MEHNDI
English : Henna/Henna leaves
Urdu : Mehndi/Mehendi/Menhdi
Telugu : Gorianta
Description :
It is a medium-sized or large,much branched shrub,sometimes tree-like with greyish brown bark and 4-angled branches,usually ending in a sharp point. Leaves are opposite 2.5-5 cm long and 1-2.5 cm board,greenish-brown,often acute and sharp pointed.Flowers are small,white or pinkish fragrant and in terminal large bunches.Fruits are small round and of a pea-size and seeds are many.
Action and uses:
Henna is alerative,blood purifier,cooling,astringent,diuretic and a hair-dye.Internally,it is used in the form of powder,calculus.It quenches thirst and allays the burning sensation caused by fever and protects the heart.It relieves body itching.Externally,it is used in the form of paste of fresh leaves or dried leaves,juice of the leaves and mediacated oil,in headache,burning hands and feet syndrome,bruises,skin inflammation and itching,and acute rheumatic swellings.It is a drug of choice to be applied to whitlow for quick relief of pain and swelling.It is also included in the formulation of hair-dye and hair-tonic which blackens or darkens and strenghtens the hair.
Ibn sina’s view:
Resolvent, astrigent and desiccant.Useful in acute inflammation and burns and also in neuralgias when the decoction is poured upon them.Mixed with vinegar and applied on forehead for headache,and to the mouth ulcers.Suitable for pleuralgia and included in the formulations of zimad and ointments diphtheria.