Lustrous Henna®

Healthy Hair Growth by Natural Hydration

Healthy Hair Growth Starts
-with Natural Hydration

A well-balanced nutritious diet can help promote healthy hair growth. That means drinking adequate amounts of WATER. The vitamins and minerals you get from your healthy food will enter your bloodstream quicker when there is sufficient water to assist them to do their job.  Water also helps your body eliminate toxins that can interfere with healthy hair growth. Keeping hydrated internallywill help to keep your hair soft and lustrous.

Natural Hydration Hair Facts

WATER makes up 25% of our hair shaft. Our roots draw water from inside our skin and transport it to the tips of every hair. Logic thus dictates that in order to keep that much water in our hair shaft, we must do it from the inside out.  Natural hydration with water is a necessity for healthy skin and hair nourishment of all healthy bodies. For well-hydrated cells, we must drink adequate amounts of water. This can mean the difference between having moisturized, healthy growing, and radiant natural hair or dry, brittle, and lifeless hair -caused by chronic dehydration of natural hair.

Arthur Guyton’s Textbook of Medical Physiology states "the total amount of water in a man of average weight (70 kilograms) is approximately 40 liters, averaging 57 percent of his total body weight. In a newborn infant, this may be as high as 79 percent of the body weight, but it progressively decreases from birth to old age, most of the decrease occurring during the first 10 years of life. *

Natural hydration benefits our entire body, including our hair. Keep the water nearby and enjoy your healthy hair growth.

*Guyton, Arthur C. (1991). Textbook of Medical Physiology (8th ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

FAQs for Lustrous Henna Herbal Hair Dye and Chemical Hair Dye

FAQs for Lustrous Henna^® Herbal Hair Dye and Chemical Hair Dye
-a collection of frequently asked questions

Q: How does natural hair dye, hair color differ from chemical hair dye?

A: See Mechanism of Hair Dying

Chemical Dye: Most of the chemical dyes contain bleaching agents, such as ammonia and or peroxide which damage …|click to read more.  Natural Dye:  Natural dye hair color such as, Lustrous Henna®, colors hair by coating the hair shaft. It provides thickness to hair and …|click to read more.

Q: What is PPD?

A: Para-Phenylenediamine - PPD (a coal tar derivative) is a main coloring agent in most of chemical hair dyes. This coal tar derivative is also used with other names in chemical dyes.

Q: What are the allergic reactions PPD can cause?

A: Allergic reaction caused by PPD hair dye in mild cases usually involves dermatitis to the upper eyelids or the rims of the ears. In more severe cases there may be…|click to read more.

Q: How much Lustrous Henna^® do I need for one application?

A: See: Quantity of Lustrous Henna^® required for different length of hair:

Q: How does Lustrous Henna^® differ from regular plain Henna?

A: Regular henna is just grounded powder of leaves from plant of Lawsonia Inermis which give only one color. Lustrous Henna^® differs in …|click to read more.

Q: How long Lustrous Henna^® lasts?

A: 3-4 weeks the color will fade. But the best part is since Lustrous Henna^® fades gradually, does not show ugly distinctive color difference with growth as with a chemical dye. Depending on…|click to read more.

Q: Can I see actual color on my hair immediately after the application?

A: You will see the color, but the actual color will appear in 24 to 48 hours. As the color gets darker …|click to read more.

Q: I have lot of gray hair, will I be able to cover gray?

A: Gray hair is usually coarser and dryer then the other type of hair, as they tend to lose …|click to read more.

Q: My hair is dry; will Lustrous Henna^®work on my hair?

A: Lustrous Henna^® not only color hair but its conditioning properties help brings body, life and vibrancy to dry damaged hair. Lustrous Henna^® enriches hair with its essential oil, giving hair natural radiance.

Q: Can I use Lustrous Henna^® before or after a perm?

A: You may, but you must do a strand test first, since chemically treated hair does not react to Lustrous Henna^® in the same way as normal hair. The chemicals may …|click to read more.

Q: I use PPD base chemical hair dye; I’d like to switch to a healthy nontoxic hair dye as Lustrous Henna^®. Will this work? Do I need to wait until the chemical comes off?

A: You do not need to wait for your present chemical comes off. You can start Lustrous Henna^® application any time.

Q: I have dark hair. What will Lustrous Hennav^® do for me?

