Henna is a middle sized shrub with many branches. It has small white or pinkies fragrant flowers in large terminal bunches, and small round fruits. The name Henna is based on the word Hina which is the Arabic name of the drug. The plant occurs in several parts of India, chiefly in the drier parts of the peninsula, and is usually cultivated in hedges. It is also cultivated for commercial purposes in Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Seeds yield an oil, flowers yield a fragrant otto or oil.
There is also a glucocide in the plant. This plant is held in particularly high esteem by Muslims. Arabian and Persian writers recommend a paste of the leaves with oil and resin a valuable application to the head, to cure headaches. Leaves or the herb ground into soft paste with water are also similarly applied with benefit in case of rheumatism. Dye yielded by leaves or leaf paste, is extensively used for staining hands and finger nails to protect them from decay and diseases.