Hibiscus or rosemallow is a flowering plants in the family Malvaceae (the mallow family, along with members like cocoa, cotton, okra, baobab and durian), hibiscus is native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical region around the world.
Hibiscus flower are large, trumphet-shaped, with five or more petals, and colors ranges from white, to pink, red, purple or yellow, and from 4-15cm broad. The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity.
Hibiscus plant is not only famous as an ornamental plant but is it also important as an ingredient in food preparation and in making healthy delicious herbal teas. The Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle is the preferred species used to make hibiscus tea.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus:
In a study conducted by medical expert it has proven that drinking herbal hibiscus tea daily can effectively lower high blood pressure in as fast as one month.
Hibiscus tea has a cooling effect in the body.
Dieters or persons with kidney problems often take hibiscus tea without adding sugar as a natural diuretic.
The native of southern India uses the Red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) as hair treatment. The red flower and leaves, extracts of which can be applied on hair to prevent and remedy hair-fall and dandruff on the scalp.
The dried hibiscus is edible, and it often use in some dishes in Mexico.
Tea made from hibiscus flower contain antioxidant that may help reduced the build up of fatty deposits in arteries and reduced blood cholesterol levels, and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease.
Characteristic of Hibiscus tea:
Caffeine free
Rich in Vitamin C
Delicious and has pleasant smell
Has a distinct and vibrant natural color
How to make Hibiscus tea:
1 tablespoon of dried hibiscus flower
1 quart of water
Boil the dried flowers in water for 1 minute, once it is boiled, allowed it to cool and its ready to drink, You may add honey, ice and other fruit juice to enhance its flavor . If you want a stronger taste you may add more hibiscus to a quart of water. This quantity is enough to lower blood pressure.
Herbal Alternative........Hibiscus Flower
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