Large, red flowers with stamens of the original form, on rather "sprawling" bushes with beautiful heart-shaped leaves, are well known to us as a houseplant "Chinese rosan". But it has a close relative, often referred to as the "Sudanese rose", which is a completely edible plant. From its dried petals, a drink is obtained, which we know as.
amazing plant
Hibiscus sabdariffa, or rosella, is an annual plant, herbaceous, unlike its shrubby room relative. Native to India, it is mass grown in a variety of tropical environments around the world.
The drink is obtained from the petals along with the cups of the plant. It has a thick red or wine color, sour taste with a very light and delicate aroma. This tea is considered the Egyptian national drink, which has become popular with people from various countries due to its wonderful taste, refreshing abilities and beneficial properties.
Healing properties of hibiscus
- A complex of vitamins, including vitamin P, which helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
- Anthocyanins, which give the drink its unique ruby color.
- Antioxidants.
- Pectins.
- Organic acids, including citric.
- The brewed petals contain up to 10% protein, so they can be eaten by enriching your body with vitamin C and pectins.
- Tea can be consumed cold or hot, with or without sugar.
Indications
This is an excellent refreshing and invigorating drink with vitamin properties. It is perfect for people with weakened immune systems, during mass epidemics or in the presence of a cold, as it has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antispasmodic and temperature-reducing properties.
In the heat, cold tea with hibiscus tones the body, gives vigor, reduces thirst.
Contraindications and side effects
Contains a lot of acids and can lower blood pressure, so you should not use it in the following cases:
- Gastritis with high acidity.
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Pregnancy.
- Tendency to allergic reactions.
- With caution, this tea should be given to young children and people with a tendency to metabolic disorders (“salt deposits”, gout).
Refreshing tea preparation
Hibiscus can be brewed like regular tea, pouring boiling water and insisting 5-7 minutes. “Tea tea” is taken to taste, more petals - a sourer and richer taste. Sugar can be added to the drink if desired.
It is not worth brewing "tea of the pharaohs" - when boiled, its beneficial properties and taste are lost, and the drink itself acquires a dirty gray hue instead of a beautiful ruby shine.
In nature, there are about 200 types of hibiscus, the most common of which are terry, red, variegated, white, tree-like. The flower brings great benefits to human health, as it has a large number of useful properties. Of these, the following can be distinguished: tonic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic, anticonvulsant. It is contraindicated to take teas from hibiscus for people with increased acidity of the stomach, individual intolerance to the plant, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
flower description
Hibiscus, or Chinese rose, is an evergreen deciduous plant valued for its beautiful, profuse blooms and beneficial medicinal properties. Grows in southern China and India. In Russia, the cultivation of Chinese roses at home is popular. The plant in care is unpretentious, develops quickly and forms a lush crown. The leaves of the flower are sprawling, have an oval-oblong shape and a serrated edge. The trunk of the plant is bare, the leaves are located on small petioles.
The main decoration of the culture is the buds, their shades from light pink to red or from yellow-orange to purple and dark purple. The hibiscus flower, depending on the species, has a diameter of 5 to 30 cm. Long golden stamens are located in the middle. The wilting of the flower occurs a day after blooming. The fruits have the appearance of a five-fold box, inside which are seeds. At home, the shrub grows up to 1.5-2 m, and in nature - up to 5 m. Life expectancy can reach 20 years. The plant lends itself well to formation. To give the flower the correct shape, you need to prune at the end of winter.
Kinds
In nature, there are about 200 species of hibiscus. It is home and garden. Indoor flower is unpretentious in care, requires timely watering and bright lighting. It must be located away from drafts. With proper care, a home flower grows well in pots on windowsills and in greenhouses.
