Henna is one of the beneficial herbs in Ayurveda. The botanical name of the herb is Lawsonia indica and it belongs to the family Lythraceae. The herb is commonly called Henna. Henna provides various health benefits. This herb is an excellent anti-hemorrhage and helps in relieving pains. Sore throat can also be cured with this herb. Henna is used as a natural dye to color the hair and it is also one of the best natural conditioners for hair.
Henna leaves contain hennotanic acid and a glucoside coloring matter. The seeds of this herb yields a viscous oil, which is rich in arachidic, behenic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic and oleic acid. Various health benefits of henna herb are described in this article.
Health Benefits of Henna in Ayurveda
Henna provides several medicinal benefits which are given as follows:
- Baldness — Henna aids in cure of baldness. Pure mustard oil is boiled with leaves of henna, which enhances healthy growth of hair.
- Dysentery — Henna seeds are used for dysentery treatment. Seeds are made into powder form, ghee is mixed into it and this dough is made into small balls. These balls are taken with water to get relief from the condition.
- Liver Disorders — Liver enlargement and jaundice can be treated with the plant bark. Decoction prepared by bark or 1.2 to 5 decigram of bark powder is taken to help relieve the condition.
- Headache — Flowers of the herb help cure headache caused by sun’s heat. A plaster is prepared by henna flower and vinegar and applied externally over the forehead to get relief from the symptom.
- Sore Throat — Leaves decoction is used as a gargle to cure soar throat.
- Prickly Heat — Leaves of Henna herb are used to treat prickly heat. Its paste is applied externally over the affected area.
- Women’s Problems — Problems like heavy menstruation, vaginal discharge, white discharge and leucorrhea can be cured with vaginal suppositories or Pessaries made of henna seeds and leaves.
- Skin Problems — A number of skin problems like burns and boils can be effectively treated with henna leaves.
- Burning sensation in feet can be cured by external application of leaves paste.
- Leaves can also be applied in inflammatory swellings, rheumatic joints, leprosy and bruises.
The above are some of the health benefits of Henna in Ayurveda.
