Steinmetz:Lawsonia

Lawsonia alba

Also known as (or relevant to) Lawsonia alba Lawsonia inermis Family Lythraceae English Names Henna Natural Habitat Egypt Levant Persia Syria India Southern China Part(s) Used Folia Hennae

Constituent(s) colouring matter oxalate of calcium tannin resin gallic acid Action alterative astringent sedative - The powdered leaves make the best hair dye that is known and give the auburn colour that is so admired - The leaves are also employed for poulticing a gathering under a finger or toe nail probably involving the loss of the nail