Hibiscus rosa Sinensis or the Chinese rose is a common flower. This is also known as Shoe Black Plant in Asia. Whether the flower originated from China or not is known yet. However, what are beyond doubts are its adequate health benefits. The medicinal value of the flower is described in the ancient science, Ayurveda and Chinese herbology. It’s not just a flower, but also the plant and its parts are rich in phytonutrients such as pectin, flavonoids, citric acid, etc., that can be used as well as consumed for their remedial benefits.
It also contains anthocyanin and polysaccharides. For these reasons, it is mainly used to make the very famous hibiscus tea. It is an evergreen plant that is approximately 160-280 cm in height. It has strong branches and a trunk; the leaves are dark greenish in color, shiny, smooth, and oval-shaped. This plant does not bear any fruit. Flowers are seen in various tones e.g. red, white, yellow, and orange. Red hibiscus flowers are very common and widely used for various purposes. The stem, leaves, and flowers are known to possess medicinal properties.
Now, let’s see the different types of uses and applications of this plant in daily life –
Hair Health:- Hibiscus enhances hair growth and resists premature hair discoloring by reducing excessive body heat, stimulating blood circulation to the scalp, and increasing the distribution of crucial nutrients to the hair follicles.
Treat Alopecia:- Alopecia which is better known as baldness, is a rising concern for many people, especially youngsters. Baldness can be occurred due to numerous reasons which remain unspecified these days. It manifests as severe hair loss, causing patches to appear on the scalp. According to Ayurveda, hair roots can get damaged due to excessive body heat and temperature. To treat this, make a paste of 6 to 9 leaves and flowers of hibiscus and apply it to the head (the affected parts of the scalp). Put the mask on for around 3-3.5 hours and wash with lukewarm water. Repeat this twice/thrice a week. It helps to re-open the pores, provides nourishment to the scalp, and promotes hair growth.
Hibiscus Tea:- Add a minimum of 5 hibiscus petals to a glass of boiling water. After 3 minutes of boiling, remove the petals from the heat. Strain and let cool to warm. Add organic sugar if desired. If Hibiscus flowers are not easily available, half a teaspoon of dried flower powder can be used. After 5-6 months of regular use, body heat will restore and comes to control.
Any blood loss in the past will get refurnished and the blood level will be raised without any side effects by using this. If advised by an expert, cumin can be added to this hibiscus tea.
Natural Cooling Agent:- Hibiscus tea have a soothing, cooling and diuretic effect on the body. It is also beneficial for the liver and helps to cure constipation. It’s sweet taste, cold potency and astringent properties provide cooling relief from the hot and dry summer heat. China-rose cools your digestive glands and reduces the heat of the blood by purging hot bile fluid from the gall bladder. With the increasing antioxidant levels, hibiscus reduces low-grade systemic inflammation when the lymphatic system is not in a good health.
Natural Hormone-Balancing Remedy:- Drinking hibiscus tea can help to reduce menopausal problems. Its Pitta-pacifying properties, cold potential and ability to balance excess heat in the blood make hibiscus a natural treatment for hormone misbalance during periods. In case of depression and mood swings, take white hibiscus petals and boil them for 4-4.5 minutes. Take one cup of this liquor per day. For balancing the hormones naturally, hibiscus helps overcome mood mental weakness also.
Metabolism: - The cooling properties of hibiscus can calm down the overheated stomach, reducing your appetite to normal levels. The blood-thinning qualities of black-shoe plant will help you to get a smaller waistline and improve your health.
