Al Henna’ is a dye from the plant Lawsoniainemis, also known as the henna tree. It is used in different ways either in cosmetics or therapy. Al Henna is one of the common traditional crafts practiced by Jordanian women. Henna, is a plant that has been and continues to be revered for its various uses in dyeing and beautification. It has always occupied the throne of beauty. It was extensively used by ancient Bedouins. Al Henna is a perennial crop that can stay in the ground for a long time. Its leaves resemble olive leaves in shape but are longer, measuring about 2-3 cm in length and 1-2 cm in width. The color of the leaves is green or brown. These leaves contain high proportion of coloring substances. They are collected, dried, ground, and sold as powder in the familiar form.
Henna is also used in many treatments. When Henna is mixed with vinegar, it is beneficial in relieving headaches. It is useful for treating cracked heels and is also used for sores and wounds. It is also used to paint fingernails as manicures. When Henna is mixed with leaves that exude water, it provides benefits and is useful for open wounds. It is used in dyeing and tanning processes for leather due to its coloring and astringent properties. Additionally, henna is used for coloring hair and is employed in cosmetic procedures for the face and hands.
Method of preparation: The woman brings Al Henna’ powder, puts it in a bowl and starts kneading by mixing it with water, black boiled tea, a small amount of Arab coffee, a tea spoon of yeast, and ground white potassium alum. The woman goes on kneading until getting a soft dough.
Many ingredients can be added to Al Henna’ depending on the purpose of using it. For example, if we want to intensify the red color, we add hibiscus. On the contrary if we want to lighten the red color, chamomile is added. We add olive oil as a color stabilizer to let the Henna stay for a longer time. The peals of pomegranates are added to nurture the hair and to remove dandruff. Sidr leaves can be added to treat dandruff. Cactus can be added to treat burns. Lavender can be added to treat eczema, hand cracks, and psoriasis. The leaves of pine trees can be added to darken hair colors.
Henna can be packed in cones to be used by people who draw on the skin.

Reference:
- https://ich.gov.jo/app2
- Archives of the Heritage Directorate / Ministry of Culture
- Intangible Cultural Heritage in Al-Balqa Governorate - Ministry of Culture 2017
- Intangible Cultural Heritage in Al-karak Governorate - Ministry of Culture 2017
- Intangible Cultural Heritage in Al- Zarqa Governorate - Ministry of Culture 2017
- Intangible Cultural Heritage in madaba Governorate.