Hibiscus tea is part of most households. Often it occurs in combination with rose hips. Yet the plant can be processed not only into a tasty tea. Its ingredients also give it medicinal properties.
Occurrence and cultivation of hibiscus
There exist a total of about 275 to 600 different species of hibiscus. Hibiscus belongs to the mallow family. Originally, it comes from warmer regions, especially from Asia and tropical and subtropical areas. There are about 275 to 600 different species of hibiscus. Hibiscus plants differ in their external appearance. They can be herbaceous, tree-like or shrubby. However, all species have flowers. These are hermaphroditic and usually have five sepals. While the sepals often resemble bells, the corollas can be dipped in a wide variety of colors. White, pink, red, blue or purple flowers are common. Nowadays, subspecies of hibiscus can be found in numerous gardens. However, in order for the plant to bloom, it often requires warm temperatures. Thus, it shows its best side only in summer, at about 27 to 28 degrees. In winter, the hibiscus can survive as a potted plant indoors. As soon as it gets warmer, however, it should be placed in the fresh air. The hibiscus does not tolerate temperatures above 28 degrees. Accordingly, it is considered a “winter plant” in its native regions, the thermometer there reaches even higher temperatures. Collected hibiscus is during its flowering period.
Effect and application
Although the hibiscus is known in this country only as a tea addition, it can relieve some ailments and contribute to an improved sense of well-being. Unlike many drugs from conventional medicine, the leaves of the plant are considered well tolerated. Decisive for its healing properties are the ingredients of the hibiscus. These include mainly fruit acids, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytosterols, mucilage and pectin. Its abilities are described as thirst-quenching, laxative, diuretic, choleretic, antibacterial and antispasmodic. Accordingly, it is suitable for various diseases in which such an effect can be beneficial. Most often, hibiscus is consumed as a tea. For this purpose, the dried flowers can be poured over with hot water. After about 7 minutes, the remaining ingredients should be removed. For a medicinal effect, it is especially recommended to use organic tea. The contained flavonoids make a significant contribution to the healing properties of hibiscus. At the same time, they represent the plant’s own defense mechanism against insects and competing plants. In non-organic cultivation, insecticides and pesticides are used. Because the hibiscus no longer needs its flavonoids, after a few generations in monoculture they can no longer be found in the components of the plant. The tea obtained can be drunk hot or cold. Apart from internal use, a poultice can also be made with the help of fabric remnants. In the case of large-scale external complaints, the flowers of hibiscus should be added to the bath water. A sitz bath is also possible. Tinctures available in pharmacies have an even stronger concentration of active ingredients. Overall, only the flowers of hibiscus are used for medicinal purposes. These also give most tea mixtures their red color.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Hibiscus can play a central role in maintaining good health. For example, the flowers contain a high amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and in this way can reduce susceptibility to disease. In the context of prevention, the tea should be drunk several times a day. The flavonoids it contains protect cells and vessels from free radicals. Free radicals, in turn, are responsible for numerous degenerative diseases. In this way, hibiscus can contribute to Alzheimer’s prevention, for example. At the same time, the ingredients act against bacteria. Thus, hibiscus tea is suitable as a drink during a cold. A bacterial rash can be partially alleviated by a poultice. However, the tea used for this should already be cooled down to avoid burns. In addition, hibiscus is said to be expectorant.With this property, it is also used for coughs and colds. The dehydrating effect can be used as part of a dehydration cure. However, this should be done under the supervision of a doctor. Diuretics can be beneficial for some conditions, such as kidney disease or cystitis. If an infection of the urinary tract is present, the responsible pathogens should be flushed out so that healing can occur quickly. The frequent urge to urinate can help to empty the bladder regularly. Overall, hibiscus can be used for both treatment and preventive measures. However, these are properties that have so far only been attributed to folk medicine. Due to lack of research, the effect of the plant is not yet officially recognized. Side effects occur rarely and often manifest themselves after a very high consumption of hibiscus. For example, the occurrence of digestive problems such as diarrhea can not be excluded. In the context of existing constipation, hibiscus is sometimes used as a therapy. In general, it is not a threatening condition. However, affected individuals should make sure to take in enough fluids to compensate for the loss. Pregnant women should consult a physician before taking it for the first time. Treatment of children with hibiscus is usually problem-free.
