Discover the 12 shocking health benefits of henna and side effects.
Henna is a purely natural product, quite similar to clay, which allows, among other things, to dye the coloring of your hair, strengthening it and offering multiple benefits to it, also avoiding all the harmful effects that conventional dyes tend to cause on your hair. scalp.
The most important health benefits of henna include its ability to relieve headaches, detoxify the body, improve nails, protect the skin, improve hair health, cool the body, reduce inflammation, and speed healing.
What is henna?
Henna is the name of an Arabian shrub, known as Lawsonia inermis, which is produced a famous and ancient reddish color from natural ink.
Its ink comes from the leaves of this shrub, which through a drying and spraying process, turns into a powder.
People all over the world understand the word ‘henna’ in many different ways.
Most people probably associate it with the dark red/brown hair and skin dye that is traditionally used in many cultures, but the name also applies to the flowering plant from which the dye is derived.
Henna is sold as a lump of clay or powder, which is made from the leaf of a shrub called Lawsonia inermis.
It can be used in a wide variety of forms, including its dye form, as well as in aqueous extracts, tinctures, and ointments made up of bark, seeds, or leaves.
This versatility makes henna a very valuable element in traditional medicines, particularly in Ayurvedic practice.
Henna oil, bark, and seeds are the most common forms of medicinal benefits, and the high concentration of chemicals and nutrients in the plant gives it anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antibacterial, astringent, and antiviral effects.
Health Benefits of henna
Henna is a product of totally vegetable origin that does not have synthetic additives such as artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings, nor ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and heavy metals such as lead.
Its use brings various benefits for the health of our hair, such as:
• Do not discolor or damage the hair
• Gives a very natural color and shine
• Improves thickness and strengthens hair, being recommended for people who have fine and brittle hair
• It lasts for about three months and the coloration gradually disappears, which makes the change not noticeable
• Covers white hair
• Can be used frequently
Let’s take a deeper look at the many impressive health benefits of this versatile beautifying plant.
1.- Hair color
Although most people associate the effect of henna on hair with the death of color, it also plays several roles in that part of our body.
Henna has been shown to increase hair strength and therefore represents a safe dye that does not permanently affect the health of our follicles.
2.- Hair health
Henna helps improve hair health.
It helps to seal the hair cuticle, preventing breakage and increasing the shine and appearance of the hair.
It also prevents dandruff.
3.- Reduction of hair loss
For people suffering from hair loss or baldness, henna also prevents this from happening.
The traditional mixing consists of putting henna juice or oil in curd and then mixing this into your hair, as this increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
4.- Improved nail quality
People often forget to keep their nails healthy, but the cuticles and space under the nails are prime sites for infection and bacteria; therefore, treating your nails with henna is a wise choice.
Drinking the water the leaves have been soaked in helps prevent nails from cracking and reduces inflammation.
Applying a poultice directly to the nail beds can clear up irritation, pain, and infection in the nail beds.
5.- Anti-aging properties
Although the antioxidant capacity of henna has not been extensively studied, the oil is an astringent, leading some people to use its juice and oil on their skin to reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles as well. as the unsightly effect.
The appearance of scars and other imperfections.
This is complemented by antiviral and antibacterial effects that can protect the largest organ in the body, the skin!
6.- Wound healing
One of the most notable uses of henna is to protect the skin against infection and eliminate inflammation.
It has been applied to burns, wounds, and scratches for generations, not only because it can add a protective layer against pathogens and foreign substances, but also because it has natural cooling capabilities that absorb heat from the skin.
This makes it very useful for sunburn, in a capacity similar to that of aloe vera gel.
7.- Benefits of henna for fever
Henna can also lower fevers, according to Ayurvedic traditions.
When people suffer from very high fevers as a secondary symptom of another condition, the increased temperature throughout the body can be dangerous for organ function and metabolic processes.
Lowering the overall body temperature is essential, and henna can accomplish this by inducing sweating and effectively breaking a fever, or simply cooling the body and providing some relief.
8.- Benefits of henna for headache
The juice of the henna plant is not always praised as particularly beneficial, but in fact, the juice of the plant can be applied directly to the skin for quick relief from headaches.
The anti-inflammatory effects of compounds found in henna help reduce that tension and promote healthy blood flow in capillaries, which is a common cause of headaches and migraines.
9.- Anti-inflammatory capacity
In a vein similar to the headache solution described above, henna oil is used topically for arthritic and rheumatic pain.
As we age, our joints become more painful as cartilage and muscles deteriorate.
This can result in painful inflammation in many different parts of the body.
By applying hina oil to inflamed or affected areas, you can ensure a healthier and wider range of motion to maintain a happy and active life.
10.- Benefits of henna for sleep
Henna oil has been directly linked to alleviating certain sleep disorders, so if you suffer from insomnia or chronic restlessness, adding a little of this oil to your herbal regimen can get you back on a sleep schedule.
Regular and restorative by calming the body and mind, facilitating it in a relaxed state before sleeping.
11.- Detoxification
By soaking the bark or leaves of the henna plant in water and then consuming the resulting liquid, it has been connected to improve spleen and liver health.
The liver functions as a crucial level of protection for the body and helps flush out toxins that build up in the body.
By optimizing its function and ensuring your health, you can prevent a wide range of other health conditions.
12.- Regulated Blood Pressure
If you consume water or henna seeds, you can enjoy a hypotensive effect that relieves stress on the cardiovascular system and effectively lowers blood pressure.
This can help prevent plaque and platelet build-up in the heart and arteries, preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Side effects of henna
Conventional inks cause a lot of hair damage, as they contain chemicals such as peroxide and ammonia. Constant use can cause many problems:
• Scalp irritation;
• Sebum imbalance, making hair more oily and/or dry;
• Hair loss;
• Too fine hair, with a brittle and damaged appearance;
• Double limbs
How to use henna
We recommend always following the instructions for use indicated on the product, but in general terms, we can follow the following steps:
• Mix the Henna powder with lemon juice until you get a homogeneous and uniform paste (the lemon juice helps to better fix the color);
• Let the mixture rest in a container covered with a plastic lid for 8 hours (we can prepare it before going to sleep and use it the next morning);
• Wash your hair well, without using conditioner and then dry with a towel;
• Divide the hair into parts and apply the paste, from the roots to the ends, covering well;
• Once covered, wrap the head in a plastic cap and then a towel (this will maintain the proper temperature);
• Let it act for an hour, or according to the time determined in the product instructions;
• Wash hair normally afterward.
As Henna is also used as an ink to the skin during its use it is essential to wear gloves to avoid removing stains.
To avoid staining the skin of the forehead, it is advisable to use a little Vaseline on the edge of the hair before applying the Henna.
Lastly, it is advised that you be careful with any clothing or towels that may come into contact with the ink, as they can be easily stained.
Where to buy henna?
The most recommended thing is that you always choose the best quality henna, for this, you must make sure that it contains no chemicals within its composition, that is, this product must be of plant origin exclusively.
These days, it is easy to find henna-based products that are marketed in various stores, but unfortunately, they are not natural; you should try to obtain the henna powder, which in its purest form.
Warning: Most varieties of henna are perfectly safe and non-toxic, but black henna has some allergenic potential, as evidenced by skin rashes and internal discomfort for some users.
Also, hair dyes that claim to be henna-based occasionally contain other chemicals that people with sensitive skin may not appreciate, so read labels carefully!
Before adding any new herbal remedies to your routine, it is best to consult with your doctor or a herbalist.
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