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Mehendi: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

By NS Desk 18-Dec-2020

In the Hindu culture, Mehendi or Henna is a sign of joy, beauty, and sacred rituals. Mehendi is a refined herb used for various purposes like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. All parts of the Mehendi plant comprise a leaf, flower pod, root, stem, and seeds, which are of immense medicinal significance. Mehendi comprises a coloring compound known as Lawson that is a red-orange dye molecule that is an integral part of the plant being the leaves.

Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties apart from its cosmetic uses, Mehendi is usually applied on the skin to help treat all kinds of skin conditions like itching, allergies, skin rashes, and wounds. Mehendi provides shine to the hair, and is also beneficial for hair as it acts as a natural dye for hair, promotes hair growth, conditions the hair.

Ayurveda suggests the consumption of Mehendi because of its Ropan's healing property and Sita's cold nature. Using Mehendi on the scalp removes excess oil and keeps the scalp dry because of its Kashaya's astringent and Ruksha's dry properties assist in treating dandruff.

Fresh Mehendi leaves are safe to consume, and Mehendi powder is available in the market readily but for internal use, consult a doctor as it might comprise chemicals that could cause allergies.

The henna plant has the scientific name Lawsonia inermis that originated from the Asia region, and this plant is among the vital list of Asian herbs and their benefits. The most common use of Mehendi popularly in India is to dye hair, nails, and body parts as well as it can be found in various parts of the Asia region. When you mash Mehendi's leaves into a paste, it will generate dark brown/red color that could be consumed temporarily on hair, skin, and nails with no side effect.

You must be aware of some cautions besides the incredible health benefits of Mehendi leaves, though they are not going to be fatal. You must be cautious enough while selecting the right variety of Mehendi as there is a different variety of this plant that is similar to henna leaves. According to some studies for individuals with tender skin type use, the black henna variety has some potential.

For a practical reason, nowadays, people prefer to choose cosmetic products with henna-based. However, you must be vigilant that not all products that are said to be bi-products of henna leaves comprise all the benefits you could get from henna leaves as those products contain certain chemicals that might be harmful to you.

What are the similar names of Mehendi?

Madarangi, Mailanelu, Hina, Henna, Korate, Mendi,Mehandi, Goranta, Marudum, Gorinta, Lawsonia inermis, Nil Madayantika, Mehadi, and Mehndi.

What is the resource of Mehendi?

Plant-Based

BENEFITS OF MEHENDI

1. What are the benefits of Mehendi for Stomach ulcers?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW	AYURVEDIC VIEW
Mehendi might have curative effects on the ulcers in the stomach or the intestine. Mehendi decreases acidity and also decreases the gastric juice secretion in the stomach.	Mehendi assists in decreasing the symptoms of ulcers in the stomach or intestine. Mehendi causes extreme gastric acid production that causes ulcers in the stomach or intestine, which is because of an aggravated Pitta. Due to its Sita’s cold characteristic applying Mehendi decreases acid in the stomach. Due to Ropan’s healing nature, It helps in healing ulcers.

2. What are the benefits of Mehendi for Headache?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW	AYURVEDIC VIEW
Mehendi might have curative effects on the headache. Mehendi, due to its cold properties, provides relief in headaches.	Mehendi helps decrease headaches, particularly if the headaches start in your temple and spread to the central part of your head. As per Ayurveda, it is referred to as Pitta headache, which is because of an aggravation of Pitta dosha. Mehendi also assists in treating Pitta headache by balancing Pitta, which occurs because of its Sita’s cold potency.

3. What are the benefits of Mehendi for Dysentery?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Mehendi might have healing effects on diarrhea. Mehendi, due to its aggravating Vata properties, provides relief in the frequent motion of diarrhea.

Mehendi helps in controlling the frequency of motion of diarrhea. Diarrhea is referred to as Atisar in Ayurveda. Due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya’s weak digestive fire, it leads to diarrhea. All these factors are accountable for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata creates fluid in the intestine from a variety of tissues from the body and blends with the stool. This resulting in loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Mehendi helps in controlling the frequency of motion by retaining water fluid in the intestine due to Kashaya’s astringent nature, which controls diarrhea.

4. What are the benefits of Mehendi for itching, allergy, skin rashes, and wound?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Mehendi might have healing effects on itching, allergy, skin rashes, and wound. Mehendi, due to its Ropan characteristics, provides healing that controls excessive burning sensation.

