Hibiscus

Scientific name

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Family

Malvaceae

Background

Also called agua de jamaica, jamaican sorrel, roselle, sour tea, red sorrel and zobo tea.

Hibiscus is a bushy annual plant found in central and western africa, asia, west indies and americas. It has flowers that are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals. The flowers vary from white to pink, red, orange, peach, yellow or purple.

Applicable parts used

Flower, calyx or sepal, leaves, stems, and seed

Sentiment

Symbolizes delicate beauty and divination

Effects

Organs & systems affected

Cardiovascular

Endocrine

Immune system

Respiratory

Flower essence

Used to energize the chakras and unblock nerves of the spine

Mechanism of action

Anti-inflammatory, lactating, laxative, wound healing, hypotensive, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihelmintic, abortifacent, aphrodisiac, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient, expectorant, stomachic, and tonic

Nature

Tart and cooling

Plant constituents

Vitamin c, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin e, antioxidants, flavonoids, fatty acids, iron, zinc, and b vitamins.

Traditional uses

Orally, hibiscus has been used for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, anxiety, colds, urinary tract infections (utis), kidney and bladder stones, stomach mucous membrane inflammation, circulatory conditions, and for dissolving phlegm. It is also used to increase the absorption of vitamin b12 from oral supplements

Safety

Precaution & adverse reactions

Generally tolerated well but may cause stomach upset if used in large amounts.

Interactions

Hibiscus may interact with antidiabetics, antihypertensives, chloroquine, and simvastatin

Pregnancy and lactation

In pregnant women, hibiscus may have a menstrual stimulating effect

Dosing

Herbal infusion: 1-3 tsp dry herb in 8 oz of water as tolerated

Condition Specific

• Dyslipidemia: 1 tsp of dry herb hibiscus 2 grams in 8 ounces of boiling water, steep for 20-30 minutes, twice daily for 4 weeks

• Hypertension: hibiscus tea 1-2 grams brewed in 8-10 oz of water, one to three times daily for 2-6 weeks

Our favorite pairings

Rose hips, lemongrass, cinnamon

Disclaimer: the information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded throughout history. With the information provided on this website, we wish to begin the journey to educate the community based on research, african holistic health, and herbal science. This information, in no shape or form, is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or make claims against products or companies. This information provided on this site is to make public information and information acquired from research studies easily available to you. Rooted vigor, llc is giving you the opportunity to draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions from the information provided. The information on this website may or may not have been evaluated by the fda. Seek advice from a medical practitioner as necessary.