Henna
Lawsonia inermisHenna in Anatolia and huito in the Amazon do the same job on two continents: marking a rite of passage by colouring the body.
What is Henna?
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a plant of the Lythraceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: leaves.
What is Henna used for?
Traditional use: 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. Scientific evidence: traditional. Its colour comes from lawsone, which binds to keratin in the outer skin and lasts a few weeks.
Is Henna safe?
Safety label: caution. 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.
Traditional use
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.
In nature
Mix-up risk
The garden plant sold as “kına çiçeği” (Impatiens balsamina) is a different plant and gives no dye.
Preparation
Dried leaf powder is mixed into a paste with water or lemon and applied to skin and hair.
What science says
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.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| PPD-containing hair dyes | People sensitised by PPD in “black henna” can develop severe allergy to hair dye. |
| G6PD deficiency | Henna can trigger the breakdown of red blood cells in babies. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Henna.
Culture bridge
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. Read the comparison →
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchHypersensitivity reactions due to black henna tattoos and their components
- ResearchThe Henna pigment Lawsone activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and impacts skin homeostasis
- BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Lawsonia inermis
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe