HIBISCUS - Hibiscus sabdariffa, hibiscus
rosa-sinesis, hibiscus mutabilis, hibiscus tiliaceus, hibiscus syriacus,
hibiscus amottianus, hibiscus lobatus, hibiscus hirtus, etc.
Also known as: Roselle, Red sorrel,
Rosemallow, Jamaica sorrel.
Parts used: flower, calyx.
Systems/Organs affected: liver, stomach.
Properties: anti-carcinogenic,
anti-hypertensive, anti-aging, vermifuge, antidepressant, hypolipidemic,
hypoglycemic, digestive, hepato-protective, alterative, astringent,
antibacterial, diuretic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, laxative, appetite
depressant, anti-inflammatory, refrigerant, diaphoretic.
Hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae
(Mallow) family. It is a shrub-like plant native to Africa and SE Asia
but now can be found in most tropical and/or subtropical places in the
world. It even can be grown from inside a kitchen window given the right
conditions. The leaves can be lance shaped to ovate with lobed and/or
toothed margins. The flowers are trumpet shaped, large, and vary in
color. Some species even change color with age. The 'fruit' is a
dry, five-lobed capsule with seeds that splits open when mature. There
are several hundred species of hibiscus across the globe.
Hibiscus is a flower adored by
many. It is the national flower of South Korea, the Solomon Islands,
Malaysia, and Haiti. In India, it is found in depictions of Kali, a Hindu
goddess. The flower is often given as an offering to the goddess and Lord
Ganesha in Hindu culture. The flowers also are worn by Hawaiian and Tahitian
women. If the flower is worn behind the right ear, the woman is single;
behind the left ear, she is married or unavailable. It also is the state
flower of Hawaii. In the Philippine's, it is used to amuse children as
part of bubble making. The leaves and flowers are mashed until the sticky
juices appear. Then hollow papaya stalks are dipped in the juice and used
like straws to blow bubbles. There are even varieties of hibiscus that
are used to make paper.
Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage in
many countries, served hot or cold. Taken on its own it has a taste
similar to cranberry, hence its common nickname of 'sour tea.' In
Cambodia, the petals are steeped in hot water until the colors are leached
out. Lime juice is then added which turns the beverage a bright red color
and honey is added. The final touch is cold water and ice. Sounds
downright delicious to me!
Dried hibiscus is considered a delicacy
in Mexico where it is often eaten. The flower also is often candied and
used as garnish for desserts.
Hibiscus has been used by many cultures
for medicinal purposes, also. Although Ayurvedic medicine has used it for
millenia as a cooling agent (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the variety most often
used), Hibiscus sabdariffa is perhaps the most popular version used medicinally.
Lucky for us, there actually have been a few studies conducted on this plant
proving its benefits. In 2015, the American Heart Association published a
study stating that hibiscus tea could lower blood pressure. (Journal of
Hypertension, 2015 Jun; 33(6): 1119-27.) A study conducted by Tufts
University confirmed this and said that consuming hibiscus tea daily could
lower blood pressure by as much as ten (10) points. The study mentioned
that to achieve this one must drink three (3) cups daily for a few weeks.
In 2013, the University of Arizona found that hibiscus tea is used in over ten
countries as a normal treatment of hypertension. A study done in Nigeria
(Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 2015, 18(6); 762-770) found it to be
more effective in lowering blood pressure than hydrochlorothiazide (a
medication commonly used for this purpose).
Hibiscus is high in antioxidants which
makes it beneficial for a host of things. Studies conducted on both
animals and humans found that it increases metabolism. Hibiscus extract
has been found to lower one's absorption of glucose and starch and inhibit
amylase production which helps with weight loss. (Incidentally, that is
why you find it in a number of weight loss products.); this also may prove beneficial
for diabetics and those who are insulin resistant as it can help maintain
proper blood sugar levels.
It also appears that hibiscus is good for
triglycerides and cholesterol. A study published in Phyto Medicine in
2010 found that hibiscus naturally lowered cholesterol and triglycerides in
those with metabolic syndrome (elevates risk of diabetes and stroke) and
diabetes. (Phyto Medicine, 2010 Jun; 17(7): 500-505.) A 2009
study published in the Journal of Alternative Complimentary Medicine observed that
diabetics that ingested two (2) cups of hibiscus tea daily for a month found a
significant drop in their bad cholesterol and triglycerides and an increase in
good cholesterol.
There even is evidence that hibiscus may
be useful for cancer. Hibiscus extract was found to cause cell death in
carcinogenic gastric cells and leukemia cells. (Toxicology & Applied
Pharmacology, 2005 Jun 15; 205(3):201-12.
Hibiscus tea also has been found to
increase the amount of antioxidants in the blood stream and reduce oxidative
stress. As it is high in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, it helps fight the
symptoms of depression such as loss of hope, fatigue, no interest in hobbies or
things that make one happy. (BMC Complimentary Alternative Medicine,
2012; 12(41) doi:10.1188/1472-6882-12-41.)
Animal studies have shown that hibiscus
may be beneficial as a preventative for kidney stones and/or urinary tract
infections. (Urol Res, 2012 Jun; 40(3) 211-8.)
One lab found hibiscus rosa-sinesis
effective for MRSA. MRSA is responsible for over 90,000 staph infections
every year. (Tropical Life Sciences Research 2009 Dec; 20(2): 109-118.)
Hibiscus is often used to satiate thirst
in place of sports drinks (it is generally consumed as an iced beverage for
this). There is something to this as in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine it
is commonly used to cool down the body - especially in emergency situations.
It has been found to be
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and a hepato-protectant (except in extremely
high amounts).
Despite its amazing benefits, it can have
some drawbacks. It shouldn't be used by pregnant women as it stimulates
menstruation and it can lower one's estrogen levels; so if you are on HRT you
may want to avoid hibiscus as a regular
beverage. However, for those who are estrogen dominant and have problems
with menstrual cycle regularity - this might give you encouragement.
Hibiscus should not be taken by those on
blood pressure medications, diabetic medication, or those taking anti-malarials
or cancer drugs. It has been found to impact the way acetaminophen
(Tylenol) is used by the body, it may cause allergies in some people, and some
have experienced hallucinations.
AS ALWAYS, CONSULT A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN
BEFORE STARTING ANY HERBAL PRODUCT AND/OR REGIMEN.
As is customary with my posts I am including some links below for your benefit. Enjoy and stay strong and healthy!
https://www.amazon.com/Hibiscus-CERTIFIED-Resealable-U-S-Wellness/dp/B01KKJIKJ8/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1533669724&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=hibiscus&psc=1
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