History of henna

Taken from the book, Natural healing with the Medicine of the Prophet from the book of The Provisions of the Hereafter by Imam Ibn Qayim Al Jawziya (1292-1350 C.E.)


Henna is cold in the first degree and dry in the second. the medicinal properties and potency of the henna tree and its branches comprise:

1. a dissolving factor of the flaccidity of an organ, which characteristic comes from a balancing moisture it contains; and
2. it contains a costive characteristic of a cold earth substance. Some benefits of Henna include:
treatment of burns, congruity with nerves when used in poultices  (soft moist heated mass spread on cloth and applied to the sore), and is used for the treatment of ulcers of the mouth, stomach, burns, and hot swellings. Applying a decoction of henna to cuts has the same medicinal effects as those of the dragon's-blood tree. (Dracaena draco, a native of the Canary Islands; any of the genus Dracanea, of the Agave family. Arabic: dam al-akhawain)

Imam Trimidi and Imam al Baihaqi reported in their sahih that Umm Salma said: "Allah's Messenger Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him, never suffered from a wound or a thorn without applying henna to it." Applying a decoction made of henna and rose balm mixed with melted candlelight wax also helps in the treatment of pleurisy. 
                                 

Small Pox

Henna also helps in the treatment of small pox in its early stages. This is done by tingeing the bottom of the child's feet with henna, and this will prevent its progression to his eyes. This treatment is well known fact and a most common treatment in the case of small pox.                                                                                   

Henna Blossoms

When blossoms of henna are placed in a woolen garment, they perfume it and prevent moths. When Henna leaves are soaked in fresh water then squeezed and the infusion is drunk, 20 drachms mixed with 10 drachms of sugar, taken daily for forty days, or cooking a lambs meat with it and using it in ones diet for such a period, it helps in the treatment of leprosy in its early stages.

Henna Balm and Paste

Henna Balm also benefits in the treatment of the cracking of nails. This is done by drinking the water of soaked henna leaves for ten days. Henna paste also helps in the upkeep of healthy nails and beautifies them. Mixing henna powder with purified ghee (middle eastern butter) also helps hot swellings that produce yellow puss when used as poultice, and is a treatment for scabies, itch and manage.
Henna also helps hair growth, increases youthfulness, benefits one's vision, augments sexual drive, and is useful for the treatment of blisters, pimples, and skin pustules between the legs.