Special preparations:Madayantyadi churna

Quotations:-

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