Aileen.Marron

LAWSONIA INERMIS

Botanical Information
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
• Superdivision: Spermatophytan
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Subclass: Rosidae
• Order: Myrtales
• Family: Lythraceae
• Genus: Lawsonia L
• Species: Lawsonia Inermis L

Origin and Geographical Distribution
Lawsonia Inermis is native throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It flourishes in sunny positions in heavy soils that hold moisture well – though it will grow almost anywhere in these regions. These days it is also widely cultivated in China, The West Indies and Australia as well as in its native countries.

Description
Lawsonia Inermis is a heavily scented evergreen shrub-like tree. It grows up to 6 meters in height (20 feet) and has abundant branches. Its many leaves are narrow and pointed, and its pink and cream flowers are small, growing in clusters. When in fruit, tiny blue/black berries are produced. The leaves contain the active colouring ingredient ‘Lawsone’.

Propagation Lawsonia Inermis does grow wild throughout its native countries, and is also a common tree found in gardens and villages. However these days it is mainly cultivated on a large scale as it is a valuable cash crop. It is a perennial plant, and with the exception of the initial year, it can be harvested twice a year in April/May and October/November. Initial yields are low, but increase to around 1,700kg per hectare, and up to 2,000kg per irrigated hectare. For a good crop with a high Lawsone content in the leaves a temperature of around 25 degrees C is required, henna grown in lower temperatures may look the same, but will be produce far inferior quality henna powder, with a poor colour content. It is also important to dry the leaves fast and out of direct sunlight, to retain the colouring properties. It is after all the lawsone content that drives the market for this valuable cash crop, local people have used henna powder, chiefly as a cosmetic for thousands of years, hence its dispersal throughout North Africa, The Middle East & the Indian Subcontinent.

Biochemistry
The Key biochemicals of Lawsonia Inermis are; Lawsone (2-hydroxy 1,4 – napthaquinone), Tannin, Behenic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid

Scientific Name Preferred Scientific Name: Lawsonia Inermis L

Other Scientific Names
Lawsonia alba Lam.

Trade Name
Henna

Most Popular Common Names
Arabic; Henna, Henne, Hine, Hina, Hene, Heni
Pakistan, India & Bangladesh; Mendhi, Mehndi, Mehendi

Some Lesser Known Common Names
Burmese; Dan
Creole; Ene, Flè Jalouzi
English; Camphire, Egyptian Privet, Mignonette, Zanzibar Bark
Filipino; Cinamomo
French; Henné, Jalousie, Réséda de France
Indonesian; Inai, Pacar Kuku
Javanese; Pacar Kuku
Kashmir; Mohuz
Khmer; Krâpéén
Lao (Sino-Tibetan); Kaaw
Malay; Inai, Pacar Kuku
Sanskrit; Mendika, Ragangi, Raktgarbha
Somali; Erip
Spanish; Resedá
Swahili; Mheni, Mhina, Mkokoa, Mkokoa Muhina, Muina
Tamil; Marithondi, Maruthani
Thai; Thian Daeng, Thian Khaao, Thian King
Tigrigna; Elam
Vietnamese; Lâ Mòn, Nhuôm Móng Tay

Uses
Leaves – treasured as a valuable source of natural dye.

• Used cosmetically to decorate the skin; chiefly hands and feet of women.
• Used to decorate fabrics and other natural materials.

Leaves – Containing antiseptic, antibiotic and astringent properties, are used in infusions, decoctions, poultices and ointments in traditional medicines.

• To treat such ailments as; general headaches, epilepsy, tetanus, leprosy, jaundice, scurvy, beriberi, various skin and nail conditions (from athletes foot to herpes), open wounds, ulcers and lesions.

Flowers – high in beta-ionone, a treasured olfactory ingredient.

• Used in the manufacture of perfumes.
• Used in the manufacture of scented oils & incense.

Flowers – used in traditional medicines.

• To treat such ailments as; epilepsy and tetanus, general stomach pains and insomnia

Fruit – a treasured olfactory ingredient

• Used in the manufacture of perfumes.
• Used in the manufacture of scented oils & incense.

Fruit – used in traditional medicines

• To treat such ailments as; excema and various skin conditions

Wood – a by-product of cultivation for cosmetic cash crop

• Timber; as the wood is very thin in diameter, it has little use. It can be used for firewood and basic timber needs like fencing.

Bark – can be used in traditional medicines.

• To treat such ailments as; jaundice, excema and fungal infections

Roots – can be used in traditional medicines.

• To treat such ailments as; eye disease and skin various skin conditions
• Are used as a diuretic and are also believed to have fertility enhancing properties