Henna Plants

Growth

• Henna plants are large shrubs with small, oval leaves. They thrive in warm and tropical climates, where they are often planted as hedges and ornamental plants. Henna can grow up to about 10 feet tall and blooms once per year. Depending on location, it is known by several names including Egyptian priest, mignonette tree or El-Henna. Henna plants are native Africa but grow in tropical regions around the world.

Cosmetic Uses

• Henna plants are best known for their use in cosmetics. The leaves are used to make a rich reddish-brown dye. This dye is used for body art, makeup and hair dye. In ancient times it was also used to color fingernails and to decorate animals such as horses. Henna is safe for use on skin and hair, and does not cause adverse or allergic reactions like cosmetics with chemical ingredients or preservatives.

Medicinal Uses

• In addition to use as a cosmetic, henna plants are also used as medicine in some parts of the world. It is applied to the skin as an antifungal agent to treat ringworm and as a soothing agent to relieve burns and scratches. It is also used as an astringent on the skin. Consumed, henna is used as a sedative. It is also used to treat headaches, jaundice, fevers and stomach problems.

Flowers

• While the leaves of a henna plant are harvested for dye, the flowers are valued for their fragrant scent. The small blooms are sometimes used for perfume, but more often they are dried and preserved. The dried henna flowers keep a fragrant scent and are placed throughout homes to freshen the air. Henna plants bloom in the spring and produce clusters of small, bright white flowers.