Henna use during pregnancy is an ancient practice and is soothing as well as calming. It is believed to help bring about an easy birth and healthy child.

Henna is the Persian name for a shrub known as Lawsonia inermis. Henna is native to Asia and the Mediterranean coast of Africa and now thrives in warmer climates all over the world. It has small, four-petaled flowers ranging from yellow to pink and its leaves produce a red dye. Twice a year the leaves are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder. This powder is used to dye hair red and for the ancient eastern art of mehndi. Henna contains hennotannic acid, a dye that bonds with the collagen in skin cells and keratin of fingernails and hair, leaving behind a red coloring. Lawsonia Inermis or henna is a small bush that produces a red dye that has been used cosmetically and medicinally for over 9,000 years. Ground henna leaves are mixed with lemon juice, a bit of sugar, and essential oils to form a paste that is used in body decoration. The henna paste is applied to the skin in patterns and leaves a red-brown stain lasting 7-10 days, known as mehndi.

Applying henna to the belly toward the end of a pregnancy in certain cultures is believed to protect or bless the mother and child during the difficulties of labor. It’s believed to guard against the evil eye and protect from evil or malicious spirits that may be near during delivery. Henna designs are viewed as protective. Having henna applied, having someone touch your swollen belly, can be very calming. The henna paste is cooling and can help relieve heat exhaustion and sooth hot skin as well as being a natural sun block. Henna brings something restful and joyous to the strenuous last trimester and helps women embrace the transformation and swollen belly.