Hibiscus Flower- Shoeblack
The Hibiscus Rosa-Sinesis is a perennial shrub of the Malvaceae family, originally from China, with a great height, reaching up to 5m. Its foliage is vibrant green with broad, oval leaves. The shrub is crowned by beautiful flowers with 5 petals that together form a bell and has large and elegant stamens. Its flowers can be presented as single or double. The most common and natural color is red, but over the years a wide range of colors has been achieved, ranging from scarlet to yellow, white, orange, pink, purple, etc.
It is also known in everyday life as Chinese hibiscus, China rose, Hawaiian hibiscus, rose mallow and shoeblack plant. In movies, series and art in general we have been shown this flower closely linked to the Hawaiian culture. It is the flower that is part of the famous wreath of flowers with which the natives decorate tourists to decorate their parties. It is also the symbol of many flags and countries, among the most prominent is in Malaysia being a national symbol.
Medicinal Uses
- The flowers have been used to treat bronchial catarrh symptoms and combat impotence.
- Two clinical trials have shown that hibiscus can lower blood pressure. The trials have suggested that Hibiscus sabdariffa tea may be as potent as some blood pressure medications.
- The flowers and bark have been used as an emmenagogue. Additionally, heavy menstrual periods could be treated using the flowers and roots.
- The flower buds are applied topically to treat uterine or vaginal discharge.
- A flower bud has been given daily to diabetic patients until the blood glucose levels are normal.
- The leaves are said to have emollient, laxative, and analgesic properties in addition to stimulating placental elimination after birth.
- Fever can be treated with a lotion containing a leaf decoction in some latitudes.
- Asian countries use the white Japanese variety (Hibiscus syriacus Linn) as an antidiarrheal and painkiller.
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is widely grown in India, where it is used for either temporary or long-term birth control.
- According to a survey done in Trinidad and Tobago, this plant is used for a number of generalized female conditions, including dysmenorrhea.
How to prepare hibiscus tea
The hibiscus fruit calyx is used to make hibiscus tea. Calyces can be washed, dried on the air, or ground into a fine powder. Tea can be made by adding crushed calyces to a tea bag and steeping it for a few minutes in boiling water. If necessary, add sugar or lemon juice. The tea can be kept in the refrigerator and is prepared to be served either hot or cold.
NOTE: We highly recommend that before using any herbal medications you should consult your health care provider or medical doctor for professional advice.
Disclaimer: All herbs and spices listed on http://islandherbsandspices.com/ or sold for medical and household use only, again we advice that before using any HERBS for medical purposes, please consult your physician.
