Health and Fashion: the importance of Henna (Lalle) for women.

The word ‘Henna' is commonly used to refer to a flowering plant that is very important in the production of medicines, besides the ornamental purpose it serves for women who use the powder from its leaves to make beautiful drawings on their skin.

In Hausa Language, the whole plant is called Lalle, so  its leaves are called. Also, even if the leaves are dehydrated (dried) and crushed to form powder, the powder is still called Lalle, Henna powder.

Generally, when the word Henna or Lalle is mentioned, the first thing that comes to our minds is how women use it for decorating their hands and feet. In this article, however, we bring to you its additional benefits  as follows;

1. Extra attractiveness for Women.

It is a delight of women to know that Henna can make them more sexually active and attractive. Not only the house wives and new brides, the young ladies too need to know this because they are the brides of tomorrow. A popular Hausa adage says "Even if you are beautiful, add with a bath" so, even if you are sexy, you need to maintain it, and Henna will surely help you do that. Always apply it.

2. Skin Care.

Henna is certainly very effective in skin rejuvenation. It makes the skin glow brighter as a result of its anti-aging properties. For a woman who needs to trim her face and get her beautiful complexion, this is what to do;

•Get an original Henna powder (garin Lalle) and raw egg.

•Remove the egg yolk and mix the Henna powder with the egg to make a smooth paste.

•Apply it on your face by rubbing and wait for 30 minutes. Wash it afterwards and the result will amaze you.

3. Treatment of acne (pimples).

Acne is a medical condition which causes a lot of red rashes on the face and neck of, mainly, young people. The rashes are called adulthood rashes or s and are very irritating because they leave scars on the face. To get rid of these rashes, mix a Henna powder with a lemon juice to make a thick paste and apply the mixture on the face. It cures the acne and smoothen the blemishes on the face. Try it.

4. Hair breakage Treatment.

Henna is also useful in preventing hair breakage. All you need to do is; measure 1/4 cup of Henna  powder and add three spoonfuls of black cumin (Habbatus sauda) and mix with warm water. Apply the mixture on your hair and wash after 3 to 4 hours. It prevents hair breakage and makes your hair longer and shiny.

5. Cure for the fungal infection, Athlete’s foot (Cin-ruwa)

People don't see Athlete’s foot as a serious infection, but everyone who suffers from it knows that it is not only serious but also hard to cure. It causes itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or on soles of your feet. For anyone who suffers from this condition, mix henna powder with distilled white vinegar (Ma'u khal) and apply it on the affected area.

Habibu Maaruf Abdu

13/4/21