15 Benefits of Hibiscus with Nutritional Values

Hibiscus is a plant of the Malvaceae group and is a very common plant in nature. There are almost 300 flowering Hibiscus plants, but among them, the most beneficial is Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linne.

Moreover, this Hibiscus plant is very common in nearly every region with moderate temperatures. Hence, in Ayurveda and herbal treatment, the importance of Hibiscus is never-ending. It can be used in treating multiple health issues. Keep scrolling to learn more about the top health benefits of Hibiscus, its uses, and its limitations.

Team Digit

Health Benefits of Hibiscus
How to Use Hibiscus?
Nutritional Values of Hibiscus
Side Effects of Using Hibiscus
Precautions for Using Hibiscus
Who Should Avoid?
Frequently Asked Questions

15 Best Health Benefits of Hibiscus

Hibiscus has a lot of advantages for both health and well-being. The benefits of Hibiscus are as follows:

1. Helpful for Blood Pressure Management

High blood pressure is a universal problem that affects a huge portion of the global population. High blood pressure leads to hypertension and other physical issues. Hibiscus has unique properties that protect the condition of the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, it reduces high blood pressure and effectively lowers hypertension.

2. Improves Liver Health

Due to lifestyle disorders or any other physical illness, people can face severe liver issues. Hibiscus has antioxidants that help control free radicals in liver tissues and other inflammations. Therefore, one can consume Hibiscus tea to get the most effective result in a simple way.

3. Antibacterial Properties

One of the major medicinal benefits of Hibiscus is its antibacterial properties. Hibiscus tea has Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which is effective for boosting immunity. Further, the anti-bacterial function helps control the common cold and flu occurrence. Therefore, it is an excellent natural remedy for fever.

4. Works on Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain is very prevalent in women for different causes. However, the main reason is hormonal imbalance, which can be treated excellently with the help of Hibiscus tea. In addition, it can also help in reducing mood swings, depression, and other premenstrual syndromes.

5. Helpful for Losing Weight

Another advantage of Hibiscus is it has weight losing capabilities. Regular drinking of Hibiscus tea lowers the secretion of amylase, which absorbs starch, sugar, and carbohydrates in the body. Therefore, your body will have lower levels of sugar which further helps in losing weight. So, it is advisable to include Hibiscus tea in your daily diet to cut the harmful effects of carbohydrates.

6. Helps in Cholesterol Management

High cholesterol causes devastating effects on the human body. A high amount of LDL cholesterol damages the blood vessels and raises the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, regular consumption of Hibiscus tea can reduce the production of LDL cholesterol and improve your health.

7. Helps in Cancer Prevention

A daily dose of Hibiscus can prevent the further growth of cancer cells. This is because the plant has protocatechuic acid, which is effective in reducing tumour size and malignant cell development. In addition, the plant's extract accelerates the process of apoptosis, which is the process of cell death.

8. Helpful for Diabetic Patients

Hibiscus tea consists of hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties. These properties are highly beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels. Further, it also lowers triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols, which help to manage blood sugar effectively.

9.Improves Digestion

Hibiscus tea contains beneficial properties that can help improve bowel movement. Further, it also treats problems with urination. In addition, Hibiscus is highly effective for the gastrointestinal system and helps prevent colorectal cancer.

10. Anti-Ageing Benefits

The anti-ageing capabilities of Hibiscus are among the most important benefits. Regular consumption of Hibiscus tea can effectively reduce the age marks such as wrinkles on your skin. Further, it helps to retain the elasticity and softness of your skin.

11. Anti-Stress Benefits

In the present time, every other person is facing issues of depression, stress, and anxiety. Of course, lifestyle disorder is the primary cause of it. However, apart from medical help, you can also include Hibiscus tea in your daily diet. It has flavonoids and other important vitamins and minerals that help treat neurological disorders and reduce depression and anxiety.

12. Hibiscus for Hair Health

The health benefits of the hibiscus include the improvement of hair health. Research shows that the extract of Hibiscus flowers and leaves is extremely beneficial for blood circulation to hair follicles. Rubbing this extract on the scalp, mixed with oil, boosts blood circulation and promotes hair growth. Further, the Hibiscus flower has vitamins, pigments, and antioxidants that are highly beneficial for the texture and quality of hair.

13. Beneficial for Skin Health

In ancient days, Hibiscus was used as a medicine to treat skin issues. The plant has mucilages that treat several skin diseases and calm the burning sensation. Further, mucilage extract possesses glycerine that retains the skin's moisturising factors.

