Hibiscus – Egyptian Wonder Flower 🌺

Here is an Egyptian Hibiscus farmer helping me harvest some Hibiscus flowers from his garden while the captain of the boat who led me to shore, translated (best he could) the many benefits of this plant.

About Hibiscus

Hibiscus has been used for its medicinal properties for millennia in the middle East, Asia and Regions of Africa.

Why is that a big deal?

Because it has been tested and proven through the test of time.

Buds of the hibiscus plant, known as calyces, are harvested before they bloom and dried, then the petals are infused in water. The resulting liquid is a beautiful shade of ruby that has a tart flavor, reminiscent of cranberries. 

Before they bloom, the hibiscus plant’s buds are picked and dried; the petals are then infused with water. The liquid that results is a stunning shade of ruby and tastes sour and tart, like cranberries.

Hibiscus tea (most frequently referred to as Roselle) and its cold-brew-water-extracted-infused version has long been praised for the numerous health benefits it offers for the human body, without adding any calories or caffeine.

Pharaohs of ancient Egypt relished the tangy taste of hibiscus as a relief from the intense weather and as a remedy for some maladies.

The Egyptians used hibiscus to lower fevers and prevent cardiovascular issues.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus  (it is a long list) 

• Loaded with antioxidants
• Supports the immune system
• Increases stamina
• Aids liver detoxification function
• Help lower blood pressure, uric acid and cholesterol especially in diabetes
• Prevent/reduce urinary tract and kidney inflammation
• Lowers fever
• Reduces migraine
• Eases cough, mouth ulcers, and sore throat
• Boosts Collagen production leading to smoother skin and healthier hair
• Digestive and weight balance aid
• Promotes the growth of DHA
• Helps resolve cough, mouth ulcer and sore throat.
• Ability to combat depression
• natural diuretic
• Sleep aid

For vibrant skin and hair

Hibiscus is high in vitamin C which boosts the production of collagen in the body.

Collagen is needed in the skin to give it elasticity and hydration. Collagen is also vital for hair growth.

Collagen is a molecule. It is a tough, insoluble, fibrous protein. It plays a key role in maintaining vitality in the many structures of the body, such as skin, hair, kidneys and other organs, cardiovascular system, blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, bone etc.

Collagen is a key component of the extracellular matrix, a network of molecules that holds together the body’s tissues.

Immune Booster

Hibiscus has a large amount of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and guard against illness. In every 100 gr of hibiscus flower contains 244,4 mg vitamin C.  Hibiscus tea contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange, tomato, or chile.¹

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Hibiscus was used in Malaysian culture to treat fevers and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sleep Aid

Hibiscus can helps relax the body. The sleep-inducing effects of hibiscus are due to its anxiolytic and sedative properties. The reduction of stress and anxiety puts your body in a relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep.

Combat Depression

Components in hibiscus may also combat depression. Hibiscus contains compounds called cyanidin and quercetin that help to increase serotonin and dopamine levels. You’ll have a more restful night’s sleep with uninterrupted sleep by reducing restlessness.

By inducting anti-anxiety and sedative effects, hibiscus puts your body in a relaxed state. These calming qualities can help you achieve a full night of rest.

Cold Brew Skin Tonic Recipe

Ingredients:
5 Hibiscus leaves
1 Pint of clean pure water

Method:
In a glass jug mix water and Hibiscus leaves and leave overnight in the fridge.

The resulting infused water is a beautiful shade of ruby that has a tart flavor, reminiscent of cranberries. 

Next day, strain and pour into a glass. Enjoy as a refreshing hair and skin tonic.

Cold Brew Skin tonic can be used as a hair rinse or applied directly as a hair tonic.

Counteraction

Interfering with fertility and pregnancy.

According to a 1997 “Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin,” the extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers causes irregular estrous cycles in mice.²

Based on the research held at the Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology in India, since Hibiscus may lower levels estrogen in the body, excessive consumption of hibiscus tea reduces women fertility and effects childbearing.³

Since hibiscus tea may reduce estrogen levels, those who are on birth control, pregnant women and expectant mothers are strongly suggested not to consume hibiscus.⁴

Unpleasant Cleansing effect

Hibiscus has a diuretic cleansing effect supporting liver health. Sometimes and for some people, it causes an uncomfortable reaction such as diarrhea, stomachache or vomiting.

The effect is temporary and if consumption is adjusted, so is the affect.

Blood Pressure

Those with low blood pressure should be advised not to take it as it lowers blood pressure.⁵

If you know the side effects, you’ll know when to avoid Hibiscus. Otherwise, it is a powerful tonic that has so many benefits to the body.

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To your health,