TIPS: Mix henna / mehendi powder in water and 2-4 drops of fresh lemon juice to make out paste. Now fill the paste in a plastic cone. May use it after 15-20 minutes to draw designs on you palm and foot. When it is dry, you may apply eucalyptus oil or coconut oil. Wait for few hours say 8 hours to get it dried and then wash your hands. Use soap while washing hand to get a lighter color.
MEHENDI : HEALING PROPERTIES
In various eastern parts, henna is thought to hold special medicinal or even magical properties. It is used to help heal skin diseases, prevent thinning hair, and cool the skin to reduce swelling in hot climates. It is made into a beverage to heal headaches and stomach pain. Newly purchased homes in Morocco often have their doors painted with henna to wish for prosperity and chase away evil. Henna is used as a protection against the "evil eye". The foreheads of bulls, milk cows, and horses are sometimes decorated with henna for their protection. Tombstones in graveyards are sometimes washed with henna to please the sprits.
Mehendi has been used to treat a number of ailments due to a brown substance of a resinoid fracture found in it. This has chemical properties which characterize tannins, and is therefore named hennotannic acid. It has been used both internally and locally to treat conditions including leprosy, smallpox, cancer of the colon, headaches and blood loss - especially during childbirth. It can be used for skin conditions such as eczema. The plant can also treat muscle contraction and fungal and bacterial infections.
MEHENDI POPULARITY & ITS CULTURE
Many celebrities have been seen wearing mehendi designs and general awareness of the art form has increased due to articles in national magazines, publications and television broadcasts. Traditionally, mehendi designing for any Indian bride is a must event of the Indian weddings. Starting from Madonna till Britney spears, or let us say nearly every Western Female as well as male celebrities use this customary Indian art very frequently these days. From decorating brides' hands, to being used to make body tattoos on arms & bellies etc. Mehendi/Henna has moved out international. Once a typically Indian custom and a vital part of a bride's makeup, Mehendi has gone cosmopolitan. Thanks to the attention it gets through stars like Madonna, and other Hollywood & Bollywood / film artist.
