The
henna plant has been used for medicinal
purposes for centuries. One of its main properties is that
of a cooling agent. It is for this reason that henna is
applied to burns and scrapes and is often used to treat
heat exhaustion and to bring down the fever of a sick person.
When Henna is applied to the skin, its active elements
provide cooling and astringent action along with protection
against many surface fungi and bacteria. Henna
can help to lower body temperature to soothe headaches,
fevers, burning feet (which may be a B- Vitamin deficiency),
and even hysteria or a violent temper. It may also be applied
to the skin to treat a variety of rashes. Henna also helps
in the treatment of small pox in its early stages.
Following
are the most common medicinal uses of Henna.
Headache
Remedy
In addition to the relaxing and cooling properties of the
henna seeds, anise seeds are also a good antispasmodic.
1
tablespoon (15 gm) henna seeds, outer shells cracked and
inner seeds ground
1 tablespoon (15 gm) black anise (Pimpinella anisum) seeds,
crushed Boiled, cooled water or apple cider vinegar
1 gauze compress
1.
Using a mortar and pestle, pound and grind together
the henna and black anise seeds. Add just enough water or
vinegar to make a paste.
2. Spread the paste onto a gauze compress.
Apply the compress to the head, lay down to rest for 15
to 30 minutes.
Irritated skin balm
Lawsome may be the ingredient in henna that serves as an
antiseptic, bactericide, and fungicide. This remedy will
not stain the skin.
2-3
tablespoon (10-15 gm) neutral, uncoloured henna powder
4-5 ounces (130 ml) apple cider vinegar, warmed
1.
Mix henna powder with warm vinegar to form a paste.
2. Apply as a dressing directly to the
affected area of skin.
Scalp
Treatment
Try this updated Indian and Pakistani remedy to increase
hair growth and reduce hair loss.
1
tablespon (15 ml) henna flower oil
1 tablespon (15 ml) jojoba extract
1 tablespon (15 ml) calendula infused oil
½ tablespoon (2.5 ml) carrot seed oil
2 drops essential oil of clove bud
4 drops of essential oil of rosemary
5 drops East Indian essential oil of patchouli
2 drops essential oil of cedarwood
1.
In a 2-to-3-ounce (60-95 ml) opaque bottle, combine henna,
jojoba, calendula, and carrot seed oils. Add essential oils
and shake to mix. Label and date.
2. If desired, warm the bottle of oil in
a warn water bath before using. Massage a few drops into
scalp before bedtime. Apply two or three times a week.
Nail- conditioning
Treatment Here's an easy, low-cost routine. Remove existing
nail polish a day or two before the treatment. Remember
to stir the paste each time.
½
cup (130 ml) boiled spring -or distilled water, cooled to
warm
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) uncolored, neutral henna powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) plain organic yogurt (optional)
2-3 drops eucalyptus oil (optional)
1.
In a plastic or glass bowl, mix neutral henna and water
to form a paste. Store leftover mixture in a sealed container
in refrigerator for 2-3 days only.
2. Using a chopstick or flat-edged toothpick,
globe the henna paste on each of your clean, dry nails and
cuticles. Keep the paste for 10 minutes. If you have time,
put both hands in a plastic bag and cover with a towel for
as long as possible.
3. Rinse your fingers in lukewarm water
and towel-dry. Gently buff the nails with a chamois nail
buffer. Then coat your nails with deep, penetrating avocado,
almond, or calendula oil.
