Hibiscus – Hibiscus sabdariffa 

Family: 

Hibisceae

Native to Sudan and found throughout the tropics.

Common Names:

The term “hibiscus” comes from the Greek hibiskos or mallow.

Roselle, African Malve, Jamaica sorrel

Folklore:

Red hibiscus is a symbol of love and passion. Pink hibiscus stands for friendship and all different varieties of love.

In Victorian times, the gift of a hibiscus bloom meant that the giver was acknowledging the receiver’s delicate beauty. 

Hibiscus is generally considered quite a feminine flower and is usually given to or worn by women.

Parts Used:

Flowers and calyces

Constituents:

anthocyanins and polyphenols, Vitamins B and C, hibiscus acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and hydroxycitric acid.

Actions: 

Mild diuretic and choleretic, stimulates bile production in the liver. Decreases the viscosity of the blood, reducing blood pressure and stimulating intestinal peristalsis. The plant is also reported to be antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, and digestive. 

Traditional Uses:

Hibiscus flower has been incorporated into cultural, medicinal, and magical areas of life. There are many different traditional medical applications within Africa, India, and China. The Egyptians and Sudanese used Hibiscus flowers to make a red tea that would have been used for treating problems of the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.

Modern Uses:

All parts of hibiscus plants are used traditionally. Due to their soothing and astringent properties, the flowers and leaves are used to treat conditions such as cancer and gallbladder attacks, to lower blood pressure, to relieve dry coughs , to promote healthy sleep and topically to treat skin issues.

This herbal monograph is used with the permission of The Plant Medicine School.