A: If you have dark brown hair, Lustrous Henna^® will not lighten your dark hair, instead it will add …|click to read more.

Q: I have dark brown hair. Will Lustrous Henna^® Red shade make my hair red?

A: Lustrous Henna^® cannot lighten your hair. The red shade will not make your hair completely red, instead it will add …|click to read more.

Q: Can two Lustrous Henna^® colors be mixed to make a new shade?

A: Some people do experiment by mixing colors to come up a shade of their choice, which is ok. We cannot guarantee any specific results.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Greasy Hair Treatment from Ancient Times

Greasy Hair Treatment from Ancient Times
-Eliminate oily scalp problems

When our skin produces too much oil, problems are created. The same applies to hair. Too much oil creates greasy hair that is essentially dull and lifeless. The hair becomes very heavy and then attracts more dirt, which can lead to dandruff troubles. Greasy hair can also have split ends. Greasy hair can be eliminated with proper natural treatment from ancient times.

Multani Clay  (also known as Multani Mitti and Fullers Earth) is great for drawing dead cells and excess oils from the skin, thus eliminating dandruff. It also stimulates circulation to the skin. It absorbs bacteria, toxins and reduces water loss. The skin is then rejuvenated and becomes smooth, soft and supple.

An ACV or apple cider vinegar rinse is quite beneficial for treating oily hair. It rinses off excess oil and discourages dandruff. It also cuts soap and shampoo residue, leaving hair soft, smooth and naturally shiny. No worries about the smell. The vinegar smell does not remain after rinsing. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Herbal Rinse
-for Greasy Hair and Scalp

• 1 pint boiling water
• 1 teaspoon each: burdock root, calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, lavender flowers, lemongrass and sage leaves
• 1 tablespoon pure multani clay
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Pour boiling water over herbs and multani clay; steep for about 20 minutes. Strain and add the vinegar. Let cool. Pour over scalp and hair as final rinse after shampooing (with either shampoo suggested below). Leave on without rinsing out.¹

Simple Herbal Shampoo for Greasy Hair Treatment

Lustrous Henna® Shampoo Powder is 100% natural and premixed with hibiscus flower and other natural herbal extracts. Just add a small amount of water and make a paste. Apply to hair. Wait 5-10 minutes and rinse out.

Pure Reetha Powder Organic Wash paste: Add 12 drops each chamomile and lavender essential oils to 2 tbsp. Reetha Powder made into a paste with a small amount of water. Apply to hair. Wait 5-10 minutes and rinse out.

¹Adapted from: Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville with Peter Korn. (portions reprinted). 

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Ancient Dandruff Treatment that Works Naturally

Ancient Dandruff Treatment that Works

Ancient remedies for dandruff treatment include: Following a healthy diet that includes flax seed oil; daily scalp massage increases blood circulation; weekly oil treatment to scalp, washing off in shower after 10-15 minutes will help avoid excessive drying out of skin; frequent mild shampoos that include any or all of the following Ayurvedic herbs: Shikakai, Amla or Reetha Fruit  (Indian Soap Nut) and/or Multani Clay.

In addition to being a proven ancient dandruff treatment, these ancient herbs have also been used for the following benefits:  

• natural hair conditioning
• promotes hair softening
• repair hair split ends
• prevent hair loss
• eliminate itchy scalp

Ancient Dandruff Treatment Recipe for Scalp

2 tablespoons Fenugreek seeds

Choose one or more of the following:

1 tablespoon pure Amla powder, 1 tablespoon pure Multani Clay

Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight; drain seeds in sieve; crush the seeds into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or grinder. Mix thoroughly with one or more of the powders; apply to scalp. Leave on scalp for about 10-15 minutes. Gently rinse mixture out of hair. Wash hair with Lustrous Henna Shampoo Powder (all-in-one natural shampoo and conditioner) that also contains dandruff-fighting herbs: Shikakai and Reetha Fruit. Style hair.

Why an Ancient Dandruff Treatment Works

Shikakai:  A pod that’s considered a superior cleanser for lustrous long hair and has been reported to promote hair growth; included in natural remedies for itchy scalp prevention and dandruff treatment. Because of these benefits, this pod was named "Shikakai" which translated as, "fruit for hair".

