Mahandi is the Hindi word for a beauty treatment involving the crushed leaves of
the henna plant (Lawsonia Inermis). The leaves of this plant, when mixed with essential
oils and water and applied to hair or skin, leave a beautiful reddish-brown stain
that can last form several days to several weeks.
Also called mehandi or henna, mehandi has been a tradition in India, Africa, Eastern
Europe and the Middle East for thousands of years. Women in these cultures, ornament
themselves with mehandi for weddings and other celebrations. The mahandi paste is
piped onto the skin ornate patterns, and then kept moist as long as possible with
lime juice, eucalyptus oil and sugar to allow the stain to deepen. Mahandi marks
the rite of passage of marriage in a girl's life and her initiation into womanhood.
The complex mehandi designs, which are painted on both the hands and feet, may contain
secret language. Mehandi symbolizes satisfaction and happiness in marriage. In addition
to adornment, henna plays a role in medicine. We were told of its cooling effect
and conditioning properties on the skin. Thus, it can be used to treat burns and
sores.