Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a member of the Monimiaceae family, native to Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, bark, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its astringent, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Henna (Lawsonia inermis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Henna
Scientific Name	Lawsonia inermis
Plant Family	Monimiaceae
Genus	Lawsonia
Species	inermis
Native Range	Middle East, North Africa, Southwest Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Bark, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Lawsonia inermis
Common Name: Henna
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Indian Henna, Chinese Henna, Lawsonia
Plant Family: Monimiaceae
Genus: Lawsonia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface reddish-brown and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit, opposite branching pattern, glabrous surface, angular cross-section, presence of laticiferous vessels.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: Commonly referenced as a moderate astringent, for surface-level applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a calming tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a soothing anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling carminative, in digestion-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.