Reetha Fruit: Indian name Reetha fruit is also called Soapnut, as it contains natural soap. Besides excellent cleansing properties and dandruff treatment, it is known to keep hair and skin soft.

Amla: A wonderful cleansing agent for both the skin and hair. It imparts luster to hair and is an effective dandruff treatment; also helps prevent premature graying. Amla stimulates growth of hair on the scalp, and strengthens the hair roots.

Fenugreek Seeds contain essential oil that contains 40 different valuable compounds. People used to soak fenugreek seeds overnight, and in the morning grind them into fine paste and apply them to the scalp for half hour for scalp treatment and removal of dandruff. The hair was then washed with Soapnut solution. The same paste was applied on the face at night before going to bed and then washed with warm water in the morning. This was known to prevent one from getting pimples, dryness and early appearance of wrinkles. It improved complexion and make one look younger.

Multani Clay (also known as Multani Mitti and Fullers Earth): Multani Clay is great for drawing dead cells and excess oils from the skin. It also stimulates circulation to the skin. It absorbs bacteria, toxins and reduces water loss. The skin is then rejuvenated and becomes smooth, soft and supple. 

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Promote Healthy Hair Growth with Scalp Massage

Promote Healthy Hair Growth with Two Essential Routines

To ensure that you promote healthy hair growth, you must eat a well-balanced diet of healthy foods.

Use a daily basic scalp massage along with a weekly deep scalp massage to stimulate the cells and blood flow; also to reduce stress that can lead to hair loss.

Daily Basic Scalp Massage

• Beginning with the top of your forehead, use your fingertips and gently rub your hairline, forming little circles. Continue the circular massage along the sides toward the back of your head.
• Massage in the small circular motion from the back nape of your neck up to the crown of your head, ending in the front -where you started.
• Only 10 minutes twice a day are needed (morning/night) and a daily consistent routine.

Weekly ‘Deep Scalp Massage’ Suggestions

Conditioning Scalp Massage

Beat 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to wet hair. While egg mixture is on your hair, perform the basic circular scalp massage. Leave mixture on for another 10-15 minutes. Rinse hair with lukewarm water, followed by Lustrous Henna Dry Shampoo Powder (made into a paste). Cover hair with plastic cap.  Leave shampoo powder on hair for 5 minutes and rinse out. This will help prevent dandruff and hair loss.

Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water at bedtime. In the morning, grind up the softened seeds into a paste. Apply paste to scalp and hair. Cover with plastic cap for 30 minutes. Rinse out paste. Follow up with Pure Shikakai Powder or Pure Reetha Powder Organic Wash.

Hot Oil Hair and Scalp Massage Therapy

• Prepare the oil: Place 3-4 tablespoons in a microwavable bowl (depending on your hair length). Heat on high for about 15-30 seconds. (Check temperature at 5 second intervals: Be careful not to make it too hot-should still be able to touch it without scalding your fingers).  Oil you use can be almond oil, coconut oil, EEVO (extra-virgin olive oil), genuine Moroccan Argan oil or any other oil known for promoting healthy hair growth. The only exception might be castor oil, which due to its thickness, is best applied to the scalp and hair roots only.
• Before going to bed (or anytime you have an extra 6-8 hours to wear a plastic cap), massage hot oil into your scalp Cover hair with a plastic cap or wrap and hair bonnet/scarf. (Sleep on a towel to protect pillow from possible leaking).
• In the morning, (before bathing) mix a little lemon juice and acv (apple cider vinegar) together and apply it to your scalp, dabbing with a soft cloth. Leave on for about 5 minutes and rinse out.
• Wash hair with Lustrous Henna Dry Shampoo Powder (made into a paste). Cover hair with plastic cap.  Leave shampoo powder on hair for 5 minutes and rinse out. This will also help prevent dandruff and hair loss.

Upside-Down Scalp Massage

Fortunately, you don’t have to massage your scalp -while hanging upside-down! This method is said to promote rapid hair growth (when used weekly) by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. The position is a little awkward, but some individuals have reported good results.

