Recent Comments:
Henna ingredients may cause cancer
The Cancer Blog
Apr 4th 2006 2:10AM I most certainly agree that henna is safe if people can be aware to stay away from 'black henna'. It is too bad that the article wasn't titled something like 'black henna might cause cancer' but then again maybe those suburban housewives, that are apparently the target audience for this article as L. proposes, simply woudnlt understand the difference. (but let me say a lot more people than suburban housewives care about cancer and what causes it).
I don't think that an article's purpose in helping people become aware of possible health risks can ever be bad. However, I am always dissapointed at how easliy things are made to seem so much worse and scary than the really are just so it can get media attention and draw in readers. More likely than not, instead of helping people avoid the 'wrong henna' people may deter from using it all.
Lastly, I certainly think there is importance in mentioning its cultural Indian heritage. If people are aware than henna has been used for, well ages, in India, and is an ancient tradition, people may understand that it can be used safely and has been for a long time. I for one am Indian and have never had a rash, or known anyone who has had skin problems using henna.
