Henna

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Lythraceae family, which includes myrtles, loosestrifes and the relative newcomer, pomegranate. For centuries, the plant has been used to produce a dye to color hair, skin, leather, wool and other textiles. Henna body art, characterized by highly intricate markings called Mehndi, has been an important part of eastern Mediterranean cultures since the Bronze Age. The practice of decorating the face and body is an expression of joy and used to invoke blessings of good luck and fortune. As such, henna is used to mark special occasions, including weddings, birthdays, saints’ days and other celebrations. When applied to hair, henna yields a deep, rich reddish-brown stain that coats the hair shaft, the effects of which may last for days or up to several weeks.