A member of the Malvaceae, or mallow family, hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is connected to nearly 2,300 other species of flowering plants, including okra, cotton, and cocoa.
Hibiscus can reach up to 13 feet (4 meters) tall and features an erect stem with lobed leaves and pale yellow flowers, the latter contained in a bright red fleshy pod known as a calyx. The calyxes are the most used part of the plant due to their concentration of nutrients and sweet and sour flavor.
Perennially cultivated in the tropics, the hibiscus it responds best to constant sun and relatively high temperatures ranging from 55 to 81 °F (12.5 to 27.5 °C). That being said, the flowers are sensitive to daylight and will not bloom if daily exposure is less than 11 hours or more than 13 hours at a time. A moist atmosphere and acid, clayey soil are ideal.
The plant will tolerate flooding conditions and high winds, but not frost or fog. It can be grown as an annual further north, flowering in the late fall months.
Historic information In western sub-Saharan Africa, hibiscus has been used since time immemorial as a medicinal remedy for minor and serious ailments. From there, the plant spread east across the continent and into the Middle East, from where it was transported to Asia and became famous for its myriad uses.
When the European slave trade began to take hold in the 15th and 16th centuries, residents who were captured and brought to the Americas carried the flower on their plots and then spread it throughout the Caribbean, where it was used primarily as fiber.
Economic data Hibiscus cultivation is an important industry in several tropical countries and contributes to national wealth. Thailand, India and Bangladesh are today the main producers, accounting for approximately 90% of the jute production industry.
In Sudan, however, the flower also ranks among the top ten annual crops, with dried flowers generating just over $14 million USD in 2012 alone. Caribbean nations such as Cuba and the US Virgin Islands also benefit from its export.
Other uses
Gardening. Due to its aesthetic beauty, hibiscus is often used as an ornamental in gardens and parks.
Craft. The plant is mainly applied to make jute, a common fiber in developing countries, into rope sometimes used to make clothing, bags, rugs, and floor coverings.
Colorant. A yellow dye can also be extracted from the petals of its flowers.
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Hibiscus Health Benefits
The main traditional uses of hibiscus include:
Induce bowel movements. The organic acids in this plant cannot be reabsorbed by the intestines, which helps to relieve the constipation.
Lower blood pressure. Preliminary studies show that hibiscus may lower blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Treatment of respiratory infections. Hibiscus tincture has some antibacterial activity.
The plant is also used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, and folklore claims that it can be used as a cure for hangover and an aphrodisiac, although there is little scientific evidence to support such uses.
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Traditionally, African herbal medicine used hibiscus as a common remedy for loss of appetite, common cold and respiratory conditions. It was probably effective in these capacities due to its content of immunomodulatory polysaccharides and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
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How does it work
Hibiscus is made up primarily of organic acids, including citric, malic, and tartaric acids, as well as vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Pectins, flavonoids and mucilage polysaccharides are also present, producing a laxative, expectorant and mild diuretic. Flavonoids such as anthocyanin and beta-carotene are also found, as are some alkaloids and trace amounts of glucose.
Herbs that are also useful to help with constipation and digestion are prune, rhubarb, and tamarindwhile hypotensive properties can be found in mesquite and saffron.
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Contraindications and side effects
While hibiscus generally does not cause side effects, it is contraindicated in certain conditions and can interact with some medications and herbs. people with diabetes or low blood pressure, as well as those taking medications for these conditions, should avoid hibiscus.
Also, pregnant and lactating women should not take hibiscus. Those taking chloroquine for malaria should not take hibiscus, as the herb can make treatment less effective. Any use of hibiscus should be discontinued two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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