Mehndi Patta - Mehendi - Heena Leaves

Most people identify henna with India since it is still an important element of the Indian wedding ceremony for the bride to have her hands, arms, and feet decorated in intricate designs. Though its origins and usage are spread throughout the Middle East. Its first documented use dates back to 1200 BC, when it was used in Egypt to colour pharaohs' hair and nails, as well as during the mummification process. Cleopatra herself was reported to have used henna to beautify her body. 

Perhaps the most well-known feature of henna is its natural cooling effect, which provides a lovely tingling feeling to the skin (similar to chewing spearmint gum and drinking cold water). When this virtue was discovered, desert dwellers used henna to cool their bodies. They created an air cooling effect by preparing a henna paste and putting it on themselves. For as long as the henna stain lingers on their skin, the sensation is felt throughout the body. It wasn't long before the desert dwellers transformed the henna streaks into works of art. As a result, the mehndi ritual was born. 

1. Mitigation of headaches

Henna flowers are used to treat sunburned headaches. Headaches are relieved by applying a plaster composed of Henna flowers soaked in vinegar on the forehead.

2. Alleviates arthritis pain

When henna is applied to the hands, the cooling effect it exerts on the nerves helps to relax the body, lowering inflammation produced by arthritis symptoms.

3. Treats a wide range of skin conditions

Henna has traditionally been used as a coagulant for open wounds and as a poultice to soothe burns and eczema. Fresh leaves can be applied topically to treat fungal or bacterial skin illnesses, such as ringworm. 

3. Encourages healthy hair

Henna is beneficial to hair health. It helps to seal the hair cuticle, avoiding breakage and boosting gloss and look. It is also a natural dandruff cure.

4. Removes fever

Heat can be reduced by rolling henna leaves into a ball with water and holding it in your hand.

5. Encourages gum health

Chewing on henna leaves is supposed to help prevent gum disease and heal mouth ulcers.

6. Lowers Pitta in the mind

In India, the essential oil extracted from Henna, also known as Hina, is utilised for religious events and devotion (Devotion). It is excellent for increasing psychic powers, clairvoyance, and lowering wrath and impatience. 

7. Natural diaper rash treatment

To relieve heat and irritation, apply a small amount of henna powder to the irritated region.

8. A dysentery cure

Dysentery can be treated using henna seeds. Crush the henna seeds and combine them with the ghee. To treat dysentery, make little balls of the mixture and swallow them with water.

9. A potent detoxifier

It has been linked to enhanced spleen and liver function by soaking the bark or leaves of the henna plant in water and then ingesting the beverage. 

10. Regulates blood pressure

Henna's use for heart health is one of its most underappreciated benefits. Consuming henna water or seeds can provide a hypotensive effect, relieving stress on the cardiovascular system and successfully lowering blood pressure. This can help prevent plaque and platelet buildup in the heart and arteries, hence reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.