Hibiscus - a Hidden Treasure
Lise
Apart from functioning as the most amazing eye candy, this basket of beautiful hibiscus flowers is useful for so many things, I hardly know where to start.
Hibiscus comes in a range of colors – and they all have something to offer in the way of both health and beauty. The pictured flowers have the botanical name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis which come in a range of shades – from baby pink to the classic deep red so many of us are familiar with as an ingredient for tea.
I had the opportunity to pick these fresh and because the flowers are quite a bit larger than I am used to, I included my hand when I snapped this photo so you could get an idea of the size.
I’m going to be drying these and using them in a cleanser but may also try a small batch of infusion as well.
Hibiscus Has a Lot to Offer
Hibiscus has a long tradition of medicinal as well as skincare uses. It’s not surprising as they are packed with beneficial constituents.
From Review on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers:
The phytochemical analysis showed that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis contained tannins, anthraquinones, quinines, phenols, flavanoides, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, protein, free amino acids, mucilage, essential oils and steroids.
Chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and therapeutic importance of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - A review lists these impressive properties
antidiabetic, fibrinolytic*, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, immuno-modulatory, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, memory enhancement, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, dermatological, anti-haemolytic, urinary, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antitussive and many other effects.
I added the asterisk at fibrinolytic because I wasn’t familiar with this word. Fibrinolytic means ‘manages, treats and prevents bloodclots.’
I’ve added a few more links below if you want to get busy researching this hidden health and beauty treasure.
Meantime, I’m waiting patiently for this small batch of petals to dry fully so I can turn them into a powder to add to my next self preserving honey cleanser.
Want to make your own hibiscus powder? There’s a post that shows you how (featuring purple hibiscus) right here. And if you’re curious as to which grinder I use, it’s pictured here.
More About Hibiscus
An update review on hibiscus rosa-sinensis phytochemistry and medicinal uses (LINK- PDF download)
Components in aqueous Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract inhibit in vitro melanoma cell growth (LINK)
TIP: I’m planning on using my hibiscus powder in a self preserving cleanser. The book below shows you how to make your own.
