The plant occurs in several parts of India, chiefly in the drier parts of the peninsula, and is usually cultivated in hedges. It is also cultivated for commercial purposes, in Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The leaves contain a glucosidal coloring matter and hennotanic acid. On petroleum ether extraction, the seeds of the plant yield a viscous oil containing behenvc, arachidic, stearic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids.
Healing Power
The leaves have medicinal properties like arresting secretion or bleeding and preventing skin diseases. The bark and seeds of the plant are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.
Dysentery
The seeds of the henna plant are effective in the treatment of dysentery. They are powdered, mixed with ghee and made into small balls of the size of a betel nut It is also very helpful in this condition, when taken with water.
Liver Disorders
The bark of the plant is effective in the treatment of liver disorders like jaundice and enlargement of the liver. Either its powder is used in 1.25 to 5 decigram doses or its decoction in 30 to 60 gram doses in the treatment of these disorders.
Baldness
Henna helps in the treatment of baldness. Mustard ofl boiled with henna leaves, promotes healthy growth of hair. Two hundred and fifty grams of mustard oil is boiled in a tin basin. Sixty grams of the leaves are gradually added to the oil and heated. The oil is then filtered through a cloth and stored in a bottle. Regular massage with this oil produces abundant hair.
Prickly heat
Henna Leaves are essential in the treatment of prickly heat. The leaves are grounded with water are applied over the affected areas.
Headaches
A henna flower cures headaches caused by the heat of the sun. The headache is relieved by a plaster made of henna flowers in vinegar and applied over the forehead.
Burning Sensation on the Feet
A paste of the leaves is applied on the soles, relieves in this condition.
Skin Diseases
Henna leaves are effective in the treatment of skin disorders like boils and sunburns. They are locally applied on the affected area. Bruised leaves can be applied beneficially in rheumatic joints, inflammatory swellings, bruises and leprosy.
Sore Throat
A decoction of the leaves can be used a gargle, with beneficial results, in case of sore throat.
Women's ailment
Pessaries or vaginal suppositories made of the leaves and seeds can be used beneficially in the treatment excessive menstruation, vaginal discharges and leurrochea or excessive white discharges.
Other uses
Spermatorrhoea or Involuntarily Ejaculation: The juice of fresh leaves is beneficial, provided it is given doses of 8 to 10 grams.
Henna is mainly used as a coloring agent. it is mixed with other natural dyes and largely used as hair dye and even for textiles. This oil is obtained form its flowers are used in perfumery.
