Healing Magic: Grateful for the Mighty Henna Leaf

 Take a deep breath, mouth closed and release it with your mouth open. Go on, let it all out. Relax those jaws and shoulders, loosen your neck, back, and hips. Aha! Feeling better now? Good. Let’s dive into today’s gratitude story.

Ever imagined having an injury, applying a random leaf, and waking up healed the next day? Hold that magical thought for a second. What if such a leaf exists? Guess what it does! Meet henna, or lellai, as it’s called here in Nigeria. Yes, the humble henna leaf isn’t just for pretty patterns on your hands; it’s also a secret weapon for healing.

So, what is henna, you ask? For those unfamiliar, henna is a reddish dye prepared from the dried and powdered leaves of the henna tree. Since ancient Egyptian times, it’s been used to dye hair and create the beautiful body art of mehndi (a.k.a. henna tattoos). After staining the skin a deep orange that darkens over time, the colour stays vibrant for days before gently fading away as your skin renews itself.

The henna plant, Lawsonia inermis (you can flex that fact at trivia night), is believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa. Ancient Egyptians and Babylonians were slaying beauty routines with henna long before our time. But henna isn’t just a pretty face modern science has revealed that it’s antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-hemorrhagic. Translation? Henna is the MVP of natural remedies. No wonder it feels like magic. Truly, God is great o!

Beyond its healing properties, henna holds cultural significance. It’s a symbol of good health, prosperity, and protection in many traditions. Used during weddings and Eid celebrations, henna gatherings bring people together in joy. In some cultures, they say the darker the henna stain, the deeper the love between two people. (Wahala for couples whose henna fades fast!) For me, though, it’s pure love I’d wear henna every day if I could.

But henna isn’t just a decoration; it’s believed to bring barakat (unseen positive energy) and protect against evil for some culture such as Urdu and Hindi. That’s right this plant is doing the absolute most for us.

Now, let me tell you why I’m so grateful today. Last week, I felt excruciating pain in my right ring finger. My instinct told me it was whitlow (a.k.a. herpetic whitlow), and let me tell you it was no joke! In desperation, I turned to my trusty henna leaves. Normally, I use henna to decorate my hands, but this time, I used it as medicine. This is because I have in the past noticed whenever I applied henna when I have a cut it suddenly healed. So, I applied the henna overnight, carefully tying my hand in a leather bag to avoid staining my bedspread. By morning, the pain had reduced so much that it felt mild barely noticeable unless I moved my hand too much.

Fast forward to today, I looked at my finger, I realized the infection was gone. I couldn’t help but shout, Wow! This little leaf saved me from days of misery, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Henna reminds me why it’s important to appreciate the things that help us live our best lives, no matter how small they seem. Henna isn’t just a plant it’s a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern needs, reminding us that nature is often our greatest ally.

Your Turn: Take a moment to reflect on something simple that has made your life better recently. Maybe it’s a healing plant, a kind gesture, or even a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Whatever it is, send a little gratitude its way. You’ll be surprised how uplifting it feels.

So, here’s to henna, healing, and all the hidden heroes in our lives. What’s your gratitude story today?