Henna: Adornment of the Body
By Dejaih Smith
Lawsonia inermis is a small, tropical shrub used for the commercial production of henna. The leaves are extracted for the manufacturing of henna once the leaves are ground into a paste. Then the final product can be used in cosmetics, hair care products, and medicine.
Hair
Hair coloring with henna leaves a rich orange-red color. When mixed with other herbs, it can range from colors close to a blonde or black shade. It is known for its hair strengthening elements to prevent breakage, split ends, and thinning. Henna rejuvenates dull, dry hair to a lustrous, shiny condition.
Since ancient times, henna has been used for the nails. Not solely for beauty purposes, but for its nail strengthening power. Other uses proven helpful were for nail fungal protection. Even mummies went out in style as it was a practice to paint their nails prior to burial.
Nails
Skin
Henna was just a popular accessory for the rich, but the poor, who couldn’t afford jewelry, used it to adorn or decorate their bodies as well. Whether it is time to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr or another special occasion being celebrated, henna is an excellent gift for beauty enhancement.
The history of Henna dates back to the ancient Egyptian civilization. Some 9000 years ago, it was customary to adorn the body with henna patterns. It is said Cleopatra, a well-known Egyptian queen, excessively used henna as a beauty enhancer.
Makeup
Health
Outside of cosmetics, henna is known for being an herb with healing and therapeutic properties. In ancient times, it was even used topically to soothe various kinds of burns, prevent fungal bacteria, and athlete’s foot.