Lawsonia inermis L.
Vernacular name: Henna, Mehendi
Species Name: Lawsonia inermis L.
Family: Lythraceae
Habit: Shrub
Stem: Branched, 4 angled with sharp points
Leaf: Opposite, elliptic acute mucronate, entire, base narrow, Fragrant.
Flowering: April-July
Flowers: Terminal panicled cyme inflorescence, bisexual flowers, fragrant, white or rose-coloured, episepalous, Campanulate calyx.
Fruit: Capsule globose
Uses:
- Cultivated as a hedge plant.
- The plant yields an orange-red dye called Hennah, which is employed by Indian ladies to colour hair, nails, hands and feet and also by hajis for dyeing their beards.
- It has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Paste of leaves can be used to soothe burns, localized swellings and minor skin infections.
- Leaves infusions are also used to make gargles that help in treatment of gingivitis, sore throat and oral ulcers.
- Flower extracts and essential oil of plant are used to alleviate headaches.
