Best Hibiscus Usage and Advantages

Hibiscus, botanically “Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis” from the Mallow (Malvaceae) family is native to Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean. But hibiscus flowers grow or people cultivate hibiscus worldwide as ornamental flowers. Hibiscus is the national flower of many countries including Haiti, Niue, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Malaysia, Hawaii, etc. The plant has more than 200 species and Thailand and China are the greatest producers of hibiscus. 

Chinese people popularly call hibiscus the “shoe flower” as they are fond of polishing their shoes with them. Chinese women also use flowers to dye their hair and eyebrows. The plant, especially the flowers and leaves has enormous medicinal properties. They are effective for treating various health problems including coughs, headaches, aching limbs, and inflammations.

Hibiscus Usage and Advantages

The entire hibiscus, beginning from its roots to the leaves and hibiscus flower benefits are many including ornamental, commercial as well as medicinal. The plant has been in use to treat various health problems from time immemorial globally. Hibiscus represents femininity and so it is a meaningful gift to women. Besides this, the flower is also a symbol of love, passion, desire, friendship, purity, innocence, spirituality, and well-being. Therefore, hibiscus has a market demand across the world. 

People have been consuming and using the flowers, seeds, stems, and leaves of hibiscus for medicinal purposes traditionally for centuries worldwide. Even today hibiscus-flavoured jellies, sauces, jams, syrups, etc. have a great demand in the contemporary market. Hibiscus herbal tea is popular in most households around the world. Below are some of the traditionally proven and scientifically acknowledged health benefits of hibiscus.

Nutrition

Hibiscus is edible and people consume it for nutrition. The level of nutrition in hibiscus depends upon the different parts of the plant and the recipes. However, as a whole, hibiscus has a high level of iron, phosphorous, calcium, Vitamin C, Niacin, Riboflavin and other nutritious particles. Consuming hibiscus in its natural form provides maximum nutrition instead to recipes. As per a study by USDA, a cup of hibiscus contains:

• 0 sugar,
• 0 Fiber,
• 0 Fat,
• Calory: 28,
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams,
• Protein: 5 grams.

Antioxidants

One of the most commonly known and important health benefits of the hibiscus flower plant is hibiscus tea. This organic tea has 0 calories and is full of antioxidants. The human body has compounds called free radicals that damage the cells. Hibiscus antioxidant molecules prevent the build-up of free radicals and thus prevent skin damage and other diseases. A study on Marfan Syndrome a disease affecting the connective tissues reveals that hibiscus extracts can effectively reduce oxidative stress. 

Blood Pressure Regulation

All physicians recommend hibiscus herbal tea to those who have diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Hibiscus tea is effective in lowering high blood pressure and reducing the risks of heart diseases. Many studies have also established that hibiscus tea can decrease blood fat. Blood fat is a major factor leading to various types of heart disorders. However, if you are under medication for high blood pressure and wish to treat through hibiscus tea you must consult with your physician as the hibiscus ingredients may interact with the drugs.

Weight Loss

One of the trending and most popular, as well as well-established things associated with hibiscus flower benefits, is weight loss. Many research studies have proved that hibiscus tea effectively tackles overweight and obesity. Being overweight and obesity are major global issues closely associated with heart disease and numerous other health problems. Hibiscus extract decreases body weight, reduces body mass index, and minimizes waist-to-hip ratio.

Liver Health

Regular use of hibiscus extract promotes liver health and helps the efficient functioning of the liver. One of the main liver problems is fat accumulation in the liver which can result in liver failure. Treating liver damage with hibiscus extract has been proven successful and it is medically approved.

Cancer Prevention

Hibiscus has high polyphenols which contain anti-cancer properties. Many test-tube studies have proved that hibiscus extract effectively affects cancer cells and prevents the growth of cancer cells. Similarly, hibiscus leaf extracts prevent the spreading of prostate cancer in the body. The extract is equally effective in the prevention and spreading of stomach, skin, and breast cancer.

Treating Bacterial Infections

Some research claim that hibiscus can treat bacterial infection and is as effective as other usual medications. Some of the bacterial infections that are effectively treated by Gurhala which is the hibiscus flower in Hindi are UTI (Urinary Tract Infections), Pneumonia, Bronchitis, diarrhoea, gas, etc.