Products
Hibiscus is available in pharmacies and drugstores. The flowers are also called carcade (Arabic) and are often combined with rose hips.
Stem plant
The parent plant is from the mallow family (Malvaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Africa and Asia.
Medicinal drug
Hibiscus flowers (Hibisci flos, Hibisci sabdariffae flos, Hibiscus flowers), the whole or cut dried calyxes and outer calyxes harvested during fruit ripening, are used as medicinal raw material. The pharmacopoeia requires a minimum acid content, calculated as citric acid.
Ingredients
The constituents of the flowers include:
- Organic acids, especially the citric acid and malic acid.
- Anthocyanins, they are responsible for the intense coloration of the tea.
- Mucilages (polysaccharides).
Effects
Preparations of hibiscus flowers have been shown in studies to have health-promoting, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor properties, among others.
Indications for use
Hibiscus tea is mainly consumed as a refreshing and health-promoting tea. It is included in many fruit teas, rosehip teas, and children’s teas.
Dosage
Hibiscus flowers are prepared as an infusion and left to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Contraindications
We do not have a complete list of precautions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive discomfort due to the acids. Hibiscus tea is usually well tolerated.
