Safe Mehndi

Mehndi has become a passionate activity across the globe. It swarms through every major occasion, and festival, as a majestic habit. Whether its festivals, like that of Eid or Diwali, wedding, engagements or just family get-togethers or festivals it is an important tradition and culture - especially in the many Middle Eastern countries.

No manner the occasion, it is still necessary to ensure the type of Mehndi that is being consumed. Over the last few decades there has been a lot of experimenting with Mehndi to produce darker colors.

These experiments have used various chemical substances added as preservatives - or simply as additional additives. The chemicals have enhanced the color of Mehndi but have produced many deadly side effects.

In the 1990s, Henna artists in the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, India and the West started experimenting with PPD (para-phenylenediamine) to produce “Black Henna”. It was produced from an Indigo mixture, but due to its impression on the hands and feet it became commonly recognized by this specific name.

It was later identified to be the cause of many allergic reactions. These reactions caused blistering, an excruciating "itching" and even permanent scarring. It was further found to produce chemical sensitivities with many people. It can cause life long damage including immediate death with the application of this chemical.

Not all the varieties available are infiltrated with PPD or additives that could possibly cause side-effects. It would be lot easier if you would test the Mehndi you are utilising by using some of the following helpful steps.

Originally these were contradicted observations as the results of using Henna, or Mehndi. However, on further examinations it was revealed that Henna, alone, is not at all lethal for the human body.

PPD produces life-long, life threatening damage tot he body. Therefore, in order to determine its presence, in any Mehndi product, various tests were designed. If the Mehndi paste stains the skin black in less than a ½ hour, it contains PPD. The same is true if it is mixed with peroxide or if peroxide is wiped over the design to bring out the color. If either is true then it has PPD in it with little or no actual henna.

Therefore it is of extreme importance to only buy your Mehndi products from top reliable sources. Sources that are recognized for selling only pure Mehndi with no other chemicals added.

On the other hand, the safest approach is to buy the Henna powder and prepare your own Mehndi paste! This way you are assured that there is NO added dangerous chemicals that can cause health problems later.

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