Traditional Uses and Benefits of the Hibiscus Flower

From helping to ease high blood pressure, reducing fever or ridding your hair of lice; there is so much more to the hibiscus flower than just a pretty bloom. In this article, we uncover some of the impressive benefits linked to the hibiscus.

Hibiscus flowers are renowned for their burst of colour and easy-on-the-eye appearance. However, what many people don’t know are the potential health and beauty benefits of the hibiscus flower. These blossoms, which are found in many parts of the globe and enjoy a famous link to Hawaii, are used by many cultures for their medicinal properties as well as their health and beauty benefits.

The flowers come in various colours including yellow, red, white and a light orange/peach shade. Moreover, the most common variety of the hibiscus plant is the Hibiscus sabdariffa,which throws a red bloom. It is the flowers of this plant which are typically cultivated for their medicinal values.

Hibiscus tea, specifically, is famed for helping to treat ailments. Below, we delve a little further into hibiscus tea and its many beneficial properties.

Hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is derived from a mixture of dried hibiscus flowers, the calyces (which is the dark red, cup-shaped centre of the flower) and the hibiscus leaves. Once the flower has finished its bloom, the petals fall off and the calyces transform into pods which house the plant’s seeds. Many herbal teas and other herbal beverages contain these seeds.

Initially hailed from Angola, the Hibiscus sabdariffa are now cultivated throughout many tropical regions, in particular in Sudan, Egypt, Mexico, Thailand and China.

Due to its tartness, the flavour of hibiscus tea can often be too much to bear for some people, particularly those with sensitivities. It is also recommended to seek medical advice prior to consuming hibiscus if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any prior concerns with liver or kidney disease.

* Tip: looking for a herbal tea that packs a real punch for your health? Check out thefull range of herbal teas and artisan handmade teas available at Bondi Beach Tea Co. Ourreviews and testimonials speak for themselves.

So, what are some medicinal uses of hibiscus?

Hibiscus has been traditionally famed as an aid for many ailments. According to The Natural Medicine Journal;

“Historically, folk medicine has employed H. sabdariffa for the treatment of high blood pressure, liver diseases and fever”. ^[1]

In our curiosity, the team atBondi Beach Tea Co, have uncovered some further worldwide uses of hibiscus in the form of herbal tea.

Hibiscus tea uses in Egypt

It is said that the Egyptians used hibiscus tea as an aid to help lower body temperature. They also used the plant to help to treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a diuretic to increase the production of urine.^[2]

Hibiscus tea uses in Africa

In African folk medicine, the Africans used hibiscus tea for its spasmolytic, antibacterial, cholagogic (to promote the flow of bile), diuretic and anthelmintic (to kill parasites) properties. ^[1]

Hibiscus tea uses in Iran

Hibiscus tea in Iran is still used as a modern-day treatment for high blood pressure. ^[2]

Recent animal and human studies have also demonstrated that extracts and infusions of the hibiscus flower affect atherosclerosis mechanisms, blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure. ^[1]

However, aside from its medicinal uses, hibiscus may be a very good addition to your health and beauty regime too. Thanks to the team atInstitute of Natural and Modern Cosmetech, we have pulled together the below uses of hibiscus for your hair and skin.

Quick benefits of hibiscus for your hair and skin

In a powdered form particularly, hibiscus is considered as a natural alternative to treating head lice. Hibiscus is also said to provide relief from dry scalp or dandruff.

Sufferers of acne, blemished or aging skin may also benefit from the use of hibiscus, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

* Tip: for more natural skin and beauty tips, check out our Bondi Beach Tea Co. blog pagehere. Articles of particular interest include:

• Skin Cleaning Foods, the Simple Solution to Better Skin Health
• Why You Should Use a Body Scrub
• Why We Love Peppermint Oil for Skin
• The Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Your Skin

Whether drinking it as a refreshing herbal tea or slathering it on in its powdered state, there is so much more to a hibiscus than meets the eye. However, like many of its herbal tea and natural ingredient allies, you won’t ever find out unless you try it for yourself.

From getting rid of bloating to providing more energy, offering aid for sleep, or increasing milk supply for breastfeeding mothers, herbal teas have so many traditional benefits to offer. Find out more at Bondi Beach Tea Co, and discover your own herbal tea best friend.

Click here to get started.

Sources:

1. Natural Medicine Journal:Hibiscus, Hawthorn and the Heart
2. Healthline:All You Need to Know About Hibiscus