Hibiscus Flower: Properties, Benefits and Uses

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Greetings and welcome back. On this occasion, I would like to share with you information about the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower, also known as Flor de Jamaica. Hibiscus belongs to the family of Malvaceae. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a popular beverage in many parts of the world. In this post, I will talk a little bit about the properties, benefits, and uses of this beautiful plant.

Properties

Main constituents

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): Hibiscus Sabdariffa is a rich source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage.

Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins are plant pigments that give Hibiscus Sabdariffa its dark red color. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been associated with cardiovascular health benefits.

Malic acid: Malic acid is an organic acid found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. In Hibiscus Sabdariffa, malic acid gives it its characteristic sour taste.

Flavonoids: Hibiscus Sabdariffa contains a variety of flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates found in plants and have prebiotic properties that promote digestive system health.

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Antioxidant: Hibiscus Sabdariffa contains antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids and anthocyanins present in Hibiscus Sabdariffa may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body.

Hypotensive: Several studies have found that consuming Hibiscus Sabdariffa can have a hypotensive effect, which means it may help reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Hypolipidemic: Consuming Hibiscus Sabdariffa may help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, possibly due to its content of polysaccharides and flavonoids.

Diuretic: Hibiscus Sabdariffa may have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate excess fluids and salts from the body.

Antibacterial and antiviral: Some studies have found that extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa may have antibacterial and antiviral properties, meaning they may help fight infections.

It is important to note that research on the actions of Hibiscus Sabdariffa is still in its early stages and more studies are needed to confirm these possible effects and determine optimal dosage and consumption form. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any natural remedy to treat a condition.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Flower

Lowers blood pressure

Scientific studies demonstrate that Hibiscus flower has a significant impact on reducing blood pressure. Drinking hibiscus tea daily can reduce systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension (Jalalyazdi et al., 2019).

Rich in antioxidants

Hibiscus flower is rich in antioxidants including flavonoids (Nkumah, 2015) which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. This can help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Reduces inflammation

Hibiscus flower has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it useful for treating a range of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis (Fahmi, 2015) and asthma.

Boosts immunity

Hibiscus flower contains vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function (Umeoguaju, 2021). As a result, it can help protect the body against infections and diseases.

Uses of Hibiscus Flower

Culinary Uses

Hibiscus flower has a slightly sour taste and a dark red color, making it ideal for adding flavor and color to dishes and drinks. Some of its culinary uses include:

Beverages: Hibiscus flowers are used to make a variety of refreshing drinks, including hibiscus tea.

Seasoning: Hibiscus flowers can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, including rice, soups, stews, and salads.

Desserts: Hibiscus flowers are used in the preparation of jellies, jams, and cakes.

Preserves: Hibiscus flowers can be used to make preserves and pickles.

Medicinal Uses

Hibiscus flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is commonly used to treat hypertension, high cholesterol, and inflammation. It is also used to treat digestive problems such as constipation and stomach ulcers.

Skincare Uses

Hibiscus flowers have astringent properties that can help tighten and firm the skin. It is often used in skin care products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also be used to soothe skin irritations and inflammations.

Conclusion

In summary, Hibiscus Sabdariffa is a plant used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a popular drink in many parts of the world. It contains vitamin C, anthocyanins, malic acid, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic, diuretic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Research on the actions of Hibiscus Sabdariffa is still in its early stages and more studies are needed to confirm its potential effects and determine optimal dosage and form of consumption. Hibiscus flowers may lower blood pressure, are rich in antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. It is also used in cooking for its flavor and color. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using any natural remedy to treat a condition.

You can find Hibiscus flower tea at the Lam Apothecary store. Stay tuned for recipes. Follow us on social media.

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References

Fahmi, Z. M. (2015). POTENTIAL HEALING EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. FLOWERS ON ARTHRITIS. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7(1), 300–303. Retrieved from https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ijpps/article/view/3195

Jalalyazdi M, Ramezani J, Izadi-Moud A, Madani-Sani F, Shahlaei S, Ghiasi SS. Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019 Jul-Sep;10(3):107-111. doi: 10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18. PMID: 31334091; PMCID: PMC6621350.

Nkumah, Okereke. (2015). Phytochemical analysis and medicinal uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa. international journal of herbal medicine. 2. 16-19.

Umeoguaju FU, Ephraim-Emmanuel BC, Uba JO, Bekibele GE, Chigozie N, Orisakwe OE. Immunomodulatory and Mechanistic Considerations of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) in Dysfunctional Immune Responses: A Systematic Review. Front Immunol. 2021 May 10;12:550670. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.550670. PMID: 34040600; PMCID: PMC8141557.