Hibiscus - Excellent For The Health
The hibiscus plant is known for its large, beautiful, bright glowing flowers. But besides its colors symbolizing happiness and joy and everything optimistic, the hibiscus plant has several medicinal uses.
Different cultures have used hibiscus as remedy for several health conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, to increase the production of breast milk. Different parts of the plant are used to prepare jams, soups, and sauces.
In China, it is often referred to as nose tea, used for congestion relief. In Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean Islands it is used to prepare a drink called Sorrel, which has numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus
Hibiscus leaves are rich in antioxidants, which can cleanse the body from toxins. This is what you would benefit from drinking a cup of hibiscus tea every day. The tea is made using hibiscus leaves or flowers, and its antioxidants fight against diseases like cancer, helps to lose weight and lowers the cholesterol level in the body.
- Protection against free-radical damage:
As earlier mentioned, Hibiscus contains an abundance of antioxidants and this is believed to give it a number of protective properties against some forms of cancer like stomach cancer and leukemia. Consuming hibiscus tea can contribute in protecting the liver and kidneys.
2. Skin:
Hibiscus is a good skin cleanser. Using the leaves to scrub the face and neck works well to remove dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads. Hibiscus has anti-ageing properties that help to slow down the skin ageing process. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in curing acne.
3. Help in weight loss:
Hibiscus helps to remove the unnecessary fats and calories accumulated in the body, thus reducing weight. Similarly, taking a cup of hibiscus tea everyday increases the body metabolism considerably. Thus, hibiscus is good for losing weight and maintaining body fitness.
4. Fighting cold and the blues:
Hibiscus tea is rich in an assortment of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C. It helps to improve one’s feelings of relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Mood regulator:
Hibiscus can help regulate the generation of hormones. During the menstrual period, women undergo a lot of hormonal changes, which can make them cranky. It helps to soothe the spontaneous emotional breakdowns women go through during those days. Hibiscus is also a good remedy for premenstrual syndrome.
6. Relieves constipation:
Hibiscus tea works extremely well as a laxative because of naturally occurring fruit acids. The regular consumption of hibiscus tea helps to regularize bowel movements and may even offer relief from common digestive issues.
7. Energy booster:
Hibiscus tea boosts the body energy straight away. It also re-hydrates the body, which further helps in revitalizing the body. In short, a cup of hibiscus tea can set you free from stress and strain that drains away all the energy from the body.
8. Cold reliever:
Hibiscus extracts can help to bring instant relief from cough and cold. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps to fight against cold-causing viruses. The leaves are a good tonic for cold, cough, sore throat and mild headache.
The Takeaway:
The health benefits of the hibiscus plant are rather amazing and would want to inspire you for a cup of hibiscus tea each morning. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. As research continues its medicinal use may become more widely accepted.