14. Helpful for Kidney Disorder

There are multiple benefits of Hibiscus on kidney health. It reduces the amount of cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides, lowering the chance of oxidative damage. Further, the plant can stimulate uric acid emission through urine, which helps the body in several ways. It is also beneficial for preventing the storing of calcium crystals in the kidneys.

15. Prevents Conjunctivitis

There are many unknown beneficial facts about Hibiscus. Treating conjunctivitis is one of those. In addition, some research has found that the Hibiscus plant's leaf juice can help treat conjunctivitis. However, more research is needed for the final statement.

16. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The Hibiscus plant is packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are highly anti-inflammatory. These chemicals can be used to shrink soreness in your body that might come with issues of inflammatory pain such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

17. Immune System Support

The hibiscus is an abundant vitamin C source that is essential for immune system functionality. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant by neutralising free radicals that can damage cells in the body.

18. Blood Sugar Regulation

Hibiscus contains compounds that may enhance insulin sensitivity and control glucose metabolism. This herb regulates normal blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the chances of contracting type 2 diabetes mellitus at large.

19. Hibiscus Supports the Heart

Hibiscus promotes general heart health. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, harming blood vessels and leading to heart disease. Furthermore, it also helps expand blood vessels, thereby improving circulation and reducing hypertension.

20. Diuretic Effects

Hibiscus is a natural diuretic capable of increasing urinary output, enabling excess fluids to be eliminated from the body. It works best for people with water retention or bloating problems.

How to Use Hibiscus?

Hibiscus can be either consumed or applied on skin and hair. The usage of Hibiscus is as follows:

Powder of Hibiscus flower can be used in medicines and cosmetics.
The dried Hibiscus flowers can be used as Hibiscus tea.
The pigment of the Hibiscus flower is also a natural colour or dye.
Hibiscus flowers are also used to make herbal drinks and other foods.
Oil from Hibiscus flowers can be used in hair and skincare products.
Hibiscus flowers can be steeped in water to make hydrating Hibiscus-infused water.
Hibiscus syrups can be added to desserts, mocktails and cocktails.
Petals could be used to create a tangy-flavoured jam, which gives a vibrant flavour.
Add its powder in yoghurt, honey or aloe vera to get face masks.
Hibiscus vinegar can be applied to dressings, marinades, and pickling.

Therefore, the most popular method of consuming Hibiscus is tea, a drink of great taste and multiple health benefits.

What are the Nutritional Values of Hibiscus?

Hibiscus is known for its health benefits, especially when taken as tea or supplements. The table below gives us an approximate read of Hibiscus’ nutrition values:

Nutrient	Amount per 100 grams
Energy	16 kcal
Protein	2.68 g
Total Lipid (fat)	0 g
Carbohydrate	0.89
Fibre	0 g
Total Sugars	0.45 g
Calcium	67 mg
Iron	1.21 mg
Sodium	379 mg
Vitamin C	0 mg
Vitamin A	0 IU
Fatty Acids	0 g
Cholesterol	18 mg

What Are the Side Effects of Hibiscus?

Despite its numerous benefits, there are some potential risk factors for its usage. These are as follows

Reduction in Blood Pressure

Lowers blood pressure very quickly. People with low blood pressure or who are on medication for high blood pressure must avoid Hibiscus consumption to avoid hypotension (abnormally lowering blood pressure).

Gives Drowsiness

Consumption of Hibiscus in any form may sometimes make you lose wakefulness and, therefore, affect your normal daily routine. Therefore, consume in small quantities first to avoid drowsiness.

Affects Oestrogen Levels

Some people with conditions that are sensitive to hormones could be worried about the way in which Hibiscus will impact their oestrogen levels. Therefore, consult a doctor before consuming Hibiscus.

Menstrual Flow

Causes menstrual flow during pregnancy. There is fear that Hibiscus can lead to increased menstrual flow, as it can stimulate uterus contractions, making it unsafe for expectant mothers.

Hallucinations

In rare cases, some consumers have had hallucinations associated with excessive consumption of Hibiscus. Therefore, test the Hibiscus first in small quantities to check for any effects like hallucinations.

Considering the risk factors, it is always advisable to consume Hibiscus after consulting with an expert.

What Are the Precautions for Using Hibiscus?

