How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Naturally Cooling

This summer, while you are enjoying the exquisite beauty of hibiscus in your garden, drink chilled hibiscus tea to refresh your body and mind. Hibiscus tea is a famous refreshment called Jamaica in Latin America. The astringency of hibiscus provides cooling relief from the summer heat. Hibiscus cools your liver & even down to your blood by purging hot bile from the gall bladder. Thanks to high levels of antioxidants, hibiscus reduces low-grade systemic inflammation, common if your lymphatic system is congested. Together, these refrigerating qualities help your liver complete a natural spring detox cycle. In late spring / early summer your body naturally craves foods and berries with the deep red hue of hibiscus.

Courtship & Romance

The bright red color & sensual texture of hibiscus is a symbol of courtship and romance. In traditional Hawaiian culture, a luscious hibiscus worn behind a woman's left ear indicates that she is married, or in a relationship. If she wears a bright hibiscus behind her right ear, however, she is single and available. Beyond romance, perfectionist Pitta types find soothing relief in the exquisite beauty, delicate grace, and finery embodied by hibiscus.

Hair Growth Tonic

Hibiscus promotes hair growth and prevents premature hair greying by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp and increasing the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Intellectually disposed pitta predominant people who study, read and work all day, tend to "burn" away their hair with by thinking too much! To harness the hair tonify effects of hibiscus, make the following shampoo (Yields 1c): Simmer 3 flowers in 3/4c coconut oil until they turn pink / lighten to make a medicated oil. In a blender, puree 3 flowers and 5 leaves with 1/4c water. The mucilage in the leaves will make a paste that is useful as a shampoo plus conditioner. Add the medicated oil and continue blending. Rub 1/4c or more into your scalp and let sit 10 minutes before rinsing. Refrigerate remaining product up to 3-4 days.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Hibiscus is a traditional remedy for high blood pressure due to its diuretic action and blood thinning properties. This traditional use of hibiscus is backed up by a 2008 USDA study. Participants who drank hibiscus tea had 8 times more positive effect than the placebo group. If high blood pressure is an issue for you, enjoy hibiscus tea daily. Hibiscus tea protects your heart in more ways than one: It contains bio-flavonoids, believed to prevent build-up of plaque in the arteries.

Skin Care

Beautiful, vibrant hibiscus brings out your natural beauty. You may mix a small amount of hibiscus powder into a nutritive mask of colloidal oatmeal and powdered coconut for smooth, creamy skin with a healthy, sunkissed glow. Hibiscus extract has been shown to function as an anti-solar agent by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, reducing signs of aging topically. Add the powder or essential oil to your homemade moisturizer! If your skin lacks luster and vitality, a dash of red powder will bring a rosy glow to your cheeks. If your skin is already a lively red, using the white flowers will cool and soften the tone.

Appetite Suppressant & Other Uses

The astringent and cooling properties of hibsicus calm an overheated stomach, reducing your appetite to natural levels. The diuretic and blood thinning qualities of hibiscus help you lighten up your waistline and your mood. The restoration of healthy circulation gives your metabolism a boost, essential in any weight loss program.

By its diuretic action, hibiscus helps support the body when you are dealing with kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and liver issues. Hibiscus contains high levels of vitamin C. It supports female reproductive health. Then next time you sip a hibiscus cooler, let these facts slip into your mind and appreciate it's refreshing gifts even more. Too much hibiscus can dry out vata types, leaving them quite thirsty and dry.

About Hibiscus

Hibiscus is from the same family as okra, cotton, and chocolate. More obscure members include durian, marshmallow root, & kola nut.

Buying & Preparation

You can purchase the dried flower in most Latino stores, or grow hibiscus in your garden.

Cooking Hibiscus

Steep the dried flowers as a tea for 3-5 minutes. Hibiscus is often served chilled with a dash of blueberry juice.Browse Recipes