Henna
India is well known throughout world for its herbal wealth and moreover
India is the birth place of Ayurveda (system of herbal medicine). The
potential of Indian herbs can be gauged from the fact that India is the
highest producer of Medicinal herbs in the world only second to China . It
is no denying the fact that Indian herbs are the most sought after herbs in
the world due to their organic quality, purity and lowest costs of
cultivation.
Himalayas in the north, Aravalis in the Southern and Central India are the
greatest reserves of Medicinal reserves in India .
'Henna' (Lawsonia inermis, syn. L. alba) is a flowering plant, the sole
species in the genus Lawsonia in the family Lythraceae.
It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia
and northern Australasia with an fruit is a dry capsule 6-8 mm diameter,
containing numerous 1-2.5 mm seeds. There is much speculation as to the
first origin of the use of henna.
What is known for sure is that henna has been used as a cosmetic, as well
as for its supposed healing properties for at least 5000 years.
Centuries of migration and cultural interaction has made it difficult to
determine with absolute certainty where the tradition began. Some scholars
claim that the earliest documentations of henna use were found in ancient
Indian texts and images, indicating that mehandi as an art-form may have
originated in ancient India .
Others, however, state that the use of henna was taken to India by the
Moguls in the 12th Century, centuries after use in the Middle East and North
Africa. Still others insist that the tradition of mehandi originated in
North Africa and the Middle Eastern countries during ancient times.
Henna use has also been documented in ancient Egypt, where it is known to
have been used to stain the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs prior to
mummification. It is also possible that the similar use of henna for skin
decoration in these regions arose independently and perhaps simultaneously,
and this could account for the difficulty in pinpointing an exact birthplace
of mehandi art.
Natural Henna
Natural Henna Powder for body decoration is triple sifted and is very fine.
No particle remains to clog the Henna application tool. It leaves a dark
brown or deep burnt - orange temporary tattoo. The color and intensity will
vary depending on what part of the body it is used and how long it is
applied.
Mr. Sunny in Keo Henna Field |
Mr. Suuny with Farmers in
Keo Henna Field |
Henna in pure form without any additives is known as natural henna. Natural
henna also has colouring effect , but the colour is not very deep. Dyeing
with natural henna produces a brownish red hue. It is perfectly safe and has
no ill effects, which is the main reason for its popularity. India is one of
the major producers of Henna.
Neutral Henna
Neutral Henna is an excellent conditioner. Application of henna invariably
gives a reddish tinge to the hair colour. To avoid this, a special form of
Henna powder-Neutral Henna is formulated which conditions the hair and makes
it soft, shiny and also adds volume. Hair treated with henna bounces with
health. Neutral henna is also used for placing on the tombstones at graves
as a benediction.
Henna Paste
Natural, Black & Colored Henna Paste - For enhancing the beauty of body
parts using Natural Henna with convenience, Henna paste comes in tubes with
an applicator nozzle. It is a mixture of Natural Henna powder, Mehandi oil,
Water and Preservative. The shelf life of is about 3 months only. Due to the
increased demand for colored Henna paste for making body Tattoos, Henna
Paste is also available in Black, Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow,
Orange and Red colors. The main component is Natural Henna powder, but that
is not an all natural product and contains chemicals. A sensitivity test is
highly recommended.
Henna Powder (Body Art)
Henna body art is an ancient tradition of Africa , Asia , and the Middle
East . Traditionally done on the hands and feet, it involves painting
beautiful and elaborate patterns with a dye made from crushed leaves of the
henna plant.
The designs are then left to set overnight, and the end result is a
beautiful deep reddish brown pattern on the skin, which will last up to four
weeks, fading naturally.
Hair Care with Henna Powder
The hair is one of the most important factors, which contributes to beauty
and personal appearance. To look and feel good about your hair is very
important for all round health. Here are some ideas for hair health and hair
care.
Henna is used as a dye , particularly in hair colouring , The dye is
extracted from the dried leaf and petioles of the plant.
Some Major Benefits of Henna :
- Boosts hair growth
- Treats dandruff
- Aids restful sleep
- Therapeutic and calming
- Detoxifying
- Soothes headaches, aches, and pains
- Cools scalp and skin & reduces temperature
- Fights infection
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Henna
Fragrant Henna has many facets to its enchanting side. Apart from being
considered auspicious, it is a symbol of age old Indian traditions. Henna is
popular for it's natural values, colouring and cooling effect, and pleasant
fragrance. In homes, the green henna leaves are gathered and then dried in
the shade. Finely grounded powder is mixed with water to make a paste. This
paste is applied on hands in beautiful patterns and then left to dry,
resulting in a deep red colour, which leaves you mesmerised with its sheer
charm.