Hibiscus has various medicinal values in Ayurveda. Hibiscus is mainly taken in tea form since ancient times. Every part of Hibiscus herb is beneficial. The mucilaginous leaves are emollient and also acts as a soothing cough remedy. The extract of flower are used for treatment of high blood pressure and liver disorders. Hence, it is a medicinally beneficial herb.
The botanical name of the herb is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and it belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is commonly called the Shoe flower, Rosemallow, Sorrel, Roselle and Flor de Jamaica. Hibiscus tea is caffeine free and gives numerous health benefits to man.
Medicinal Values of Hibiscus
It has following medicinal properties –
- Antiseptic
- Astringent
- Aphrodisiac
- Cholagogue
- Digestive
- Demulcent
- Diuretic
- Purgative
- Emollient
- Refrigerant
- Sedative
- Resolvent
- Stomachic
- Tonic
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
- Heart diseases — It benefits people with heart problems and also with circulatory problems.
- Cold — The herbal tea of Hibiscus contains vitamin C, which helps fight cold and cough.
- Immunity – It also strengthens the body’s immune system.
- High blood pressure — Hibiscus tea lowers the high blood pressure and reduces stress.
- Antimicrobial – It protects the body from bacterial infections.
- Anticarcinogenic — Its tea prevents cancer.
- Weight loss — One more ayurvedic benefit of the herb is that it helps in weight reduction. It contains an enzyme Amylase, which helps in breakdown of sugars and reduces carbohydrate absorption.
- Constipation — Regular intake of Hibiscus tea helps in constipation prevention.
Caution before taking Hibiscus
- Ayurveda prohibits Hibiscus tea intake by people with low blood pressure.
- It can also affect your concentration, hence it should not be used while driving and wherever alertness is needed.
- It should be avoided while taking anti-cancer drugs as it can adversely affect the cure.
