Hibiscus is an edible tropical flower that reminds me fondly of my time spent on the magical islands of Hawaii. Not only because it is the state’s flower but also because the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most beautiful and sacred healing places in the world.
The medicinal properties in this elegant flower are contained its leaves, flowers, seeds and stems. It has been traditionally used for centuries in folk medicine to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and tone the digestive tract. Studies have shown this magical plant may help with diabetes, lowers cholesterol and can aid in the treatment of hypertension. Hibiscus is contraindicated for pregnancy and should not be consumed if you think you may be pregnant. It also contains an abundance of antioxidants which makes it an optimal choice for natural skin and beauty care. This medicinal flower encourages hair growth and softens hair follicles which makes it a great ingredient for a natural hair conditioner or infused into a hair oil.
According to Gaia Herbs, people around the globe have been using hibiscus medicine to treat many ailments.
- “In Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus is used to help maintain a normal body temperature, support heart health, and encourage fluid balance.
- North Africans have used hibiscus internally for supporting upper respiratory health including the throat and also use it topically to support skin health.
- In Europe, hibiscus has been employed to support upper respiratory health, alleviate occasional constipation, and promote proper circulation. It is commonly used in combination with lemon balm and St. John’s Wort for restlessness and occasional difficulty falling asleep.
- Hibiscus is traditionally used for supporting normal blood pressure maintenance in Iran - a use that has been validated in several recent studies.” *
*Gaia Herbs
Hibiscus Recipes
HIBISCUS MINT ICED TEA:
Ingredients:
- 4 hibiscus tea tags
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 cups apple juice
- Ice cubes for serving
Directions:
In a large heatproof pitcher, combine tea bags, mint leaves and boiling water; steep 10 minutes. Discard tea bags and mint. Add apple juice; refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice and enjoy!
NATURAL RED HAIR TINT:
- Brew 5 tea bags or 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers in 2 cups of water
- Steep for 15 - 20 minutes
- Strain and cool tea
- Put in a spray container or mason jar
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, spray or pour tea liberally on your hair
- Comb thoroughly
- Leave on for at least 1 hour
- Rinse out and style as usual
- Store rest of mixture in an airtight container
To get the best results, repeat this process daily until you reach your desired red tint.
HIBISCUS SYRUP:
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup dried hibiscus leaves
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 inch section fresh ginger, crushed
- 2 whole star anise
- peel from 1 lemon, removed in strips using a sharp peeler
- pinch of salt
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan set over high heat. Bring to a boil, then drop heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from heat, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes. Place a fine-meshed sieve over a large measuring cup or bowl with a pour spout and pour syrup through. Let drain completely and discard flowers and spices.
- Pour the syrup into a clean, dry 32-ounce ball jar with lid, cover, and let cool. Store syrup in refrigerator for up to a year.
Recipe courtesy of FoodRepublic.com
