HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA MONOGRAPH
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Roselle, Rosella, Red sorrell
Family: Malvaceae (Mallows)
Description: Hibiscus sabdariffa, known as Rosella in Australia, is an erect annual or perennial tropical shrub that grows to a height of 2.5m. The leaves are alternate, 7 to 15cm long, green with reddish veins and have long or short petioles. It has two types of leaves - the lower leaves are ovate while the upper leaves are palmate with 3–5 lobes with serrate margins. The stem is glabrous and purplish and the flowers are large, most often pale yellow with a deep red centre.
Origin: Native to Central Africa (Angola), and naturalised throughout Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia, Asia, China, South & Central America, and the Carribbean. Cultivated commercially in tropical regions, especially in North Africa, Mexico, India, Thailand, and China.
Energetics: Cooling & balancing
Taste: Sweet, astringent
Parts Used: Flower calyx
Actions: Anti-helminthic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-hyperlipidaemic, blood sugar balance, hypotensive, laxative, diuretic, uricosuric and anaemia-treating effect, weight loss, wound healing,
Folklore & Traditions: In Indian Ayurvedic herbalism Hibiscus sabdariffa is used to support the heart & circulatory system, recognising its ability to purify the blood & uplift the heart both physically and energetically.
As a traditional beauty ritual, flowers & flower teas are consumed and applied to skin and hair to promote a clear, glowing complexion, and for hair growth & strong healthy hair.
Globally in tropical regions including China, Thailand & the Caribbean, different parts of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant (including the flower, leaves, calyx, and corolla) are commonly consumed as a thirst‐quenching cold drink.
In Central America midwives use the tea during & after childbirth to tighten the uterus & stop excess bleeding, and the leaves are used as poultice for their astringent properties to heal wounds.
Constituents: Organic acids - citric, hydroxycitric, malic, tartaric & hibiscus (hibiscic) acids.
Phenolic acids - protocatechuic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids.
Anthocyanins - delphinidin & cyanidin-based anthocyanins, incl. delphinidin-3- sambubioside (hibiscin), cyanidin-3-sambubioside (gossypicyanin), cyanidin-3,5- diglucoside & delphinidin (anthocyanidin).
Flavonoids - Hibiscetin-3-glucoside (hibiscitrin), gossypitrin (7-glucoside of gossypetin), gossytrin, sabdaritrin, quercetin (and its glycoside), luteolin (and its glycoside), rutin & kaempferol.
Mucilage polysaccharides, Vitamin C, pectin, carbohydrates (arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose) and volatile compounds (fatty acid derivatives and others).
Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used to treat appetite loss, as a gentle expectorant for colds & catarrh of the respiratory tract, and as a remedy for circulatory ailments.
Hibiscus sabdariffa is cooling & removes excess heat from the body.
Used to support the female reproductive organs and healthy menstruation.
Supports a healthy heart and cardiovascular health. Maintains healthy blood pressure & cholesterol levels.
Supports metabolic health, blood glucose, and lipid profile.
Used as a gentle laxative, & diuretic. Promotes healthy urination, and supports the health and function of the kidneys & liver. Helps maintain a healthy weight.
Rich in antioxidants. Contains high levels of antioxidants including vitamin C, making it useful for strengthening & maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting overall well-being.
Skin & hair benefits. Hibiscus sabdariffa contains high concentrations of vitamins (including C, B6, Vitamin E & K), as well as Potassium, Zinc, Copper & Calcium, which protect the skin & stimulate cell renewal. Alpha-hydroxyl & beta-hydroxyl, alongside saponins, gently cleanse & exfoliate skin and balance oil production. Anti-oxidants fight free-radicals which cause skin damage and Anthocyanin stimulates elastin production & tightens skin. Plant acids - Citric and Malic acid (which control melanin production in the skin) address hyperpigmentation & discolouration, balancing out skin tone.
In recent years, various scientific studies have played a role in exploring and confirming the health benefits of hibiscus. A majority of these studies have focused specifically on hibiscus' effect on cardiovascular health, addressing such areas as cholesterol levels, hypertension, & blood pressure, and blood sugar levels & diabetes. See link below.
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10676230/#:~:text=Hibiscus%20sabdariffa%20(HS)%2C%20commonly,inflammatory%2C%20antimicrobial%2C%20and%20more.)
Chakra: Root & sacral chakras.
Astrological influences: Ruled by Venus, embodying the powers of divine feminine grace, creativity, beauty & harmony.
Contraindications & Cautions: To be avoided in people experiencing severe chills, and by those with low blood sugar levels. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with diabetes medications may reduce the effects of these medications.
Hibiscus sabdariffa may lower blood pressure, so taking it alongside medications that lower blood pressure may cause blood pressure to go too low.
Consider potential herb-drug interactions, given that hibiscus has been identified as an ACE inhibitor.
Shop Love Heart Tea with Hibiscus sabdariffa HERE
Shop Hibiscus, Mangosteen & Rose Face Mask here.
References: Almajid, Bazroon, AlAhmed,& Bakurhji. Exploring the Health Benefits and Therapeutic Potential of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in Human Studies: A Comprehensive Review 2023
Ayales, Adriana. The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Hay House, 2022.
banyanbotanicals.com/the-benefits-of-hibiscus
Hardin, J & Rose, K. Materia Medica : Profiles & Uses of Herbs, 2016.
https://www.edaegypt.gov.eg/media/hzynjgnk/hibiscus-sabdariffa-l-كركديه.pdf
Medicinal Herbs & Plants Database 2010–2015
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding this plant have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The efficacy of this plant may or may not have been confirmed by TGA approved research. This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.