A flower with many promises

DIET

There is more to the hibiscus than just being pretty and ornamental.

It's a plant so common that it often gets dismissed as any other bush or an ornamental plant with pretty red (and yellow) blossoms. But not many are aware that hibiscus or Semparuthi in Tamil (H. sabdariffa as well as H. rosa-sinensis) is an aromatic, astringent and cooling herb that has diuretic properties. It helps to lower fever and is known as an excellent source of vitamin C.

Though native to North Africa (it is said to have originated near the source of Niger river in Africa), it is grown worldwide. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that it began to appear in herbal tea mixtures.

Hibiscus tea is known to work as a laxative and can easily be prepared at home by pouring boiling water over 1.5 grams of crushed hibiscus blossoms. The water is then allowed to steep for five to 10 minutes and then strained.

Researchers have found that extracts of hibiscus leaf tend to relax the uterus and reduce blood pressure. Externally, it is used for various allergic eczemas and other skin conditions due to the I-hydroxy-acids, anthocyanocides and mucilages contained.

In hair treatments, shampoos with hibiscus are said to be useful in restoring the hair's natural barrier, rehydrating the keratin fibres and regenerating its structure. Interestingly, hibiscus has been used extensively in naturopathy, but since none of these effects are pronounced enough, it lost out on having won a major following.

Egyptians and Sudanese use its calyxes (the cup-like structures formed by the sepals) to prepare a deep red tea, which is known to help lower body temperature and treat cardiac and nerve diseases.

In North Africa, calyx preparations are used to treat cough, sore throat, and leaf pulp is used for treating external wounds and abscesses. In Iran, sour hibiscus tea is a traditional treatment for hypertension. At home in India, its leaves and flowers are considered useful for treating ulcers and promoting hair growth.

While no side-effects to hibiscus are known, according to the Indian traditional medicine, the flower is considered to have a significant anti-fertility effect, and therefore, the drink is usually given to those past the child-bearing ages. So, next time you chance upon a hibiscus bush, don't hesitate to pick a blossom or two and use it in your tea, or, for that matter, hair oil.