Henna

A single species of evergreen shrub makes up this genus, which occurs in N Africa, SW Asia, and Australia; Naturalized in warm parts of America and Australia, and in the West Indies, where it is often referred to as "West Indian mignonett". Found on plains, low hills, and river banks, the species was traditionally planted as a windbreak for vineyards. Referred to as "camphire" in the Bible, Lawsonia inermis is now more familiar as "henna", from the Arabic name. Its religious significance is derived from its symbolization of fire and earth. In spite of its medicinal applications, L. inermis is mainly used as a dye plant. Henna has been important as an orange-red colorant for hair, skin and nails in the Middle East since earliest times. Ancient Egyptian mummies were found with nails, finger tips, palms, and soles dyed with henna. In addition to dyeing hair, it was also used to dye beards and moustaches, and the manes and tails of horses. Records show that as long ago as 3200BCE, henna was mixed with indigo to make black hair dye. The flowers are valued for their fragrance, which is reminiscent of lilac. Henna was introduced to Europe at the end of the 19th century and is an important constituent of hair tints and conditioners to this day.

Variable, often spiny shrub with dark green, pointed, elliptic to broadly lanceolate leaves, to 5cm (2in) long, which have a tea-like aroma. Small white to pink, highly scented flowers are borne in pyramidal panicles, 20-40cm (8-16in) long mainly in summer, followed by capsular fruits.


Common Name:
Henna
Other Names:
Mignonette tree, Egyptian privet
Botanical Name:
Lawsonia inermis syn. L. alba
Genus:
Lawsonia
Family:
Lythraceae
Native Location:
N Africa to SW Asia
Cultivation:
Well-drained, sandy soil in sun. Remove dead wood and trim to shape in late spring. Trim hedges in early summer.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 18-21°C (64-70°F); by softwood cuttings in spring; by hardwood cuttings in autumn.
Harvest:
Young leafy shoots, 20-25cm (8-10in) long, are picked during the growing season and dried for use in powders. Flowers are gathered in early morning and distilled for oil. Bark is stripped from cut branches as required.
Height:
3-6m (10-20ft)
Width:
2-4m (6-12ft)
Hardiness:
Z9
Parts Used:
Leaves, bark, flowers, oil.
Properties:
An astringent, aromatic herb that controls bleeding and is antiseptic and anti-bacterial. Regarded as an alterative and nerve tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. Flowers are insecticidal.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for diarrhea, amebic dysentery (Leaves); liver problems (bark); Externally for skin diseases (including leprosy), sore throat, wounds, burns, ulcers, acne, boils, and herpes. An ingredient of eye lotions and anti-rheumatic liniments in the Middle East.
Economic Uses:
Dried, powdered leaves are used for dyeing hair, feet, nails, and hands,. Lilac-scented oil is used in perfumery.
Bibliography:
The Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 257