Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna, is a small tropical to subtropical shrub in the Lythraceae family. Native to North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, it is widely cultivated for its leaves, which produce a natural reddish-brown dye used for body art, hair coloring, and textile decoration. Traditionally, various parts of the plant—including leaves, seeds, and bark—have been used in folk medicine for their antimicrobial, cooling, and skin-healing properties. With its cultural, medicinal, and cosmetic significance, Lawsonia inermis remains an important species in traditional practices, artisan crafts, and natural remedies worldwide.