Natural Hair Care and Lustrous Henna®
Flowering trees all over the world have been known to possess medicinal powers since ancient times.We have discussed the healthful properties of henna hair dye many times and why is it frequently recommended by dermatologists as an alternative to using chemical hair color dye. Acacia catechu (Katha, Khair) is just one of the natural botanicals that make up some shades of the henna hair dye called, Lustrous Henna®. What can we learn about this age-old flowering tree, henna hair dye and natural hair care?
About Acacia Catechu (Katha, Khair)
Its synonyms are varied: Catechu, Cutch, Katha, Khair and more, depending on the use of different parts of the tree. The tree is found in the forests of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and other Asian countries. According to the World Agro Forestry Centre, “Acacia catechu is a small or medium-sized, thorny tree up to 15 m tall; bark dark grey or greyish-brown, peeling off in long strips, or sometimes in narrow rectangular plates, brown or red inside.”*The flowers are long spikes with color of white to pale yellow, numerous stamens. The fruit is contained within a strap-shaped pod tapering at both ends.
“In India, three varieties, namely: var. catechu, var. catechuoides and var sundra are recognized. The generic name, ‘acacia’, comes from the Greek word ‘akis’, meaning a point or a barb. The species name comes from 'cutch', a tanning extract isolated from its heartwood.”**
Acacia Catechu Growing, Cultivation and Uses
Acacia catechu leaves are shed around February and new leaves appear near the end of April or May. The flowers appear when the new leaves appear and flowering continues until July or August. Pods rapidly develop and are full-size by September or October. They ripen from November to early January.Throughout the country of India, the use of Acacia catechu as a tanning agent goes back centuries. It was called, ‘cacho’ in a European writing in AD 1514 where it was mentioned as being exported from Cambay to Malacca. In the 17th century it was used in Europe and by the early 19th century, France imported it for commercial use.
There are numerous uses for this ancient plant; however, we’ll focus on what’s pertinent to our overall theme: natural hair care and henna hair dye. A substance called cutch is extracted from the bark and is used for extracting color and dyeing textiles as well as coloring hair. Catechu extract is also used to dye textiles such as silk, cotton, canvas, paper and leather to a dark-brownish color.
Quality Ingredients in Lustrous Henna®
Depending on the color shade, the henna hair dye called, Lustrous Henna® contains pure, highly-sifted herbal henna, indigo leaf powder and other herbal extracts and powders. Dark hair colors are achieved naturally, resulting in excellent black hair color, dark brown hair color, brown hair color and many more, along with excellent gray hair coverage for superior natural hair care.Ancient ingredients make it semi-permanent, (fading gradually). It also works as natural hair conditioner and helps with hair growth. The following are the ingredients of Lustrous Henna. The order in which the ingredients are listed on each pack varies from one shade to another: Lawsonia inermis, Indigofera tinctoria, Isatis tintoria, Coffea arabica, Rubia tinctoria, Acacia catechu, Bocopa monniera, Eclipta prostrada,Acacia concinna, Trigonella foenumgraecum.
Receive healthy natural dying power with Lustrous Henna®. It’s completely natural and totally safe to use for all men and women.
*Source: World Agro Forestry Centre.
Sharing a testimonial:
Thank you for this excellent product. I have been using henna for years, as I have a severe allergy to hair dye. I have never had such good coverage and had the color last for so long. Because the texture of the henna is creamier, it is easier to use and less messy. I get complimented on my hair color frequently.
Thanks again,
Debra from Feura Bush, NY
©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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*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.