Hibiscus is a beautiful flower that will brighten up any garden. This plant primarily grows in tropical and warm regions, but it can also grow seasonally in other areas where the climate is warm for only part of the year.
Fresh and dried hibiscus flowers are edible, and are often used to make a tasty herbal tea. This tea is extremely healthy as it contains vitamin C and A, zinc, and several other minerals. Furthermore, it also contains 15-30% organic acids, including malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid. It also contains flavonoids and polysaccharides.
1. Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried hibiscus petals to 2 cups of water.
2. Bring to the boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain it, and add raw honey and lemon juice for taste.
The following are some surprising health benefits of hibiscus:
1. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Hibiscus tea is highly effective at lowering low-density lipoprotein levels. Furthermore, it is particularly helpful for those with Type 2 diabetes.
This tea exhibits anti-atherosclerosis activity and contains antioxidant compounds that help to prevent the oxidation of LDL. Also, it prevents plaque buildup in the arteries, thereby lowering your cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease.
• Drink hibiscus tea twice a day for a few weeks in order to help control your cholesterol levels.
• You can even opt to take a standardized hibiscus extract twice a day. You should consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
Hibiscus contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce blood pressure levels significantly. Being diuretic in nature, it helps to increase urination levels, which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. Furthermore, this herb helps to speed up metabolism and aids in healthy, gradual weight loss.
• Drink tea prepared from dried or fresh hibiscus flowers 2-3 times a day in order to keep your blood pressure in check.
4. Aids Weight Loss
As it is packed with flavonoids, nutrients, and minerals, hibiscus lowers the body’s absorption of fats and carbohydrates. Therefore, it can help you lose weight. Furthermore, it contains high concentrations of antioxidants that help aid weight loss by boosting the body’s metabolism.
• Drink 2-3 cups of hibiscus tea a day to support your weight loss efforts.
• You can even opt to take a hibiscus supplement, after consulting your doctor.
5. Conditions Hair
The lathery and mucilaginous nature of hibiscus helps to condition the hair and keep it bouncier.
Directions
1. Put 8-10 fresh hibiscus flowers and leaves into a grinder.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the paste and mix well.
4. Apply to your damp hair.
5. Wear a shower cap, and leave the paste in for 30 minutes.
6. Rinse it off with water, then shampoo your hair as usual.
7. Repeat this procedure once a week.
Since it is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as amino acids, hibiscus has the ability to combat hair loss and induce hair growth. It can also get rid of dandruff, prevent split ends, and prevent premature graying.
Directions
1. Add 8-10 Chinese hibiscus leaves and flowers to 2 cups of extra-virgin coconut oil.
2. Heat the solution until the flowers have turned black
3. Strain the oil and let it cool.
4. Apply the oil to your hair before going to bed and massage it in.
5. Wash your hair in the morning.
6. Repeat a few times per week.
7. Improves Mood
The flavonoids in hibiscus assist in calming the nervous system and also help to alleviate negative feelings, and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Whenever you are feeling down or depressed, sip a warm cup of hibiscus tea and you will soon start to feel a lot better.
Hibiscus leaves can help stop bleeding and can help open wounds heal a lot quicker. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of infection.
How to treat a wound with hibiscus:
1. Clean the affected site with water.
2. Grind a few hibiscus leaves, and apply the paste to the wound.
3. Leave it on the wound for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
4. Repeat if needed.
9. Improve Skin Health
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants that help reverse skin damage that has been caused by UV rays, diseases, and pollutants. This will prevent premature aging, and will keep your skin looking young and healthy for years.
• Blend 2-3 hibiscus flowers in ½ a cup of yogurt. Add some honey, and apply the paste to your face. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Use this mask 1-2 times a week.
• Grind a few hibiscus flowers and gently scrub your neck and face with the paste once a week to remove dead skin cells.
Important Notes
• If you’re pregnant it is best if you consult your doctor before consuming hibiscus tea, supplements, or extracts.
• If you have low blood pressure, do not use this herb.
• People with diabetes should take caution when taking this herb as it can decrease blood sugar levels.
Source: top10homeremedies
Images: depositphotos