Garden hibiscus (another name is Syrian) belongs to the mallow family. This flower has many different shades. Frost-resistant plant intended for outdoor cultivation. The flowering of the shrub occurs from early July to October. Thanks to pruning, you can achieve an interesting shape. It can be a shrub, semi-shrub, tree-like. There are the following types of hibiscus:
- 1. Terry - indoor rose, which reaches a height of 2 m. The leaves of the plant are bright green in color with a jagged shape. The buds of the rose are terry, have a milky white, yellow, red color, reach a diameter of 15 cm. A blooming flower fades the next day. The species is demanding on watering, temperature and lighting.
- 2. Red is an evergreen plant that lives on the islands of the Pacific Ocean, and is also cultivated in gardens. The bush is large with a large flower. The plant has a lush crown with spreading branches. Red hibiscus can be easily propagated from cuttings.
- 3. Variegated - A modern look that combines red and white. It has large flowers with a long stamen. The shades of the petals depend on the temperature, the brightness of the lighting and the soil. During the flowering and growth period, fertilizers must be applied.
- 4. White - perennial. Has long flowering. The bud is large, painted white. The edges of the leaves of the flower are framed by a beautiful border. Grows in Southeast Asia.
- 5. Tree-like - a perennial evergreen variety, has a large flower with a bright color. Bud diameter - about 10 cm. Abundant flowering requires a lot of watering and fertile soil. Gardeners use tree hibiscus as a hedge.
Terry
variegated
treelike
Composition and useful properties
Chinese rose is not only a beautiful ornamental plant, but also has healing properties. Its composition is presented:
- vitamins - A, C, B2, B5, B12, PP;
- macro- and microelements - calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium;
- antioxidants;
- flavonoids;
- organic acids - citric, tartaric, malic;
- pectin substances;
- anthocyanins;
- phytosterols.
Chinese rose has the following beneficial properties:
- hemostatic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- anticonvulsant;
- antihelminthic;
- bactericidal;
- diuretic;
- choleretic;
- tonic.
flower tea
The main purpose of hibiscus is to make tea from it. Thanks to the substances anthocyanins, a drink made from rose petals acquires a ruby hue. Due to them, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened and cleared of cholesterol plaques. Eating hibiscus can regulate blood pressure. When hot, tea is able to increase it, when it is cold, it can be lowered. Ascorbic acid and polysaccharides included in the composition in large quantities activate the protective functions of the body and help strengthen human immunity. Vitamins of the PP group have antispasmodic and diuretic effects.
Hibiscus tea is used as a prophylactic for liver diseases, it stimulates the production of bile, improves metabolism. With seasonal pathologies, the drink helps to cope with viral and bacterial infections, to keep the body in good shape.
The sour taste of tea is given by the organic acids that make up its composition. They help quench your thirst. Chinese rose is able to cleanse the human body of worms, as it has antihelminthic properties. Flowers, crushed to form juice, are applied to boils, weeping eczema, abscesses, wounds. A drink from the petals is used for edema as a hemostatic, anticonvulsant.
Home-made flower tea quenches thirst, refreshes and tones well. Known as hibiscus, as well as Sudanese rose, mallow, the drink of the pharaohs. The substances that make up the tea improve well-being. With a hangover syndrome, due to the beneficial properties, drinking a cold drink greatly facilitates a person's condition. It compensates for the lack of vitamins and microelements, normalizes the water-alkaline balance, relieves headaches. Hibiscus tea can be drunk by people suffering from kidney disease, as it does not contain oxalic acid.
To prepare it, you need to take 1 tbsp. l. red rose flowers and pour 300 ml of boiling water over them. Then insist 10 minutes and drink a tea drink 3-4 times a day.
Hibiscus pairs well with a variety of fruits. Apples, rose hips, strawberries are added to tea from a flower. The combination of red rose and wild rose, enriched with vitamin C, will help restore strength and immunity, make up for the lack of vitamins. You can brew tea in a thermos, in which case it is better infused. To prepare a drink at home, you need to put in a container of 2 tbsp. l. wild rose and hibiscus flowers, pour hot water and leave for 1 hour.