Mehendi helps treat all types of skin conditions like itching, allergy, skin rashes and wound due to its Ropan property that heals skin diseases. It also helps in treating excessive burning sensation because of its cold nature when applied to the affected area.

Instructions:

Consume 1-2 teaspoons of Mehendi leaves powder.
Make a paste by blending it with rose water.
Apply uniformly on the affected area.
Let it settle for 1-2 hours.
Wash it carefully with tap water.
Apply this remedy to control skin conditions.

5. What are the benefits of Mehendi for Dandruff?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Mehendi might have astringent effects on dandruff. Mehendi, as per its astringent and dry potent, provides relief in controlling/reducing dandruff.

Dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp that may be because of an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha, as per Ayurveda. Mehendi removes excess oil and keeps the scalp dry due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties that helps in controlling dandruff.

Instructions:

1. Wash hair with a serene shampoo to wash your hair and scalp.

2. Get a bowl and blend a half cup of Mehendi powder with one-fourth cup of warm water to make a soft paste.

3. Keep it all night.

4. Apply the Mehendi paste the next day on hair from the roots to the tip of the hair.

5. Wait for 3-4 hours till the paste dries and wash it with plain water.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING MEHENDI

• Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, avoid taking Mehendi.

• Moderate Medicine Interaction: It is usually suggested to consult your doctor while applying Mehendi as CNS drugs may interact with Mehendi.

• Pregnancy: During Pregnancy, avoid taking Mehendi.

• Allergy: Avoid contact with Mehendi if you are allergic to it.

Side Effects of Mehendi:

• Asthma

• Burning sensation

• Itching

• Redness

• Runny nose

• Scaling

• Wheezing

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF MEHENDI

• Mehendi Powder: As per your requirement, use 3-4 teaspoons.

HOW TO USE MEHENDI

1. Mehendi Leaves Paste

• Consume1-2 teaspoons of Mehendi leave powder.

• Create a paste with rose water.

• Apply uniformly on the forehead.

• Let it settle for 10-15 minutes.

• Wash it carefully with tap water.

• Apply this remedy to rid of stress and headache.

2. Mehendi hair pack

• Consume 4-6 teaspoons of Mehendi leaves powder.

• Create a paste with lukewarm water.

• Let it settle the entire night.

• Apply uniformly on the scalp and hair.

• Let it settle for 4-5 hours.

• Wash it carefully with tap water.

• Apply this remedy for soft, silky, and to hide grey hair.

3. Mehendi Tattoos

• Consume 3-4 teaspoons of Mehendi leaves powder.

• Create a paste with water.

• Apply on your body as the preferred design.

• Let it settle for 4-5 hours.

• Wash off the Mehendi.

• You will get the temporary tattoo of your preferred design in orange-brown color.

4. Mehendi Seed Powder

• Consume ¼-½ teaspoon Mehendi seed powder.

• Blend with honey and have it after lunch and dinner to get relieved of digestive problems.

5. Mehendi Leaves juice

• Consume 1-2 teaspoons of juice of Mehendi leaves.

• Blend it with water or honey and have it before consuming food once or twice a day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What ingredient should be mixed with Mehendi for silky hair?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Yes, you can mix Mehendi with egg for silky hair.

Instructions:

1. Create the paste of Mehendi with lukewarm water.

2. Let it settle the entire night.

3. Pinch 1 lemon to the paste in the morning.

4. Apply uniformly on the hair.

5. Let it settle for 4-5 hours.

6. Wash it carefully with tap water.

Yes, for silky hair, you can mix Mehendi with egg as it can cure Dandruff's problem. Dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp that may be because of an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha, as per Ayurveda. Mehendi removes excess oil and keeps the scalp dry due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties that control dandruff.

