Mehndi

Mehndi, also known as henna, is a plant primarily cultivated for its leaves, which yield a natural dye used for cosmetic purposes, especially in body art and hair coloring. The active constituents include lawsone, tannins, and other phenolic compounds.

Indications

Mehndi is commonly used for temporary skin decoration, hair coloring, and as a cooling agent. In traditional medicine, it's also employed for its astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, used in treating minor skin conditions like burns, rashes, and insect bites.

Dosage

For skin decoration, a paste made from the powdered leaves is applied topically. For hair coloring, the powder is mixed with water to form a paste and applied to the hair. There is no standardized dosage for medicinal use, and it's often applied as needed.

Contra-Indications

Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Lythraceae family may experience allergic reactions to mehndi. It is not recommended for use on broken or sensitive skin, and caution should be exercised during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Special Precautions

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Perform a patch test before applying to a larger area of skin. Mehndi paste should be prepared fresh and used immediately to prevent bacterial contamination.

Side Effects

Allergic reactions may occur, presenting as redness, itching, or swelling. Prolonged or frequent use on the skin can cause temporary staining or irritation. Ingestion of mehndi may lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Drug Interactions

There are no known drug interactions with mehndi. However, caution should be exercised when using it concomitantly with other topical products, as interactions may occur.