HERBAL GARDEN
मदयन्तिका
Classification
Synoyms
Madayantika (Sanskrit)
Ranjani
Goranti
Campara
Cypress Shrub
Habit
Large glabrous shrub or small tree
Habitat
Native to North Africa, West and South Asia. Commonly grown in dry, arid and subtropical regions of India.
Morphology
- Shrub or small tree up to 2–6 meters tall.
- Leaves: Opposite, simple, elliptic, green, smooth.
- Flowers: Small, white or pinkish fragrant flowers in terminal cymes.
- Fruits: Small, brownish capsules with numerous seeds.
- Stems: Green when young, becoming woody.
Chemical Composition
Carbohydrates
Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone)– main coloring compound
Gallic acid
Tannins
Flavonoids
Coumarins
Xanthones
Essential oils
Alkaloids
Mannitol
Resin
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Tikta, Kashaya
Guna- Laghu, Ruksha
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Katu
Karma- Raktaprasadana, Varnya, Tvachya, Krimighna, Daha-nashaka, Vranaropana, Keshya
Doshakarma- Pitta-Kaphahara
Medicinal uses
Applied on scalp to prevent dandruff, strengthen hair, and promote hair growth.
Paste used in burns, wounds, and skin conditions like eczema and boils.
Leaf decoction used for fever, headache, and jaundice.
Acts as coolant, relieves burning sensation and inflammation.
Used in leprosy, malarial fever, and ulcers.
Useful Part
Leaves, Flowers, Bark, Seeds
Doses
Leaf powder (Churna): 3–5 g
Paste: External application as needed
Decoction (Kwath): 20–50 ml
Oil infusion: Applied for hair care
Important Formulation
Mehendi Taila
Madayantika Churna
Shloka
मदयन्तिका तिक्ता हि कषायोष्णा लघुः स्मृता।
रञ्जनी दाहशमनी कुष्ठपित्तास्रनाशिनी॥ (भावप्रकाश निघण्टु – हरितक्यादि वर्ग)
Hindi Name
मेहंदी / हिना
English Name
Henna
Botanical Name
Lawsonia inermis L.
Family
Lythraceae