Hibiscus

by Kat Matina March 12, 2020

Faced with its extravagant beauty and its medicinal virtues, the quote from Blaise de Montluc: "We know the excellence of the fruit through flowers" takes on its full meaning... Today we are going to meet the hibiscus flower, which in addition to delighting our eyes and our sense of smell, offers us its natural benefits...

Overview of the Hibiscus Flower

Hibiscus is a plant of the malvaceae family with annual or perennial flowers depending on the variety. There are more than 100 species currently known.

Hibiscus is a plant known since ancient times, mainly cultivated in Egypt and Southeast Asia for its ornamental richness.

Hibiscus is actually a shrub that can reach 5 m in height as well as in width. Its leaves are oval, and its flowers are either isolated or grouped in inflorescence. They are composed of 5 large petals, monochrome or two-tone, twisted when they open. Hibiscus flowers from March to October and its fruits are made up of capsules that open when ripe and produce seeds.

Hibiscus is also known as Guinea sorrel, roselle, or karkadé.

Did you know?

The hibiscus flower is the national emblem of South Korea and Malaysia. It is mentioned in the Aegukga, the Korean national anthem. Very dear to the hearts of Koreans, it symbolizes for them perseverance and determination.

Composition and medicinal properties of hibiscus flower

The hibiscus flower is very rich in antioxidant agents. Antioxidants are known for their action of inhibiting cell aging, but also protecting against free radicals that we experience daily through the various pollutants we are confronted with. Antioxidants also have the ability to reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Hibiscus also contains antihypertensive agents, that is, agents that can lower blood pressure. As such, the plant could prove interesting as a natural supplement in cases of slightly elevated blood pressure.

The hibiscus flower has uricosuric properties. In short, the plant contributes to the elimination of uric acid from the kidneys , an elimination process essential for the good health of these organs and for the good health of the body in general.

Uric acid is a waste product produced in urine, and too high or too low a level (hyper or hypo-uricemia) can be a sign of more serious dysfunctions such as kidney stones, diabetes or even kidney failure. Its elimination is therefore essential for health.

Hibiscus is also said to combat metabolic syndrome. It can reduce blood sugar levels (or glycemia), as well as triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in particular, as well as the risk of excess weight.

Thanks to hibiscus, the natural mechanisms of body metabolism could be regulated. Moreover, the presence of amylase in the plant, an enzyme constituting the pancreas and saliva, contributes to better digestion and better assimilation of carbohydrates. This same amylase would reduce the assimilation of carbohydrates and glucose.

But that's not all! The hibiscus flower has emollient properties. This means that it allows tissues that are tense due to inflammation to relax and speeds up the healing process.

Finally, the hibiscus flower is full of vitamin C , famous for its protective action on the immune system but also for its ability to boost energy.

Are the hibiscus flower and its properties confirmed by science?

Several human studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of hibiscus flower on blood pressure. For example, this trial conducted on 65 volunteers with high blood pressure, which can lead to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, or kidney dysfunction.

For 6 weeks, half of the group was given a hibiscus drink 3 times a day, while the other half received a placebo. The results showed that the hibiscus group had a 7.2 point drop in blood pressure, compared to only 1.3 points in those who received the placebo (1). Other studies support the same idea (2), (3).

Tests, unfortunately still too few in number and what is more carried out on animals, seem to confirm the effects of the hibiscus flower on the absorption of carbohydrates and glucose , thus promoting weight loss (4).

This time carried out on patients with type 2 diabetes, a study based on randomized tests composed of a group taking hibiscus infusion and another drinking black tea showed that hibiscus helps to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and effectively participates in regulating the effects of diabetes (5).

Finally, let us cite several studies supporting the richness of antioxidants in hibiscus, and therefore these positive effects on the protection of cells in general (6) (7) (8).

Dosage and method of use of hibiscus flower

Hibiscus flower is mainly available in 2 forms: capsules and dried flowers.

The capsules are generally taken at a daily dose of 250 to 400 mg.

As for dried flowers, they are consumed in the form of a drink, to be taken at a rate of 3 cups per day.

Side effects and contraindications of hibiscus

Excessive use of capsules, powders and tinctures can sometimes lead to stomach pain, constipation, nausea or fatigue.

It is also advisable to ensure moderate consumption of hibiscus in case of hypertension or diabetes, due to possible interactions with medications. Asking your doctor for advice will prevent possible risks.

Finally, the presence of natural phytoestrogens in hibiscus gives it an action similar to human estrogens, an action that can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.

Would you like a cup of tea?

The data collected confirms it: "We know the excellence of the fruit from the flowers." This is indeed the case with hibiscus in any case, which gives us a total green light to treat or support multiple health problems.

So let's finish by toasting our good health with the recipe for karkadé , a drink made from hibiscus flowers that is very popular in Egypt and which will undoubtedly be a pleasant way to take care of yourself!

Karkade recipe

You will need about 4 to 5g of dried hibiscus flowers, water and sugar. Boil the water with the sugar until dissolved, then add the hibiscus flowers and let it infuse until the liquid is lukewarm. Place your karkadé in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. And there you have it!