Welcome to another edition of Materia Medica, where we introduce you some knowledge about a particular herb. This one is focused on that lovely flower, Hibiscus. We usually think of hibiscus in cool, refreshing, summer flavors, but it has multiple uses for the entire year! Do you happen to love hibiscus and have it regularly? Often wonder why you don’t have as bad of cramps come your period? Hibiscus may be the culprit! It has a strong, tart flavor that you either love or can’t stand, but with a little modifying, everyone can enjoy the benefits this lovely flower has to bring, even if it’s just sitting there looking pretty.
Hibiscus
Latin name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Botanical Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Parts used medicinally: Predominantly the calyx, but the leaves, seeds, petals, roots, and flowers are also used.
Herbal Actions: Antiviral, antibiotic, cholesterol lowering, antidiabetic, digestive tonic, anticancer, antioxidant, hypotensive, urinary tract tonic, demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory
Preparations: Tea, extract, capsule
Uses: If we go with the old idea of the Doctrine of Signatures, it’s easy to see that Hibiscus is related to blood and the heart. It turns almost any liquid a bright, deep, red color reminding us of blood! This is due to the high levels of vitamins A and C. It’s a go-to for those who are looking to lower their blood pressure naturally, and can help with reducing LDL cholesterol levels. The antioxidant properties of Hibiscus make it a great addition to general health and wellness, especially for strength training, and those who participate in strenuous activity.
Hibiscus is also great for the digestive system, helping with constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, Hibiscus can aid in bladder issues, specifically UTI’s, infections, and aiding the liver.
Contraindications: Avoid while using medications for high blood pressure. Those with allergies or hypersensitivity to hibiscus should avoid using it. While rare, topically hibiscus may cause skin irritation, do not continue to use it if this occurs.
Hibiscus PMS tea
1 1/2 tsp Hibiscus, dried
1/2 tsp Rose, dried
1/2 tsp Chasteberry
2 cups hot water
Add the dried herbs together and mix. Steep in 2 cups hot water for 10-20 minutes. It has a spicy & tart flavor. Helps to alleviate PMS/Menstrual symptoms. Can drink 3 servings per day as needed.
Chamomile & Hibiscus Tea
4 tsp Chamomile, dried
2 tsp Hibiscus, dried
4 cups hot water
Steep the herbs in the water for 10-15 minutes. Makes 2 servings. Great for cutting the tartness of Hibiscus to get it’s benefits or the healing effects of both herbs for focus and acuity, mental health and relaxation. Great way to take for the blood pressure benefits.
History & Folklore: Hibiscus comes from the Greek ‘hibiskos’ which was first used to reference the Marshmallow plant. In some retellings of the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, Adonis turns into a hibiscus instead of an anemone flower, symbolising hibiscus with love and passion. In ancient Egypt, Hibiscus was considered a powerful aphrodisiac that unmarried women were prohibited from drinking tea made with Hibiscus. In Victorian flower language, the Hibiscus means womanhood and a presentation of hibiscus was an acknowledgment of that nature. The country of Haiti values Hibiscus so highly, it is their country’s national floral emblem.
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