Hibiscus as Medicinal Flower

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Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. They are native to warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow. Other names include hardy hibiscus, rose of sharon, and tropical hibiscus.


One of the prettiest of flowers in the world is the hibiscus, and there are over 200 varieties of these beautiful flowers which come in many colors and shapes. The large flowers are a cynosure of all eyes; they can easily be crossbred to create new colors and shapes. The colors range from red, yellow, maroon, white to pink, and mauve. The traditional red-colored flowers are a favorite for use in worship. It is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and many Durga and Kali temples always have hibiscus flowers growing in profusion.

The flower blooms in the morning and dies in the evening.

The red hibiscus is the flower of the Hindu goddess Kali, and appears frequently in depictions of her in the art of Bengal, India, often with the goddess and the flower merging in form. The hibiscus is used as an offering to goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship.

In India alone, there are over 70-odd varieties and several of them are edible. The most popular of the varieties is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It is also known as chemparuthi in Tamil, gudhal in Hindi.

The hibiscus is a national symbol of Haiti, and the national flower of nations including the Solomon Islands and Niue. Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. Hibiscus Brackenridge is the state flower of Hawaii.

Uses:

  • Hibiscus tea has been found to reduce blood glucose levels
  • Is used to treat peptic ulcers
  • The flower is used in Hair oil to remove gray hair, leaves are used in shampoo*
  • Ayurveda recognizes the hibiscus flower as an important source for hair growth. The leaves, roots, and flowers have various medicinal properties.
  • The extract of the petals in water can help treat skin cancer (many research mention this).

Hair Oil with Hibiscus

Ingredients

              Coconut oil or any hair oil

                Petals of the flower (fresh or dried) 

Preparation Method:

In south India, the flowers are heated or boiled in coconut oil and then left in the oil for few days. When the oil is applied to hair, it is said to blacken the hair and prevent it from greying. The leaves of the hibiscus plant are also used as shampoo as it leaves the hair soft and shiny. 


Hibiscus tea

Ingredients

Petals of the flower (fresh or dried)

Honey 

Mint, lemon, and ginger to taste (optional)

Preparation Method:

Take a few petals of the flower and immersed it in hot water. Soon it will discharge a deep purple color.  After the color has penetrated into the water, filter it. Add honey to taste (1 tsp). A hot piping soothing tea is ready. Mint, ginger, or a couple of drops of lemon can be added to it to give it a different flavor.

Red Hibiscus

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