• Prepare your oil as mentioned above in directions for Hot Oil Hair and Scalp Massage Therapy.
• Next, apply the oil to your entire scalp and gently massage as described previously.
• If desired, cover hair with a plastic cap and/or soft microfiber towel to keep oil from dripping.
• Lie down on your back on a bed, sofa, etc. with your head hanging over the edge. (Upside-down).
• Let your head remain that way for at least 4 minutes.
• Then: Slowly move so that you’re in a more comfortable position and your head is now properly supported. Slowly get up from that position, when desired.
• Leave oil on for at least 2 more hours.
• Wash hair with Lustrous Henna Dry Shampoo Powder (made into a paste). Cover hair with plastic cap.  Leave shampoo powder on hair for 5 minutes and rinse out.
• Important note: Don’t attempt this if you have any health issues like low blood pressure, dizziness, or other potential medical problem that hanging your head upside-down would cause.

Be Consistent In Your Hair Care Routine

By sticking to a healthy diet and regularly following the above tips on scalp massage, you should experience wonderful results over the next few weeks. Developing a consistent hair care routine is key!

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Lawsonia Inermis -Henna from Plant to Hair Dye

Basics about the Henna Plant (Lawsonia Inermis)

The henna plant is larger than most of us would probably imagine. It actually grows is size from the height of a tall shrub of 6 ½ feet to a small tree of close to 20 feet high (2-6 m). It has numerous branches with spiny tubes attached to delicate flowers with white or red stamens. It contains capsules of fruit with approximately 30-50 seeds. 

Where is henna grown, you ask? It's native to various regions of Africa, Southern Asia, and Northern Australasia. The highest natural dye content is produced in tropical and tropical arid zones. Like most plants, henna flourishes during rainy season. It also loves the heat. It grows in temperatures of 95˚-115˚F (35˚-45˚C). It’s cultivated various countries in Africa and the Middle East. However, the Pali district in India cultivates and produces the most henna in today’s marketplace.

The history of using henna to dye skin (including body art), hair, fingernails- even leather, silk and wool, goes back to the Bronze Age. There is an Indian court record of its use as a hair dye during the 4th century.¹

Hair Dye from the Henna Plant (Lawsonia Inermis)

Henna or Hina (Lawsonia Inermis) is known by a variety of names: Al-Khanna, Al-henna, Jamaica Mignonette, Mehndi, and Mendee. The lawsone, primarily concentrated in the petioles of the leaves, cause staining or dying. However, they must be crushed in order for the lawsone molecules contained within the leaf, to release (when mixed with a mildly acidic liquid, such as found in lemon juice, strong tea, etc.).  Once released, the lawsone gradually bind to the outer layer of the proteins in the skin or hair, thus staining or dying it.

Thankfully, we don’t have to search for and crush henna ourselves. It is commonly traded as a dried powder from milling and sifting the henna leaf. As a powder, it’s also known as mendhi and is not only used for hair dying but hair conditioning as well.  Traditionally, the henna mix must be soaked for 6 to 12 hours and rest on the hair for 3 to 4 hours or the lawsone in the henna won’t work.

Modern Hair Dye Method from the Henna Plant (Lawsonia Inermis)

Unfortunately, as noted previously, henna hair dye application can be long and tedious. In modern society, many people would rather not use a pure henna hair dye application because they simply don’t have the time. However, a quicker application of henna hair dye is available and very easy to apply. Just mix, apply, and wait about an hour, rinse out and style in record time with great results. Read more about it here.

¹ Sources on file.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Pure Henna is Safe -but Adulterated Henna is Dangerous!

Pure henna powder is NOT black.

Don’t Let Adulterated Henna Confuse You: Pure Henna is Safe

It always saddens me when I read sad experiences of men and women who unknowingly used adulterated henna (black henna) and suffered horribly from the harmful dyes hidden in this dangerous product. They’ve risked permanent damage to their scalp and skin due to allergic contact dermatitis. Sadly, they swear never to touch henna again –mistakenly thinking that they were using pure henna! Take heed from the following reports and unfortunate experiences.

Adulterated Henna (Black Henna) is Dangerous All Over the Globe 

Tanzania

Severe Allergic Dermatitis from PPD in Black Henna

Experts Sound Warning on Adulterated Henna (Black Henna)

Among them: Skin redness, blisters, raised red weeping lesions, loss of pigmentation, increased sensitivity to sunlight and even permanent scarring.

Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) Cosmetics Manager, Ms. Grace Shimwela, said that PPD is not a banned ingredient in cosmetics in the country and can be used as a colouring agent in hair dye, provided that its concentration is not more than 6 per cent. Black henna can be sold as a black ink or as a mix of black colouring and natural henna.

