Henna
Introduction & Nature of Henna
In Islamic traditions and Tibb an-Nabawi (Medicine of the Prophet), Mehedi (also known as Henna or Lawsonia inermis) holds a prominent place as a blessed plant with profound therapeutic and cosmetic properties. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya and other traditional scholars frequently highlighted the physical benefits of henna leaves, flowers, and extracts.
Henna (Mehendi) is primarily cold in nature and secondarily dry. This tree and its branches possess a hidden power acquired from a watery membrane. The leaves of henna possess a controlling power and a cool nature, making it highly beneficial for various ailments.
Medicinal Benefits of Henna
1. Burns and Wounds
Applying henna paste is highly beneficial for burns. If applied to a vein or an affected limb, it brings vitality and healing to the veins. It also effectively heals wounds on the upper part of the body.
2. Oral and Dental Health
If henna paste is applied to the head, it helps heal wounds in the mouth and alleviates toothaches.
3. Smallpox, Scabies, and Skin Conditions
For children suffering from smallpox (where blisters appear), applying henna paste to the soles of their feet provides immense comfort and relief. It also helps cure scabies (খুজলি) and ringworm (দাদুল) infections.
4. Pneumonia and Rib Pain
Mixing henna flowers with pure wax and rose oil, and then massaging it onto the affected area, helps alleviate pneumonia and rib pain.
5. Eye Protection
If a patient is showing symptoms of spring diseases (like smallpox), applying henna paste to the soles of their feet protects their eyes from the effects of the disease.
6. Joint Pain
Mixing henna with vinegar and applying it to chronic joint pain provides significant relief.
7. Protection of Clothing
Placing henna powder or leaves in the folds of clothes prevents weevils and insects from damaging them.
8. Hair and Brain Health
Regular use of henna strengthens hair, prevents premature graying, and enhances beauty. It also strengthens the brain.
9. Foot Health
Henna application heals cracks in the feet and improves the overall health of the feet.
10. Internal Cleansing
Soaking henna leaves in sweet water, squeezing them, and drinking the soaked water for up to forty days (in a quantity of 24 grams) has notable internal cleansing benefits.
11. Overall Body Benefits
In this manner, henna provides numerous benefits to the entire body, improving overall health and vitality.
📖 Hadith Reference
Regarding henna (Al-Hinna) and its medical applications, traditional hadith literature records several key narrations detailing the practices and recommendations of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
- Treatment for Leg Pain and Fatigue
> Salma Umm Rafi (RA), the freed maidservant of the Prophet (ﷺ), narrated:
> "Whenever anyone complained to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) of a pain in their head, he would advise them to get cupped, and whoever complained of a pain in their legs, he would advise them to dye them with henna."
>
- Primary Source: Sunan Abu Dawud (Hadith #3854 / #3849)
- Grading: Scholars of hadith have noted varying degrees of weakness in its chain of transmission, though it is widely cited in classical compendiums of Prophetic medicine like Ibn Qayyim's Zad al-Ma'ad.
- Treatment for Wounds, Sores, and Thorns
> Salma Umm Rafi (RA) also narrated:
> "The Prophet (ﷺ) did not suffer any injury, wound, or thorn-prick, but that he would apply henna to it."
>
- Primary Source: Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith #3502)
- Significance: This serves as the primary textual basis in traditional medicine for using henna as an antiseptic, soothing poultice for external physical trauma and skin inflammations.
🌿 Ingredients
· Henna leaves
· Henna flowers
· Pure wax
· Rose oil
· Sweet water
· Vinegar (for joint pain)
⚗️ Preparation Method
· For burns and wounds: Apply a paste of henna leaves.
· For pneumonia and rib pain: Mix henna flowers with pure wax and rose oil, then massage.
· For smallpox: Apply henna paste to the soles of the patient's feet.
· For weevil protection: Place henna powder in the folds of clothes.
· For internal cleansing: Soak 24 grams of henna leaves in sweet water, squeeze them, and drink the soaked water for up to forty days.
· For chronic joint pain: Mix henna with vinegar and apply to the affected area.
🔬 Modern Scientific Notes
Modern pharmacological studies have validated several traditional uses of henna leaves:
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Action: Research shows that the active compound lawsone present in henna exhibits strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which explain its effectiveness in protecting skin health and preventing scalp infections.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Extracts from the plant contain bioactive polyphenols and flavonoids that act as antioxidants and help suppress inflammation.
Important Precautions
Topical vs. Oral Use: Traditional and modern medicine restrict henna primarily to external application (skin, hair, and nails). Ingesting raw henna or taking it by mouth can cause severe toxicity, stomach upset, and dangerous side effects.
G6PD Deficiency Warning: Medical science strictly advises against applying henna to the skin of infants or individuals with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, as it can cause severe adverse blood reactions.