Hibiscus Sabdariffa

HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

Hibiscus SabdariffaHibiscus is indigenous to Africa but it is seen in all tropical countries. It is commonly found in houses and gardens. Its common names are Hibiscus, Karkade and Red Tea.

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED

The dried and fresh calyces and epicalyces are used for medicinal purposes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

It is an erect annual tree which grows more than 5 feet and produces brightly coloured flowers. It has woody stems. Sabdariffa are yellow flowers with a purple centre, which are followed by capsules. They are encircled by fleshy enlarged and bright red calyx.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

The Herb Shows Some Therapeutic Properties Like:

  • It has diuretic and astringent properties which help to reduce fever and also provides vitamin C. It is a cooling and aromatic herb.

Internal Use:

  • Hibiscus is a sweet-sour herb usually used in the preparation of herbal teas and has been used in the traditional medicine for relieving colds, loss of appetite, catarrh of the respiratory tract. It is beneficial as a mild laxative, expectorant and diuretic.

External Use:

  • Hibiscus is beneficial in relieving skin conditions like allergic eczemas.
  • It is useful in restoring elasticity and flexibility of the skin and moisture of the skin.
  • The anthocyanocides exhibit anti-inflammatory, astringent and free radical eliminating and enzyme inhibition properties.
  • The high mucilage content increases the skin’s hydric content retention.
  • This herb is useful for fighting symptoms against aging.
  • It is widely used in hair managements. It restores the natural barrier of hair, regenerates the structure of keratin fibres.
  • Hibiscus can be used in anti-dandruff products because of the presence of high degree of a-hydroxy acids.
  • Hibiscus is useful in relieving dry hair. It enhances the moisture content and gives a shiny and silky look to the hair.
  • Because of the presence of polyphenolic substances in Hibiscus, it shows antioxidant properties.

Other Uses:

  • It is used in products like day creams, after shave balms, herbal stretch mark gel and herbal face wash creams.
  • In some countries it is cultivated for the purpose of extracting bast fibre form the stem of the plant. This fibre can be used in place of jute.
  • The red calyces of the Hibiscus plant are exported to Europe and America as they are being used as food colours.
  • In France, the Senegalese communities consume green leaves of the plant like spinach.
  • In Myanmar also the leaves are used to prepare curry.
  • Heated leaves can be applied to boils, ulcers and cracks in the feet for relief. A decoction made from the leaves can be used on wounds and sores.
  • In India, the decoction of the seeds in used to relieve strangury, dysuria and dyspepsia.
  • In India, the leaves of the plant are used to prepare pickles.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

The plant contains pectins, mucilage polysaccharides, organic acids like ascorbic, hibiscus, malic, citric and tartaric acids.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS IN USING HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

The drug should be used only in the prescribed quantities. Over dosage may lead to poison and show severe reactions on the nervous system
To know about the correct dosage and usage, it is better to consult a medical practitioner.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

Currently there are no Planet Ayurveda Products that use this herb as an ingredient in them; however the below mentioned Planet Ayurveda products are useful in some conditions for which Hibiscus is used:

Ayurveda products are manufactured with 100 percent natural and vegetarian ingredients, without any chemicals or preservatives. We rely on ancient Ayurvedic texts to prepare all the medicines. We do not encourage testing of our products on animals. All the medicines and herbal supplements undergo quality checks at various levels. Please opt for Planet Ayurveda products and seek good health.