Natural henna is a red-brown colour made from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia plant. When applied to the skin, henna can leave a brown, orange-brown or reddish-brown tint. Natural henna is generally safe to use directly on skin. | …read more.

Great Britain

Wembley Barrister ‘Lucky To Be Alive’ After Suffering Allergic Reaction To Hair Dye

Sadly, the barrister is swearing off all dyes including henna. She states: “I will never ever dye my hair again- even natural dyes like henna can have PPD in them.” She is correct, but clearly unaware that not all henna dye contains para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and other chemicals. Pure henna is safe, as well as the totally natural henna dye, Lustrous Henna. The aforementioned are 100% plant-based, safe and are completely para-phenylenediamine (PPD). | …read more.

Trend for henna tattoos and hair dyes 'are to blame for a rise in allergies and painful eczema'

• Hair dyes and henna can contain chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD)
• Children's skin allergies linked to PPD doubled from 8% to 16% between 1995 and 2004 and 2005 to 2015
• Chemical can trigger allergies that result in contact eczema, an itchy rash 
• Use of PPD in black henna tattoos is banned in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, but is still easy to get in other countries | …read more.

Black Henna Tattoos May Cause Burns

“Dr. Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesman, said: ‘Black henna is well known to cause skin reactions and should be treated with caution, particularly in children.’

The majority of black henna is not based on henna at all, but a substance called para-phenylenediamine which is found in hair dyes. Its use for skin contact products such as temporary tattoos is illegal in the European Union. When used in this way, it can cause blistering, painful skin burns and may even lead to scarring. It can also leave the person with a lifelong sensitivity, which increases the risk of a severe allergic reaction when using hair dye in future.” |…read more.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Severe Allergic Reaction to Children from Adulterated Henna Use

Children’s Severe Allergic Reaction from Adulterated Henna
-a serious concern

The following world reports warn against temporary black henna tattoos and adulterated henna hair dye for children. Children’s severe allergic reaction is well documented and should be given serious attention. However, adults should also heed the warnings about these dangerous products, since many adults have suffered from severe allergic reaction to adulterated henna (black henna).

Great Britain

There's been a sharp rise in children suffering from allergic reactions - so what's to blame?
To everything from coins, to henna, to hair dye

“For one in five of the population, we inhabit a toxic world. These are the people with "skin sensitivity" – who suffer allergic reactions to products ranging from perfume to nickel coins and hair dye. Their number runs into the millions.

But allergies do not stay the same. They shift along with changes in behaviour and patterns of consumption. The craze for coloured hair among children had dermatologists warning last week of a sharp rise in allergies to hair dye among them.

After metals and fragrances, the commonest reaction was to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a constituent of hair dye, which is also a found in high concentrations in black henna tattoos. Even one exposure to PPD can sensitise a child and cause an allergic response on further use of a hair dye containing it. A study presented at the British Association of Dermatologists annual meeting in Manchester found that 16 per cent of children were affected, twice the proportion a decade ago.” | …read more.

Henna Tattoo Warning

“Jo Boutflower, head of business and consumer services at North Yorkshire council, said: ‘We’re urging people to act with extreme caution before having a temporary tattoo or allowing their children to have one. We’d also encourage people to report any allergic reactions to hair dyes or cosmetic products to the manufacturers so they are aware of the scale of any problems.’ ” | …read more.

Bali

Six-year-old Darwin boy facing lifelong battle with allergies after being exposed to toxic chemicals in temporary henna tattoo paint in Bali

“After doing some research Ms. Cooper found that skin ­reactions to black henna were commonplace. ‘I can’t understand how there aren’t warnings put out for travellers heading to countries where it is commonly used on tourists,’ she said. She said it was important people understood the difference between traditional henna and black henna.

Traditional henna is a reddish-brown colouring made from a flowering plant. It has been used since the Bronze Age, ground into a paste, to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. But today black henna is often used in its place. The danger in black henna is due to an ingredient used in it which is essentially hair dye containing p-phenylenediamine (PPD) which often causes dangerous skin reactions and is outlawed in most western countries in products applied directly to the skin.

‘It’s not as simple as going to your GP and getting a cream to fix it,” Ms. Cooper said.

“We have tried every topical cream and nothing has worked. We now have to take Ben to a dermatologist.’ ” | …read more.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.