Lawsonia Inermis

1.      History and use

The decoction of henna leaves is widely used by women in africa for the dyeing of the feet, hands and head, but it also receives medicinal applications: rheumatism and strains in external use.

2.      Description of the plant

A shrub of 2 to 4 meters in height with slender branches that are very thin at the ends and often becoming thorny, the leaves are simple and opposite, the small white-cream flowers are fragrant and the fruit is a rounded capsule.

3.      Curative action

The presence of a naphthoquinone, lawsone in the plant gives it its tinctorial properties for the skin as well as for the hair. The tannins also play an essential role in this action.

4.      Uses

To dye the hair: Cut the leaves into small pieces, make a paste with the hot water and apply to the hair to dye them, leave for two hours.