The Potential Health Benefits of Hibiscus | The Complete Guide | Starwest Botanicals

Posted by Daniel Powers on 08-30-2023

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Hibiscus is a beautiful flower with a surprising amount of potential health benefits.

Hibiscus flowers have been used as a natural herbal remedy in Europe, North America, and Asia for hundreds of years. This herb is said to help with blood circulation, improve skin health, and support overall health and wellness.

Hibiscus, also known as roselle, is popular around the globe for its strong antioxidant activity along with various other health benefits. It has also been used in traditional Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of several diseases.

This herb is commonly consumed as hibiscus tea. If you’re looking for a high-quality hibiscus source, click here to see our full lineup of hibiscus products here at Starwest Botanicals.

In this article, we will look at the health benefits of hibiscus, its safety, and how to add it to your diet.

Hibiscus Overview:

Hibiscus is part of the Malvaceae family and is grown all around the globe, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Mexico, among other countries.

The scientific name for hibiscus is Hibiscus sabdariffa. This plant has a variety of different common names, including roselle, jamaica, red sorrel, Indian sorrel, wonjo, and karkade.

Hibiscus is an annual plant that is famous for its bright red calyxes. Hibiscus calyxes are primarily used for culinary reasons but have also been used as a natural source of pigments for cosmetics and food applications. They have also been used in folk medicine for various ailments.

Hibiscus is rich in various phytochemicals, including:

  • phenolic acids
  • Flavonoids
  • Anthocyanins
  • organic acids
  • and dietary fiber

The flower/calyxes are the primary part of the plant that is thought to have health benefits.

Potential Health Benefits of Hibiscus:

Hibiscus flowers are said to benefit the body in a variety of different ways. Below is a review of the top traditional and research-backed health benefits of hibiscus.

1. Cardiovascular Support

Hibiscus has also been linked to cardiovascular health. 

A multi-stage study found that taking hibiscus powder extract helped to support healthy cholesterol levels. It also helped to improve other important health markers,

Another study found that hibiscus tea helped to maintain cardiovascular health.

If you’re looking for a natural way to support heart health, consider giving hibiscus tea a try.

2. Antioxidant Properties

Hibiscus is renowned for its potent antioxidant benefits, making it a valuable addition to any diet. Antioxidants are essential compounds that help combat free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health issues.

The rich content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in hibiscus gives it exceptional antioxidant activity. These compounds neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body.

By incorporating hibiscus into our daily routine, we can harness its antioxidant power, promoting cellular health, supporting the immune system, and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

How To Add Hibiscus To Your Daily Routine:

Adding hibiscus to your diet is a good idea because it may help to support overall health and help with maintaining blood pressure levels within the normal range.

The easiest way to consume hibiscus is by drinking it as tea. It tastes good and is good for your body. Plus, it has an incredibly vibrant red color.

At Starwest Botanicals, we have a variety of different forms of hibiscus available for purchase, including:

Hibiscus is generally consumed as a tea. It gives a deep, red color along with a sour, astringent flavor. It’s delicious on its own or mixed with other herbs.

Click here to see our hibiscus tea recipe.

Is Hibiscus Safe?

The consumption of hibiscus is considered safe in general.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified this plant as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).

If you're on diabetes medications, be cautious with Hibiscus as it may reduce their effectiveness. Monitor your blood sugar carefully. Additionally, Hibiscus sabdariffa can lower blood pressure, so if you're taking medications for that purpose, be aware it could cause blood pressure to drop excessively.

Prior to use, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure there are no potential adverse effects or drug interactions.

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In Closing

Hibiscus, a beautiful flower with potential health benefits, has been used as a herbal remedy for centuries. 

Known as roselle, it is globally popular for its antioxidant activity and traditional medicinal use. Hibiscus tea is a common form of consumption. Starwest Botanicals offers various hibiscus products.

Rich in phytochemicals like phenolic acids and flavonoids, the flower's calyxes hold the key to its health benefits. Research suggests hibiscus may help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

It is generally considered safe, but caution is advised regarding interactions with medications. Embrace hibiscus for a delightful addition to your diet and potential wellness benefits.

If you’re looking for high-quality hibiscus, then look no further than Starwest Botanicals.

As you can see, we have a variety of different forms of hibiscus. Try one, or try all of them to find your favorite.

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Author Bio:

Daniel has a master's degree in herbal science from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. He's the founder of The Botanical Institute, where he writes about the health benefits of herbs.