Photo: 235uranium / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Mehndi मेहंदी
Lawsonia inermis
Part used: Leaf
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Lawsonia inermis
- Part used: Leaf
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: External use as a paste or in medicated oil.
Mehndi in other languages
Introduction
Mehndi (Lawsonia inermis) is henna, grown across the drier parts of India for the red dye in its leaves. Beyond its cosmetic use it is a genuine classical drug.
Ayurveda uses it as a cooling, astringent, Pitta-settling herb: applied to the skin and scalp for burning and eruption, and taken internally in small doses in bleeding and jaundice.
Classification
Family Lythraceae. The leaf is chiefly officinal; the flower and seed are used in some preparations. Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Pitta and Kapha.
Uses & benefits
Applied externally as a paste for burning of the palms and soles, headache, skin eruption and as a scalp application in dandruff and premature greying. Internally the leaf is used in small doses in Raktapitta and jaundice. In this catalogue it appears in Mahabhringraj Taila for the scalp.
Mehndi for burning and the scalp
Its sheeta virya is the point: the leaf paste is applied to hot palms and soles, and to the scalp where heat and irritation cause itching and flaking.
Mehndi in hair oils
Used in classical hair preparations for its cooling astringency rather than only for colour, which is why it appears in Mahabhringraj Taila.
Dosage — how much to take
External use as a paste or in medicated oil. Internally, leaf powder 1–3 g per day within a compound, as prescribed.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Mehndi?
The citations held for Mehndi in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Madayantika).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Mehndi?
Tikta-kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; used in daha and kushtha. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Madayantika.
What is Mehndi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Applied externally as a paste for burning of the palms and soles, headache, skin eruption and as a scalp application in dandruff and premature greying. Internally the leaf is used in small doses in Raktapitta and jaundice. In this catalogue it appears in Mahabhringraj Taila for the scalp.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Mehndi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Mehndi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Mehndi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Mehndi is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf.
How much Mehndi is taken, and how?
External use as a paste or in medicated oil. Internally, leaf powder 1–3 g per day within a compound, as prescribed. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Mehndi be avoided?
Natural henna is well tolerated on skin. So-called 'black henna' is a different matter: it contains added para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which causes severe blistering allergic reactions and permanent sensitisation. Use only plain henna. People with G6PD deficiency, especially infants, can develop haemolysis from henna applied to skin — avoid it in that group. Do not use internally in pregnancy.
Where does Mehndi grow?
Cultivated across the drier parts of India, chiefly Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh; Sojat in Rajasthan is the principal centre.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Madayantika
Tikta-kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; used in daha and kushtha. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Part I — Madayantika
Leaf of Lawsonia inermis; identity and dose.
Safety & precautions
Natural henna is well tolerated on skin. So-called 'black henna' is a different matter: it contains added para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which causes severe blistering allergic reactions and permanent sensitisation. Use only plain henna. People with G6PD deficiency, especially infants, can develop haemolysis from henna applied to skin — avoid it in that group. Do not use internally in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Cultivated across the drier parts of India, chiefly Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh; Sojat in Rajasthan is the principal centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is black henna the same thing?
No, and it is not safe. "Black henna" contains added PPD dye, which causes severe blistering reactions and lasting sensitisation. Only plain henna leaf is used medicinally.
Why is henna applied to the palms and soles?
Beyond decoration, the classical reason is its cooling action — it is applied for burning of the hands and feet, a common Pitta complaint.
