Hibiscus ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ) is native to West Africa and is grown to get tops and calyx for sour vegetables and medicine. The plant blooms from September to October. Succulent sepals, dark red, pointed blades gradually rising from the bottom, the lower half purple, very sour (like vinegar), used as a spice or concoction of water-thirsty. The red hibiscus flower is the flower of the Hindu Goddess, Kali, and appears often in depictions of her in the art of Bengal, often with goddesses and flowers united in form. With many health benefits and spirituality, the Hibiscus flower is used as a gift to the goddesses Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu beliefs. The use of hibiscus in medicine can be traced back to ancient Egypt when it was thought to reduce fever and treat heart and nerve disorders.
1. The active ingredient in Hibiscus
✅ Hibiscus is a flower-rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants like vitamin C. Hibiscus also contains cyanidin, a natural antioxidant pigment also found in berries like cranberries, hawthorn, grapes, raspberries, acai, as well as red onions. Therefore this herb can help prevent damage due to the accumulation of free radicals in cells.
2. Top 5 hibiscus flower benefits
2.1 Hibiscus flower benefits: Lowering blood pressure
✅ High blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease, making it weaker. Several studies have found that hibiscus tea can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Mechanism of lowering blood pressure of flower Hibiscus extract is thought to be through angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and acetylcholine and histamine-like effects causing vasodilatory vasodilator effect, and this extract also has a Diuretic effect. In addition, Hibiscus extract is effective against platelet aggregation – the cause of hypertension and cardiovascular complications such as stroke, heart attack.
✅ In addition to lowering blood pressure, several studies have found that hibiscus tea can help lower blood fat levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease. In one study, 60 people with diabetes were given Hibiscus or black tea. After a month, people who drank Hibiscus had increased good cholesterol and reduced total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides.
✅ According to a 2015 study on studies published in the Journal of Hypertension, drinking hibiscus tea may be beneficial for people with hypertension (high blood pressure). Researchers from Australia, Iran, and Romania assessed five previously published trials involving 390 people, 225 people were given H. sabdariffa and 165 people were given the placebo. When examining the results, investigators concluded that the daily use of hibiscus reduced average systolic blood pressure by 7.5 mmHg and mean diastolic blood pressure by 3.53 mmHg.
2.2 Hibiscus flower benefits: Control diabetes
✅ Hibiscus tea can help people with type 2 diabetes better control blood sugar. Much of the current evidence is based on animal studies, including a 2013 study published in Pharmacological Studies in which an extract of H. sabdariffa reduced blood glucose in mice by 12%. The reason is that Hibiscus has the ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, two enzymes closely related to carbohydrate metabolism of the body.
✅ Another problem faced by people with diabetes is the effect of the disease on blood lipid (fat) levels. Diabetics tend to have less “good” and “bad” cholesterol in the blood, both of which increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, Hibiscus is effective at lowering cholesterol. Of the 53 people who completed the study, people who used Hibiscus had a significant increase in “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reduced low-density “bad” (LDL) cholesterol compared to black tea. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also constantly falling.
2.3 Hibiscus flower benefits: Lower liver enzymes
✅ Studies have shown that hibiscus can promote liver health. If you drink tea or soaked water from pickled flowers every day, it will help overcome metabolic disorders and other liver diseases. In addition, if you do not have liver disease, vinegar can help you protect your liver. One human study found that taking Hibiscus extract for 12 weeks improved fatty liver status. This condition is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to liver failure. Also according to another study published in 2003, aqueous extract, and anthocyanin (200mg / kg) of Hibiscus reduced liver enzymes ALS, AST in patients with metabolic disorders.
2.4 Hibiscus flower benefits: Improve immune system
✅ Thanks to the high content of vitamin C and the synergies of organic acids, Hibiscus has an antibacterial effect and helps the body to increase resistance as well as increase immune system activity. Several test-tube studies have found that hibiscus can fight bacterial infections. In fact, a test-tube study found that the extract of this plant inhibited the activity of E. coli – a strain of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. And it is just as effective as some medications used to treat infections.
2.5 Hibiscus flower benefits: Weight loss
✅ Hibiscus inhibits amylase, so drinking a cup of tea after meals reduce the absorption of sugars and starches thus contributing to weight loss and the fight against dangerous obesity. At the same time, the hibiscus also contains high fiber content, which is very helpful in treating constipation, helping the body to eliminate toxins in the body through the digestive system easily. This is also helpful in your weight loss. One study carried out on 36 overweight people, who used hibiscus extract or placebo. After 12 weeks, Hibiscus extract reduces body weight and fat.
3. Notes when using Hibiscus
When using Hibiscus in the form of herbal teas, extracts or supplements, you should keep the following in mind:
- Hibiscus tea is generally considered safe with few side effects. Problems, if any, often occur when using excessive amounts of hibiscus supplements. If used in excess, hibiscus capsules can cause stomach pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, headache, and tinnitus.
- Pregnant and lactating women should consult a physician before use.
- It is best to stop using this herb 2 weeks before surgery.
- Vinegar can lower blood sugar and lower blood pressure. Therefore, caution should be exercised when used with these medications.
Recommended for you
🎁 Traditional Medicinals Organic Hibiscus Herbal Tea
✅ From field to cup, Traditional Medicinals make sure their teas deliver the benefits of these amazing plants. To deliver consistently high-quality teas, they source organically farmed or organically wild-collected herbs from ethical trading partnerships, seeking out medicinal-grade plants. Only a small fraction of the world’s herb supply meets its high-quality standards.
✅ Herbal Power: Supports the cardiovascular system. Taste: Tart, tangy, and fruity. Plant Story: We source some of our favorite hibiscus flowers from organic farms in Egypt, where the heat-loving plant flourishes. Our farmers harvest the flowers’ red centers—called calyces—for us, and then we blend them with blackberry leaf and lemongrass to create a delightful tea, to enjoy iced or hot. Directions: Pour 8 oz freshly boiled water over 1 tea bag.Cover cup & steep for 5-10 minutes.Squeeze the tea bag to ensure maximum goodness in your cup. Enjoy 3 to 4 cups per day. Great with some added sweetener. Safety Information: Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Leave a Reply