Gather fresh henna leaves
Wash the leaves thoroughly
Dry the leaves completely in shade
Remove stems and debris
Grind the dried leaves into a fine powder
Sift the powder to remove coarse particles
Store the henna powder in an airtight container
Mix henna powder with lemon juice, water, or tea
Add a little sugar if desired
Add a few drops of essential oil if desired
Stir until a smooth paste forms
Cover the paste and let it rest for several hours
Use the paste for application after it releases dye