Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a common plant otherwise known as the shoe flower. This flowering plant belongs to the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus is a large flower that is native to warm temperate, subtropical regions throughout the world, including India. It come in many colors including white, red, pink etc of which the white (Hibiscus syriacus) and red (Hi-biscus rosa-sinensis) flowers are of medical importance. It is also a symbolic flower in Hinduism representing the Hindu Goddess Kali. This flower is used as an ingredient in formulations of Ayurvedic formulations for treatments of varying illnesses raging from increased cholesterol level to purgatives.

Chemicals present in this flower which are of medical importance include: anthacyanins (protection against agina pectoris), heterogeneous acidic polysaccharides, numerous phenolic compounds, 3 glycosides, and a high level of organic acids citric acid (source of vitamin C), tartaric acid and lactone of hydroxycitric acid.

Various parts of the plant can be use for both cosmetic and medicinal formulations including the following:

Flowers :

Active chemicals help in the growth of hair, reduce dandruff and makes hair black-a natural dye. Oils from flower can be applied to skin of patients who are suffering from cellulite making skin glow. Ash obtained from burning the flowers and leaves can be applied to eyebrows which glaze them black. It can be used as a shoe polish, contraceptive, regularizes menstrual cycle. The petals can be used to make herbal tea and juice which contains vitamins and minerals. The flower boiled in milk and be used for the treatment of earache.

Root:

The roots of this plant can be used in the prevention of venereal disease, when it is boiled in oil until the oil is evaporated- it can be applied to wounds, it can be used as a demulcent, stimulant, anti-spasmodic, infusion of water is a good cooling drink for hot weather. The root is also know to be a good appetizer.

Leaves:

The aqueous extract of leaves are used as a relaxant for uterus muscles. It has a hypotensive effect, treatment for conjunctivitis and anemia and Ayurveda. It is also used in the treatment of dysentery, cure diseases of blood, bile and throat, purgatives, Infusion of leaves are used in cough and emollient.

Bark:

The fibers can be used in the manufacture of clothes, net and paper.

Cosmetic Uses:

The leaves and flowers are added to hot coconut oil and is heated for a few minutes after which the oil is completely cooled and filtered. The oil is then stored in bottle and used to apply to hair. The oil should be well massaged to scalp and left for one hour of two after which can be washed with shampoo. It should be done regularly to obtain black lustorous hair.

Culinary Uses:

Hibiscus pickle :

4 fresh hibiscus flowers

1 ½ cup vinegar

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

Wash and dry hibiscus flower, put them in jar along with salt. Mix vinegar and sugar in a pan and bring to boil. Then pour the hot mixture over hibiscus flower and allow to cool then screw a lid on the jar. Eat the pickled flowers when cold or as an ac-companiment with salad. This recipe makes up to 1 cup of pickle.

Hibiscus Jam:

8 Petals of flower

2 cups of sugar

4 ½ cup water

Juice of lemon (seed removed)

Wash and then cut off bottom of each petal. Soak the petal in water for three days (optional). Place the petal in bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them to make sure that each petal is coated. Get a sauce pan and pour the remaining sugar, water and lemon juice. Stir the petal into the mixture and allow to simmer up for 20 minutes. Pour into clean and warm jam and serve with fresh toasted bread.

Herbal tea:

Take about ½ fresh calyx, and pour boiling water over it then strain the liquid. Mix sugar and stir well. The refreshing herbal tea is ready. This is a good source of vitamin C, reduces elevated blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, used as a diuretic and for headaches.

Hibiscus Juice:

5 flowers

100 gm sugar

1 lemon

Boil 1 cup of water and add the flower petals (washed) and boil till the color changes to a pale color. Add the sugar and stir continuously until completely dissolved. Once done strain and allowed to cool. Add juice of lemon and mix well, pour the concentrate in a glass of water to prepare hibiscus juice.

Thanks,

Health-March-2013