The Health Benefits of Henna: Henna is mostly known for its properties of temporarily tattooing skin or dyeing hair, however, this ancient herb also has many health benefits. Henna, Lawsona inermis, is a small tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. It is best known for its dyeing ability on skin, hair, nails, cloth, leather, etc. Used for thousands of years, henna has been mentioned in the Bible, specifically the Song of Solomon. Other literature that has mentioned henna is the Ugaritic myth of Baal, which is thousands of years old. This historical plant is rich in culture from its use in weddings, funerals, rites of passage and more. However, little has been said about henna’s healing properties. Henna’s Healing Properties Henna has been used as a healing herb in folk medicine for as long as it was used as a dye. One of the major health benefits of henna is as a sun screen. During the summer, hundreds of people are tattooed with henna paste at fairs, festivals, traditional celebrations and more. Whilst out in the sun, they also tan only to find, five weeks later than the area hennaed did not tan not does it show any sun-contact at all. Henna paste is a natural mixture of, usually, water, henna, lemon juice and sugar, which is a natural and healthier alternative to chemical laden sun screens plus it has the unique ability to temporarily tattoo skin. Another major benefit of henna is its ability to condition and rejuvenate hair and nails naturally. When dyeing hair and nails with henna paste, the tanins and other Lawsona molecules bind with the keratin in the hair and nail. Henna is known to strengthen hair and nails, prevent fungus in the nail beds, and heal split ends and cracked cuticles. Many other conditions henna is used to treat include: Baldness – when mixed with mustard seed oil, henna is reputed to cure baldness. Dysentery – when mixed with ghee Liver disorders – specifically the bark of the henna plant Headaches – specifically the flowers of the plant mixed with vinegar Sore throat – specifically the leaves as a gargle Boils, burns and bruises – specifically a poultice of the leaves Arthritis, Inflammation and leprosy – specifically the leaves, bruised