Lawsonia Inermis

Lawsonia Inermis

Lawsonia InermisLawsonia Inermis is commonly known in India as Henna. It is indigenous to northern Africa, western and southern Asia and northern Australasia. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 35 to 45oC.

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED

Leaves, seeds and bark of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LAWSONIA INERMIS

Henna (Lawsonia) is a middle sized plant growing up to a height of 24 ft with multiple branches. It produces pinkish to white flowers which are small and seen in large terminal bunches. The fruits are small and round. The name henna (Lawsonia) is derived from Arabic.
In India it is cultivated for commercial purposes in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

The leaves comprise of a-glucoside which is a coloring matter and also nennotinic acid. Viscous oil is produced by the petroleum ether extraction of the seeds. This oil contains arachidic, behenic, oleic, stearic and linoleic acids.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

This Plant is Useful in relieving Certain Ailments Like:

  • Dysentery: The seeds of the plant are useful in relieving dysentery. The seeds are powdered and when mixed with ghee and taken, control the symptoms of dysentery. It should be taken with water.
  • Liver disorders: Jaundice and enlargement of the liver can be effectively relieved with the bark of the plant. The powder should be used in 1.25 to 5 decigram dosages or the decoction should be used in 30 to 60 gram dosages to relieve dysentery.
  • Baldness: To relieve baldness oil is made with the leaves of henna (Lawsonia). Around 60 grams of leaves should be boiled in tow hundred and fifty grams of mustard oil. The oil should be heated till the leaves turn dark in color. Later it should be filtered and stored in a bottle. Regular massage of this oil in the affected parts yields good results.
  • Headaches: Henna (Lawsonia) flowers have the capacity to relieve headaches caused by the heat of the sun. A paste of the flowers should be made along with vinegar and applied on the forehead.
  • Burning sensation in the feet: Leaves of the plant should be made into a paste and applied on the soles of the feet. It gives good relief to the burning sensation in the feet.
  • Prickly heat: Henna (Lawsonia) leaves paste should be made with water and applied on the affected area to relieve prickly heat.
  • Skin diseases: Henna leaves are used in relieving various skin problems like burns and boils. The paste should be applied on the problems areas. The leaves are beneficial in relieving other ailments like inflammatory swellings, bruises, leprosy and rheumatic joints.
  • Sore throat: Leaves of henna (Lawsonia) should be used to make a decoction. It can be used as a gargle in cases of sore throat.
  • Women’s disorders: Vaginal suppositories or pessaries prepared from the seeds and leaves of henna (Lawsonia) are used in relieving vaginal discharges, excessive menstruation, leucorrhoea and excessive white discharge.
  • Other uses: Henna (Lawsonia) is used mainly as a colouring agent. It is used as a natural dye in several countries. It is also used in the textile industry and manufacturing of hair dye. The oil extracted from the flowers is useful is perfume industry.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS IN USING LAWSONIA INERMIS

Usage of any herb in the prescribed dosage will yield good results. Over dosage may lead to complications. To know about the correct dosage and usage, it is better to consult a medical practitioner.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE LAWSONIA INERMIS

Currently there are no Planet Ayurveda Products that use this herb as an ingredient in them; however the below mentioned Planet Ayurveda products are useful in some conditions for which Henna (Lawsonia) is used:

Ayurveda products are manufactured with 100 percent natural and vegetarian ingredients, without any chemicals or preservatives. We rely on ancient Ayurvedic texts to prepare all the medicines. We do not encourage testing of our products on animals. All the medicines and herbal supplements undergo quality checks at various levels. Opt for Planet Ayurveda products and seek good health.