Dye written on the body
Henna on the hands at the kına night in Anatolia, huito on the body in Amazonian ceremonies. Both dyes are temporary marks that last a few weeks.
Side by side
| Henna | Huito | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Lawsonia inermis | Genipa americana |
| Family | Lythraceae | Rubiaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean | Amazon |
| Part used | Leaves | Unripe fruit |
| Use | Ritual and shamanic, Healing | Ritual and shamanic, Food, Healing |
| Scientific evidence | Traditional | Traditional |
| Safety | Caution | Generally safe |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction | No specific restriction |
Henna
On the kına night before a wedding, henna is applied to the bride’s hands; it is also applied to young men leaving for military service and to sacrificial rams. Henna stands for devotion and farewell.
As mehndi, patterns are drawn on hands and feet at weddings.
Science: Its colour comes from lawsone, which binds to keratin in the outer skin and lasts a few weeks. Human studies of medicinal uses are few.
Safety: Natural henna is generally safe. The PPD dye added to so-called “black henna” can cause severe allergy and permanent scars. Henna should not be used on babies with G6PD deficiency.
Huito
Juice from the unripe fruit is painted on the body; within hours it turns blue-black and lasts two weeks. Patterns are drawn for ceremonies, hunting and protection.
The ripe fruit is eaten and made into drinks and liqueur.
Science: Its colour comes from genipin, which reacts with skin proteins to form a blue-black colour. It is now also used as a food colouring.
Safety: Generally safe; can rarely cause allergy.
Last reviewed: · Türkçe
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