Hibiscus: health properties

Varieties of hibiscus and what it is used for

the hibiscus It is a plant up to a meter and a half tall, with the alternate leavesoval-lanceolate in shape, and beautiful flowers solitary (although there are varieties of double hibiscus)red or yellowish green, which are edible.

It requires few introductions for lovers of flowers and gardening. What many people may not know is that it is also a powerful medicinal resourcefor which the flowers are collected shortly after flowering.

exist more than 150 types of hibiscusthat grow naturally in tropical regions and subtropical areas of the planet, but also very showy varieties have been obtained for use in gardeningwith a wide range of colors from yellow to violet.

Between the various species of hibiscus used in gardeninghighlights the beautiful china rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), of enormous red flowers, the lesser hibiscus (Hibiscus trionum)with yellowish petals, and also the hibiscus or karkadé (Hibiscus sabdariffa)which combines its beauty with its culinary and therapeutic possibilities, which are many.

The most used hibiscus species with therapeutic purposes is the Central American hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L..)which is found from southern Mexico to Panama, but is cultivated in other tropical regions, such as Thailand or Senegal.

Hibiscus medicinal properties

Hibiscus contains abundant organic acids, such as hibisic, malic and tartaric acids, as well as mucilages, phytosterols and pectin, and is considered a privileged source of vitamin C. It stands out for its vitamin virtues, aperitifs, digestives and laxatives.

it is a remedy ideal to whet the appetite, combat the heartburnthe gastrointestinal upset with spasmsand the stomach flu. It turns out a rather mild laxativewhich stimulates the peristaltic movement of the intestines and favors evacuation, which is why it is recommended in periods of punctual constipationIn combination with other related plants such as dandelion, boldo or barberry, hibiscus has been indicated as support for the treatment of biliary dyskinesias –such as hypotonic dyskinesia of the gallbladder– and as natural restorer of liver functions after poisoning food, allergies or liver inflammation. Hibiscus also acts as a effective diuretic and antisepticvalid to treat the urinary tract infections and to favor the inhibition of pathogenic agents. But, in addition, flowers they are demulcent, protect the mucosa of the respiratory passages and relieve throat irritation. Well combined, it is useful in case of respiratory conditions with congestion, such as colds, flu states and bronchitis.Hibiscus is also a circulatory tonicwhose capacity has been proven to dilate the arteries and promote blood circulation. It is indicated in cases of arterial hypertensionand for the treatment of varicose veins, phlebitis, hemorrhoids and chilblains.He is credited with the power to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood, although on this point there seems to be no scientific evidence. Finally, it has been used as soothing to temper anxiety attacks and mitigate the insomnia. In times of stress and
nervousness, can help you relax and distance yourself from problems and worries.

How to take the hibiscus infusion

In Asia Minor and East Africa the flowers of the hibiscus are taken in a tasty and refreshing infusion. which receives the name of cardade tea, red tea (because of the color it takes), romaza tea or also Chinese tea. It is usually tasted in social or family gatherings.

In Mexico and the Caribbean, they call this infusion “Jamaican water”, because hibiscus is called “Jamaican flower”; sometimes alcohol is added to the mixture.

the hibiscus It is also often used to improve the taste of very bitter or bland infusions.

How to prepare karkadé?

The infusion of karkadé It is a traditional drink highly appreciated in North Africa, from Egypt to the Sahel, made with hibiscus flowers. When the heat presses it is usual that people gather to savor this very cold tea.

Is taken very sugary, both hot and coldand surprisingly helps to combat thirst and the feeling of suffocation that can cause the burning temperatures of these countries.

Many tourists visiting Luxor or Aswan, in Egypt, will remember having been treated to this striking infusion, in welcome sign.

For five people, they fill up three tablespoons of hibiscus flowers per liter of water.Bring the water to a boil, remove from the heat and add the flowers and five teaspoons of sugar.It rests, covered, ten minutes and is taken hot or cold; in this case there are those who add lime juice and ice.

In Chad, a spicier karkadé is prepared, known as karkanji. For many, this is the original infusion: it is made with hibiscus flowers, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

Digestive infusion with hibiscus

As a remedy to relieve gastrointestinal spasms, specialists recommend a pleasant-tasting infusion that combines equal parts hibiscus flowers and two more digestives, lemon verbena and green anise.

​How to prepare it: Boil a tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water, for 1 minute. Strain and can be taken as preventive after a copious or strong meal, or when the indisposition has already occurred.

Iced hibiscus tea: refreshing oriental infusion for the summer

In countries like Türkiye or Iran it is customary to take the cold infusion of hibiscus flowers.

How to prepare it: Water is boiled and a teaspoon of hibiscus flowers is poured into it. Cover so that the aroma is not lost and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

It can be drunk at room temperature or with a few ice cubes. Some people mix the infusion with rose berries and lemon balm leaves, and add a few drops of lemon.

Hibiscus in the kitchen: a gastronomic delicacy

Both the creative cuisine as traditional have known how to take advantage of the delicious Hibiscus leaves and flowers.

in the creative kitchen The hibiscus calyxes are used in sauces and vinaigrettes, or as a garnish for salads and stews. They are part of the ingredients of some cakes and with the infusion have been drawn up jams and jellies.

In some places of Africa, the leaves are eaten fresh and green as a vegetable. In Senegal, for example, they are eaten like spinach, or they are incorporated into the country’s typical dish, tieboudiennea stew of rice and fish.

In Mexico, tortillas are prepared with the flowers. –which are known there as Jamaican flowers–plus onion and chilli.

On some Caribbean islandssuch as Trinidad and Tobago, hibiscus infusion is combined with beer in a very popular drink known as Shandy Sorrel or Sorrel Tea. are also prepared flower cocktails with cava or champagne.

Hibiscus Precautions and Contraindications

Hibiscus should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation.

Advisor: JMª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”