Women have worn henna through the centuries as decoration and in some tribal regions, different henna decorations helped distinguish different tribes. Henna is also considered a medicinal plant, for it has been used from the earliest times as an astringent and a sedative, finding its way into many folk remedies. Since henna shows some ultraviolet screening activity, it is sometimes used as a sun-blocker.

Washing the hair with henna gives it a slight reddish tint and a wonderful shine. It is believed that henna feeds the hair follicles and helps stop split ends.

Go articles bio Joy Cagil is an author on a site for Writers (http://www.Writing.Com/ ) Her training is in foreign languages and linguistics. She has a degree in Turkish philology and she has lived and traveled some in Turkey. In her background are psychology, mental health, and visual arts. Her portfolio can be found at www.Writing.Com/authors/joycag