- Botanical Name: Lawsonia inermis Linn.
- Family: Lythraceae
- Synonyms: Mehndi, Henna, Mailanelu, Mendi
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Mehndi” in Hindi, “Henna” in English, and
“Mailanelu” in Malayalam. - Classification: A perennial shrub belonging to the Lythraceae family.
- Habitat: Native to North Africa and Southwest Asia, but widely cultivated in tropical and
subtropical regions, including India. It thrives in arid and semi-arid climates with well
drained soils. - Morphology: A shrub that grows 2–8 meters tall. It has opposite, simple, elliptic-ovate
leaves. The flowers are cream-colored, fragrant, and arranged in panicled racemes. The fruits
are small, globose capsules containing pyramidal seeds. - Useful Parts: Leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark.
- Chemical Composition: Contains lawsone (a natural dye), tannic acid, and essential oils.
The leaves yield a coloring matter used for dyeing hair and skin. The flowers produce an
aromatic oil. - Pharmacological Action: Known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and
cooling properties. It is used in treating skin diseases, wounds, and burns. It also has
applications in managing fever, jaundice, and bleeding disorders. - Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations like Madayantyadi Churna and as a natural
dye for hair and skin. It is also incorporated into herbal oils and ointments for skin health.
Rasa: Tikta, Kashya
Guna: Laghu , Ruksha
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Katu