In addition to being a sign of fertility, hennaed hands were also very practical. Historically, those in agricultural societies would henna the hands, including the nails. Henna has anti~bacterial and anti~fungal properties, as well as being cooling on the skin. The henna stain would protect the nail and cuticle while working the earth.
It is used by Ayurvedic physicians (traditional Indian, holistic practitioners) for skin irritations such as heat rashes, skin allergies and to cool the body during the intense heat of summer. Because of this cooling property, henna leaves and flowers are made into lotions and ointments to be used externally for boils, bruises, and skin inflammations , including sores from leprosy.
In our modern culture, we still paint our nails, but acrylic and lacquer are our adornment of choice! Just recently, my mother had her nails done (tips and all), and developed a fungal infection after visiting a salon new to her. Hmm!!! She should have had them hennaed!
Like so many traditional customs, not only was it beautiful, but functional as well!
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| Beautiful!! |
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| Not so much!! lol! |
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