Although Hibiscus has high health benefits and usage, its consumption must be thought through. The precautions of using Hibiscus are as follows:

Precaution	Description
Allergies	Some might get allergies from Hibiscus. See for any signs of allergy, such as rash, itching or swelling and stop using it when there is a negative response.
Blood Pressure	Hibiscus could lower blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or take medications for your blood pressure, consult with a doctor.
Blood Sugar Levels	Diabetic patients should be checked regularly by their doctors for changes in their blood glucose levels after taking the herbal tea.
Medication Interactions	Some prescriptions, like antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, etc., can react with Hibiscus. People under medication should seek medical advice.
Surgery	It is important to stop using Hibiscus two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery because it may affect blood pressure and sugar levels.
Iron absorption	Hibiscus can affect the absorption of iron. Iron deficient or anaemic patients should be careful about consuming Hibiscus and discuss it with a healthcare provider.

Who Should Avoid Using Hibiscus?

Hibiscus has many health benefits; however, certain people should avoid it for obvious reasons. These people are:

People with Low Blood Pressure

If you have low blood pressure, eating Hibiscus can be dangerous because it can lower your blood pressure than the initial count. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and, in some severe cases, shock.

Pregnant Women

There is little research on the safety of using Hibiscus during pregnancy, but some of the studies indicate that it may work as an emmenagogue, which can eventually lead to menstruation in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding Women

Few studies have been done on how the consumption of Hibiscus affects breastfeeding mothers and also their babies. Some teas made with Hibiscus are safe, while others can have unknown or harmful effects.

People who Have Malaria

Hibiscus might interact with antimalarial drugs, making them ineffective. Therefore, patients suffering from malaria must avoid using Hibiscus to have the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Surgical Patients

Hibiscus could affect the sugar level within a person's blood and may also act as a blood thinner, thus complicating surgical procedures. It can interfere with blood clotting, increasing bleeding at or after surgery.

Therefore, the discussion has revealed the potential health benefits of Hibiscus and other associated risk factors. Like any other herb, Hibiscus also has some side effects which might harm some people. Therefore, consulting a doctor and making a daily dosing chart is important. If you consume Hibiscus in the right proportion, then you can get the maximum benefit from it.

FAQs about Health Benefits of Hibiscus

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Does using Hibiscus cause heart problems?

Yes, overconsumption of Hibiscus can cause a high level of dizziness that affects the heart adversely.

Can a patient with kidney stones consume Hibiscus?

Consumption of Hibiscus juice in excessive amounts increases the level of creatinine, which may cause harm to kidney functioning. Therefore, patients with kidney stones should avoid taking Hibiscus juice.

What is the most common way of taking Hibiscus?

There are various ways one can consume Hibiscus, such as having it in the form of tea (from dried flowers), powders, extracts and capsules. Additionally, this plant is also used in cooking to give dishes a certain colour.

Can high blood pressure be treated with Hibiscus?

Yes, it has been discovered that Hibiscus lowers blood pressure.

Is it possible to experience side effects after taking Hibiscus?

Yes. It may be safe for most people, but there are possible allergic reactions, digestive problems, or interactions with drugs.

How often should I take Hibiscus tea?

The frequency of use that is most suitable will depend on individual health situations and objectives. Normally, the consumption of 1-2 cups of Hibiscus tea each day is harmless to many users.

Does Hibiscus have any drug interactions?

Yes, Hibiscus can interact with certain medicines like anti-hypertensive agents as well as diabetes medications.

Is it possible to apply Hibiscus on the skin?

Yes, people use Hibiscus in different types of skincare products, for they are known to be moisturising and have anti-ageing effects.

How should I keep Hibiscus fresh?

Place Hibiscus flowers inside a tightly sealed container that is kept cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.

What is the process of making Hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus tea can be made by immersing dried Hibiscus flowers in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. The flowers are strained, and the tea can be served either hot or cold. Sweetening or flavouring may be done, too.

What are the different species of Hibiscus?

There exist several species of Hibiscus, including Hibiscus sabdariffa (used for its flowers and teas), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (common in landscape gardening) and Hibiscus syriacus, also known as Rose of Sharon.

Can I plant Hibiscus at home?

Yes, a sunny position with well-drained soil is ideal for growing Hibiscus at home. It can be planted as a shrub or in pots. In colder regions, it has to be brought inside or treated like an annual.

What does this Hibiscus tea taste like?

Hibiscus tea has a sour, sweet taste and dark red colour with no milk mixed in it. It can be enjoyed alone or flavoured with ingredients such as honey, mint and lemon juice.