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Henna is an ancient form of temporary body art dating back more than 5000 years. Henna has been found on the hands and feet of Egyptian mummies from as far back as 3000 BC. Using Henna as body adornment originated independently in areas across North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia as the Henna plant, Lawsonia Inermis, grows readily in these regions.

Although the use of Henna can be traced to over 60 countries, one commonality is its use as a temporary body decoration for celebrations and ceremonies such as weddings, births, circumcisions, and deaths, as well as being a means of sharing togetherness and bonding among group members.

The use of henna most commonly recognized today is the traditional decoration associated with Indian or Middle Eastern weddings where the brides, and in some cultures the groom, have Henna applied to their hands and feet. Not only is Henna used for celebrations, the application of the Henna becomes a celebration in and of itself, often including the family and close relatives of the wedding party.

In the United States, henna has become a fun, safe, temporary alternative to permanent ink tattoos, as well as a memorable way of celebrating milestone events. More pregnant women are having their bellies hennaed during their third trimester (I suggest taking a list of paste ingredients and consulting with your doctor first) as a way to celebrate the upcoming birth. Many traditional celebrations such as bridal and baby showers, birthdays, proms and girls nights in are also including henna to mark the occasion. Weddings continue to be a time where brides allow themselves the additional luxury of pampering by including a personal henna session as part of their pre-wedding preparations.

Henna powder comes from the pigment of the Lawsonia Inermis plant called Lawsone, which grows natively only in hot, arid climates such as North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. 

The leaves are collected, dried then ground into a fine powder. Leaves collected in regions which regularly experience drought followed by a heavy rain product the best quality commercial henna. Hennas are named for the region from which they were harvested.

I buy only quality henna from reputable dealers to use in my paste. A typical mix will contain henna powder, lemon juice, sugar and pure aromatherapy-quality essential oils. These ingredients are mixed together in stages, including time for the paste to sit until dye release is achieved before the addition of the next ingredient, then put into cones to use for application of the henna. Any henna, whether powdered or mixed, is stored in the freezer until ready to use to ensure the integrity of the henna.