Know about the Benefits of Hibiscus

2022-04-16 00:00:00

Hibiscus is a flower found all over India around the houses and in the garden. It has many colors like red, pink, yellow and white. Hibiscus is bell-shaped and beautiful in appearance, also known as the flower of Arhul. Most of the hibiscus flowers are used for worship and rituals. Apart from this, hibiscus is also very beneficial for health.

In Ayurveda, white and red colored hibiscus flowers are very beneficial. According to Ayurveda science, the flower of hibiscus is rich in nutritious elements. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, fiber, iron and antioxidants etc. Therefore, these nutritious elements help in respiratory and throat-related problems, reduce high blood pressure and regulate cholesterol. Apart from this, the flower also helps in the problems related to skin & hair.

Benefits of Hibiscus

Helps in controlling blood pressure-

A report by the American Heart Association published in November 2008 suggests that tea made from hibiscus leaves acts as a medicine for high blood pressure and heart patients. By consuming it, the heart rate becomes normal and the body feels relaxed. For this, hibiscus tea should be consumed twice a day. Apart from this, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows that hibiscus has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties which is a good remedy for people suffering from high blood pressure.

For anemia-

In most women, anemia (lack of blood in the body) starts due to blood loss and iron deficiency due to which red blood cells cannot be produced in the body. In such times, the patient is advised to consume iron-rich foods. In such a situation, hibiscus flowers act as a great remedy for anemia because plenty of iron is found in hibiscus. Along with this, by making red blood cells in the body, it works to deliver oxygen to different parts of the body. For this, it is beneficial to take a spoonful of hibiscus powder with milk daily.

Effective in cold and flu-

Tea made from hibiscus leaves is effective in problems like cold and cough due to the abundant Vitamin C found in it which protects the body from cold and flu. Apart from this, the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties present in hibiscus help in protecting against cold and flu.

For diabetes-

A study found that hibiscus works as a medicine for diabetes patients because the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties found in hibiscus tea help in reducing the level of glucose in the body. Apart from this, it reaches the body and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides which helps in preventing diseases like diabetes.

Helpful in reducing cholesterol-

Hibiscus tea proves to be very helpful in maintaining cholesterol level in the body. The nutrients present in it prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Apart from this, hibiscus is also helpful in reducing the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). In this way, hibiscus is beneficial in all heart related diseases.

For menstruation-

The use of hibiscus proves to be very effective in regulating menstrual irregularities in women due to the hormonal balance, resulting from low levels of estrogen in the body leading to delayed periods. Consuming tea made from hibiscus leaves is considered a good remedy for regulating period cycle.

As an antioxidant agent-

Tea made from hibiscus leaves is beneficial as an antioxidant in curing physical and mental issues. According to research published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology, the antioxidants present in hibiscus are helpful in promoting and stimulating the body's immune system activity. Apart from this, hibiscus tea also works to reduce oxidative damage and oxidative stress. This reduces the risk of many other problems like diabetes, metabolic disorders, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, cancer and congestive heart failure.

As an antidepressant-

Vitamins and minerals are found in hibiscus tea which act as antidepressants. According to a report published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, consumption of hibiscus tea is helpful in calming the nervous system. It also reduces anxiety and depression by providing relaxation in the mind and body.

Effective for better digestion-

Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion because it regulates both urination and bowel movement. According to a study published in the iOS Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, it has diuretic properties. Hence hibiscus tea can also be consumed to treat constipation and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal system.

Helpful in kidney stone-

Hibiscus is beneficial in the problem of kidney stones. Taking tea or hibiscus powder every day at night before one hour of sleeping is beneficial.

For mouth ulcers-

Blisters in the mouth makes it very difficult to eat anything. Chewing 4-5 leaves of hibiscus daily helps to provide relief in mouth ulcers. Apart from this,

Beneficial for skin-

Hibiscus helps to provide glow to the face and reduce wrinkles as it is rich in antioxidant and moisturizing properties. Apart from this, vitamin C present in hibiscus helps in producing collagen naturally in the body. Therefore, hibiscus is also used in cosmetic skin care products.

Helpful in removing acne and spots-

Hibiscus is also used to remove acne and spots. Grinding the leaves of hibiscus flowers with water and mixing honey in it and applying it on the face provides relief.

Effective in relieving itching and burning-

Hibiscus flower works to provide relief in swelling, itching and burning of the body. Grinding the fresh leaves of hibiscus well and applying it on the swollen and burning area provides relief in no time. Hibiscus proves to be extremely beneficial for women, therefore, you can include hibiscus flowers or leaves in your daily routine.

Helps in nourishing hair-

Amino acids are present in the hibiscus flower which help in providing nourishment to the hair and boosting hair growth. Apart from this, the amino acids produce a type of protein called carotene which makes hair strong. For this, take equal quantities of hibiscus powder and amla powder, mix it in water and make a paste and apply it to the hair.

Helps in dandruff removal-

Hibiscus is a powerful ingredient which helps in getting rid of dandruff. Make a powder by grinding the flowers and leaves of hibiscus and add half a lemon to it and make a paste. Now apply this paste on the hair and wash the hair after an hour. This helps to remove dandruff from the hair.

For shiny hair-

Hibiscus is a good remedy to make hair soft and shiny. Make a paste by mixing hibiscus flower powder and aloe vera gel and apply this paste on the hair twice a week. By doing this your hair becomes soft, strong and thick.

Side effects of Hibiscus

• Hibiscus tea is used for regulating high blood pressure. Therefore, people with low blood pressure should avoid it.
• Its use leads to sleep. Therefore, avoid drinking hibiscus tea while driving and operating machinery.
• Pregnant women should avoid the consumption of hibiscus because it lowers the level of estrogen in the body which may lead to blood related problems.
• Lactating mothers should not consume hibiscus.
• Women who are taking hormone therapy or its medicines should also not use hibiscus. Apart from this, women taking birth control pills should also avoid the consumption of hibiscus.