Hibiscus
Appearance and Location
Hibiscus, also uncommonly named Rose Mallow, is a flowering plant that’s native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world such as India, Malaysia, Africa, China, and the Caribbeans. The first Hibiscus described and named was Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, meaning “rose of China.” There are over 300 species of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, or trees in the genus Hibiscus. This alluring plant is easy to grow in most well drained soils but can tolerate poor soils, making it an ideal crop for developing countries.
Hibiscus is known to be big, bold, and captivating to the eye with its shape resembling that of a trumpet. It can be found in an assortment of vibrant colors, but is most often known for its deep red hue. Due to its enticing appearance, it can also be found attracting many animals from bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, to deer, groundhogs, and even turtles.
Functions and Properties Throughout History
Despite its use as an ornamental plant, Hibiscus has been used for centuries for its medicinal purposes. It can be found in food, in herbal drinks, in hot and cold beverages, as a flavouring agent in the food industry as well as a herbal medicine.
One of the most common preparations of this flowering plant is that of a deep red, tarty tea. Despite it being known as a sour tea, it is quite effective at boosting your hydration levels due to its fluid balancing effects. Additionally, in traditional medicines, hibiscus has been used to help lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, increase antioxidants in the body, assist with treating metabolic syndrome, help control glucose and insulin levels, mange anemia and even help with weight loss.
Culinarily, Hibiscus seeds are also prepared and often used in meals, while the leaves are often eaten as a form of vegetable. Their seeds are also used for oil or as a substitute for coffee in China and West African regions. The abundance of bioactive compounds and nutrients in hibiscus is thought to contribute to its health benefits – no matter how it is ingested.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Healthline | Traditional Medicinals | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | Science Direct
Appearance and Location
Appearance and Location
Hibiscus, also uncommonly named Rose Mallow, is a flowering plant that’s native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world such as India, Malaysia, Africa, China, and the Caribbeans. The first Hibiscus described and named was Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, meaning “rose of China.” There are over 300 species of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, or trees in the genus Hibiscus. This alluring plant is easy to grow in most well drained soils but can tolerate poor soils, making it an ideal crop for developing countries.
Hibiscus is known to be big, bold, and captivating to the eye with its shape resembling that of a trumpet. It can be found in an assortment of vibrant colors, but is most often known for its deep red hue. Due to its enticing appearance, it can also be found attracting many animals from bees, butterflies, and hummindbirds, to deer, groundhogs, and even turtles.
Functions and Properties
Throughout History
Functions and Properties Throughout History
Despite its use as an ornamental plant, Hibiscus has been used for centuries for its medicinal purposes. It can be found in food, in herbal drinks, in hot and cold beverages, as a flavouring agent in the food industry as well as a herbal medicine.
One of the most common preparations of this flowering plant is that of a deep red, tarty tea. Despite it being known as a sour tea, it is quite effective at boosting your hydration levels due to its fluid balancing effects. Additionally, in traditional medicines, hibiscus has been used to help lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, increase antioxidants in the body, assist with treating metabolic syndrome, help control glucose and insulin levels, mange anemia and even help with weight loss.
Culinarily, Hibiscus seeds are also prepared and often used in meals, while the leaves are often eaten as a form of vegetable. Their seeds are also used for oil or as a substitute for coffee in China and West African regions. The abundance of bioactive compounds and nutrients in hibiscus is thought to contribute to its health benefits – no matter how it is ingested.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Healthline | Traditional Medicinals | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | Science Direct