Aside from being an eternal topical balm for various conditions ranging from fingernail fungus to discomfort in diabetic feet, to UV-damaged hair and lice, henna and its benefits transcend practical function. In one particular example, henna application now exists as a meaningful Indian tradition to celebrate marriage and beautify women.  Courtesy of quzi ikram haq  Across several cultures in South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, henna, or mehndi in Hindi, has been applied to the body for over 5,000 years, according to St. Thomas University (STU). For their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, henna leaves have since been “used for medicinal purposes and applied to the skin to treat…