Instructions:

1. Wash hair with a serene shampoo to wash your hair and scalp.

2. Get a bowl and blend a half cup of Mehendi henna powder with one-fourth cup of warm water to make a soft paste.

3. Keep it all night.

4. Apply the Mehendi paste the next day on hair from the roots to the tip of the hair.

5. Wait for 3-4 hours till the paste dries and wash it with plain water.

Q. How to apply henna (Mehendi) on hair?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Mehendi is usually applied for dyeing hair. It can be applied by the following method:

1. Create a Mehendi paste.

2. Part your hair uniformly using a comb.

3. Apply Mehendi on small segments of hair using a dye brush.

4. Start from tips and go to the length of hair.

5. Assemble the portions of Mehendi-covered hair one over the other to form a bun.

6. Once it is done, wear a shower cap and wait for 4-5 hours and after this, wash it with water and with a mild shampoo

Generally, you can mix Mehendi for silky hair as it provides natural color to hair. Mehendi removes excess oil and keeps the scalp dry due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties that help in color to stay longer.

Instructions:

1. Wash hair with a serene shampoo to wash your hair and scalp.

2. Get a bowl and blend a half cup of Mehendi Henna powder with one-fourth cup of warm water to make a soft paste.

3. Keep it all night.

4. Apply the Mehendi paste the next day on hair from the roots to the tip of the hair.

5. Wait for 3-4 hours till the paste dries and wash it with plain water.

Q. For how many hours should we keep Mehendi on hair?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Mehendi is usually used for several purposes. The duration for which Mehendi should be kept on hair depends on the reason for which it is being used. For conditioning point, 1- 1.5 hours is enough; it should be kept for 2-3 hours for highlighting purposes. Though, for hiding grey hair and getting good color, it should be kept for 4-5 hours.

Tip: Avoid keeping Mehendi on hair for too long as it may lead to dryness in hair.

Mehendi's duration should be kept on hair depends on the reason for which it is being used, whereas Mehendi is usually used for several purposes.

Instructions:

1. Wash hair with a serene shampoo to wash your hair and scalp.

2. Get a bowl and blend a half cup of Mehendi Henna powder with one-fourth cup of warm water to make a soft paste.

3. Keep it all night.

4. Apply the Mehendi paste the next day on hair from the roots to the tip of the hair.

5. Wait for 3-4 hours till the paste dries and wash it with plain water.

Q. What are the advantages of Heena (Mehendi) for hair?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Mehendi is useful for hair as it acts as a natural hair dye. Mehendi has a usual affinity with the proteins present in hair. This helps to stain the hair shaft and offers shine to hair. Mehendi's natural characteristics act as a conditioner for hair, aids in hair regeneration, and boosts hair growth.

Mehendi paste is determined to be an effective herb to treat hair problems when applied on the outside. It also aids in controlling dandruff caused due to excessive oil on the scalp because of its astringent and dry properties.

Q. Does Mehendi have a function in wound treatment?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Yes, Mehendi helps in encouraging wound healing. Mehendi aids in wound contraction and closure. Mehendi also has antimicrobial properties and promotes the development of micro-organisms involved in causing wound infections.

Yes, Mehendi aids in the rapid healing of wounds because of its cold and healing properties.

Q. Does Mehendi cause hair loss?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

No, Mehendi helps to prohibit hair loss due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. In Ayurveda, Mehendi is an herb that comprises of all the natural goodness that your hair needs. Using henna on hair keeps hair healthy and beautiful if used in the right way.

No, Mehendi helps to prohibit hair loss due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. In Ayurveda, Mehendi is a herb that comprises of all the natural goodness that your hair needs. Using henna on hair keeps hair healthy and beautiful if used in the right way.

Tips:

1. Wash hair with a mild shampoo to wash your hair and scalp.

2. Take a bowl and mix half a cup of Mehendi powder with one-fourth cup of warm water to make a smooth paste and keep it overnight.

3. Use the Mehendi paste the next day from the roots towards the tips.

4. Wait for 3-4 hours till the paste dries and wash it with plain water.

Q. Does Mehendi help in wound healing?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Yes, Mehendi helps in promoting wound healing. Mehendi also assists in wound contraction and closure. Mehendi also has antimicrobial properties and increases the growth of micro-organisms concerned with causing wound infections.

Yes, Mehendi helps in the rapid healing of the wound. This is because of its Sita and (healing) properties. It helps to decrease inflammation associated with the wound.

Instructions:

1. Wash hair with a gentle shampoo to wash your hair and scalp.

2. Get a bowl and blend half a cup of Mehendi powder with one-fourth cup of warm water to make a smooth paste and keep it overnight.

3. Use the Mehendi paste the next day from the roots towards the tips.

4. Wait for 3-4 hours till the paste dries and wash it with plain water.

NS Desk

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Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.