Bedouin Culture Series EP 11 - Henna For Medicinal Purposes

Henna is primarily used as a dye, but in Bedouin culture the henna plant’s leaves, bark and flowers were also used for its medicinal properties.

One of the most notable characteristics of henna is its naturally cooling affect. This came in very handy for Bedouin in the desert as they used henna to cool down their bodies. They would do this by smearing the henna paste on their bodies to cool down.

Bedouin relied heavily on natural herbs and plant extracts to cure themselves and henna was often used to treat burns, inflammation of the gums and to treat stomach infections.

The henna paste was also used on hair to treat dandruff and head lice and on the feet to soothe dryness and cracked heels.

The multi-purpose approach the Bedouin took to making the most out of the henna plant is a reflection of their resourceful and resilient way of surviving in the desert.

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