Other names:
Hibiscus rosa sinensis, rosemallow, Jamaica Sorrel, Red Tea, Roselle, Sudanese Tea, Gumamela, shoe flower or Javakusuma, flor de Jamaica
Hibiscus are large trumpet-shaped tropical flowers that have five or more petals. The color ranges from white to pink, red, orange, purple or yellow. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The species includes perennial herbaceous plants, woody shrubs and small trees that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.
The hibiscus flowers used in herbal teas are from Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called Jamaican Sorrel. The Roselle hibiscus are those used in Sudanese tea, the red tea, or the Jamaica sorrel. The flowers of the hibiscus are mostly used in the preparation of herbal teas and juices.
Medical Properties and Uses:
Heart diseases, High Blood Pressure - Hibiscus has antioxidant properties of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins that can prevent the oxidation of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL). These antioxidants also help control cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease.
Acne & sunburn - Hibiscus help unclog closed pores. Crushed the leaves and flowers of the hibiscus and spread a paste on your face on the acne affected area. Keep it for 15 minutes and wash off with water. Do the same with sunburn.
Eczema/Skin allergies - Hibiscus flower extracts are used in many herbal ointments in the treatment of eczema and allergic problems.
Dandruff & Hair loss - Add coconut oil or sesame oil to a bunch of hibiscus flowers and leaves. Heat it at low fire. Cool. After cooling, strain the oil from the mixture and store in clean containers. Massage this oil on scalp and leave it for an hour. Care should be taken to rinse the oil out with very mild shampoo. Hair loss caused by thyroid problem can also be remedied by drinking hibiscus tea or applying the hibiscus to the scalp.
Promotes Hair Growth and Prevents Premature Hair Greying - same as the procedure above. Hibiscus also stimulates blood circulation and ensures the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles.
Fever and Hot flashes - Hibiscus will help cool the body temperature down.
THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS.