Henna (Lawsonia inermis): A neglected plant in Ghana

Abstract

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a neglected plant that has many medicinal and cosmetic uses which features prominently in religious and cultural life of the people of northern Ghana. This research was carried out to investigate the cultivation, processing and utilization of henna in the Savelugu Nantong District of Northern Ghana. The study area covered Leman-fong, Kua-fong and Zuapali all suburbs of Savelugu. Informal interviews and secondly data was used to collect data from henna farmers. Forty (40) henna farmers were randomly sampled and interviewed from the study area twenty four (24) from Leman-fong, nine (9) from kua-fong and seven (7) from Zuapali. Results indicated that henna was cultivated mainly for its leaves, which is processed into henna powder locally called Zablla or Lelle in the study area. Henna farming was mainly done on small scale and grown mainly in back yard gardens. Henna farmers mainly the rural women were also involved in the processing of henna powder. Henna powder was mainly used as cosmetics for decorating brides during weddings, religious and traditional festivities. The henna plant was used for various medicinal purposes with the stem and branches as fuel wood and fencing materials for gardens. However the prospects and utilization of henna has not been given much attention and there is the need for awareness creation and research into various products of the henna plant.