The leaves of the henna plant are used to make a reddish-brown dye, known as henna, which is commonly used for temporary body art and to dye fabrics. To make henna paste, the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant are crushed into a fine powder and mixed with water. The plant contains a copper-colored dye molecule called lawsone, which is found in high concentration in the leaves and stems. Lawsone is released slowly when the leaves and stems are crushed, and bind to protein, creating a stain on the skin, hair, and nails.