Hibiscus is the name given to more than 250 species of herbs, shrubs,
and trees of the mallow or Malvaceae family. The most commonly used
species of hibiscus for medicinal purposes are
Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as the roselle;
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also called China rose and common hibiscus; and
Hibiscus syriacus,
known as the Rose of Sharon. These three shrubs are native to tropical
climates, but are now grown around the world. Hibiscus is renowned for
its beauty as well as its medicinal uses, and gardeners cultivate the
plant for its showy flowers.
General use
Hibiscus is used for a variety of ailments partly because there are
so many species. Roselle lowers fevers and high blood pressure,
increases urination, relieves coughs, and has been found to have
antibacterial properties. All parts of the plant are used, from the
seeds to the roots. Common hibiscus is used mainly for respiratory
problems, but is also widely used for skin disorders or to treat fevers.
Rose of Sharon is used externally as an emollient, but is also taken
internally for gastrointestinal disorders.
Fever
As a natural febrifuge, roselle contains citric acid, which is a natural coolant. In Pakistan and Nepal, it is the flowers that are used as a treatment for
fever . Common hibiscus has been found to be particularly useful for children's fevers.
Respiratory disorders
Common hibiscus is used to treat coughs by placing extracts from the plant in the patient's bath or in
water used for steam inhalations. Hibiscus is often combined with other herbs to make a
cough syrup. Hibiscus is used widely in Cuba, where the tropical climate contributes to respiratory illnesses, and where hibiscus is readily found.
Hypertensive conditions
Roselle and rose of Sharon contain hypotensive compounds that lower
the blood pressure. Roselle's ability to lower blood pressure may be due
to its diuretic and laxative effects. The plant contains ascorbic and
glycolic acids, which increase urination.
Skin conditions
Hibiscus is a natural emollient, used for softening or healing the
skin. The leaves and flowers of the roselle are used all around the
world for their emollient qualities. When the leaves are heated, they
can be placed on cracked feet or on
boils and ulcers
to promote healing. Since the herb is a cooling herb, when applied
externally it cools the surface of the skin by increasing blood flow to
the epidermis and dilating the pores of the skin. A lotion made from a
decoction of hibiscus leaves can be used to soothe
hemorrhoids, sunburn , open sores, and
wounds .
Other conditions
Hibiscus has been credited with a wide range of healing properties. In Colombia, the plant is used to treat
hair loss and scurvy; in Samoa, it is commonly given to women who are suffering from menstrual cramps or who are in
childbirth , as the leaves ease labor pains. In the Cook Islands and the Philippines,
the flowers are used to induce abortions. In a 1962 study, hibiscus was
confirmed to be hypotensive, as well as antispasmodic, anthelminthic,
and antibacterial. In subsequent studies, the plant was found to
effectively work against such diseases as ascariasis and
tuberculosis . Studies in France, Malaysia, and Egypt have found that the plant has anticarcinogenic effects.
Preparations
A decoction of hibuscus can be made by pouring 1 cup of boiling water
over 2 tsp of dried blossoms or 1 tsp of crumbled blossom. Steep for 10
minutes. In addition, many commercial herbal teas contain hibiscus.
Precautions
Since there are over 250 species of hibiscus, it is essential to
identify the species of the herb before taking it. Since some species of
hibiscus are used as abortifacients, the plant should not be used by
women who are pregnant or nursing.
Side effects
Some drinks made from roselle can have alcoholic effects. The plant can also be mildly hallucinogenic.
Interactions
There are no known interactions between hibiscus and standard
pharmaceutical preparations. Because it is a tart plant, however, it may
not mix harmoniously with other tannic herbs. Mint leaves or rose hips
are good to blend with hibiscus.
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