Red rose is used not only as a tea. Syrups, cherry drinks are prepared from the flowers of the plant, added to marinades and sauces.
Contraindications
Despite the large amount of vitamins and trace elements, hibiscus also has contraindications. With individual intolerance to the body, it can cause an allergic reaction. It is not recommended to take hibiscus for people suffering from gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis.
Pregnant women should be careful when using Chinese rose tea, as it can lead to uterine hypertonicity. In this way, it is possible to harm the unborn child. It is necessary to refrain from taking tea during lactation, since the substances that are included in the drink can cause an allergic reaction. Children under 5 years of age are not recommended to drink hibiscus.
Hibiscus is a plant from the Malvaceae family. To date, it is known as a houseplant, referred to as the "Chinese rose". Also, another name, popularly known as hibiscus, has gained wide publicity.
The history of this flower has several thousand years. In ancient Egypt, its medicinal properties were used to treat various ailments. However, the East is considered the birthplace of this plant. The ancient Arabic treatises speak of the healing power of this flower, because it was considered a panacea for most diseases.
Today, hibiscus is widely used not only in alternative medicine, but also in cosmetology and cooking. About the properties of this miraculous flower, and how to use it for various purposes, we will consider further.
Natural composition and calorie content
The beneficial properties of the "royal" flower are due to the rich natural composition of this plant. Medicinal properties are possessed not only by hibiscus flowers, but also by its leaves, seeds and fruits.
Hibiscus contains:
- vitamins (A, C, B2, B5, B12, PP);
- macro- and microelements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium);
- antioxidants;
- flavonoids;
- organic acids - citric, tartaric, malic, linoleic, etc.;
- pectin;
- captopril;
- beta-carotene, etc.
Nutritional value of the product: proteins - 0.3 g, fats - 0 g, carbohydrates - 0.6 g. calories- 5 calories per 100 g of product.
What are the health benefits of hibiscus?
Hibiscus is a truly miraculous flower. No wonder it was called in ancient Egypt "the flower of the pharaohs." The plant is rich in a huge number of useful properties.
The petals and cups of the plant from which red tea is made are the main storehouse of vitamins and useful microelements. Such a drink is indicated for:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- to normalize blood pressure;
- colds, flu and SARS;
- allergic reactions;
- insomnia;
- salt deposits;
- with diseases of the gallbladder, etc.
The benefits of hibiscus also lie in its leaves. They are rich in medicinal properties and are also used to improve the body. The composition of the leaves includes flavonoids, which remove harmful toxic substances from the body, and also cleanse it from helminthic invasions.
Fresh crushed hibiscus petals are used as compresses for wounds, bruises and swelling. The plant has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects. Soaked in water, the flowers of the "Chinese rose" are used as lotions for various skin diseases and inflammations.
Hibiscus has a mild laxative effect. When drinking drinks from hibiscus, digestion improves and stool normalizes. The plant treats various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and is often used as a prophylactic.
plant application
As already mentioned, hibiscus has been widely used on an industrial scale. The plant is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetology, cooking and traditional medicine.
Pharmacology manufactures various preparations based on hibiscus, which include plant extract.
Modern cosmetology uses the flowers of the "Chinese rose" for the manufacture of shampoos, creams, gels and other cosmetics. Hibiscus oil has a unique natural composition. It is used to make various skin and hair care products.
In cooking Hibiscus is used as a fragrant, spicy seasoning to complement various salads, meat and confectionery products. For example, spice is added when stewing meat. In many countries, dried hibiscus is used in brewing coffee drinks.
Fresh flowers of the "Sudanese rose" are used to make compotes, fruit drinks, jellies and even jams. Often it is used as a natural, natural dye for confectionery and various sweets.
Alternative medicine I have been using this plant for medicinal purposes for a long time. Flowers, leaves and seeds of hibiscus are used to prepare various decoctions and infusions. We will consider the recipes for their preparation below.
Use in traditional medicine
Traditional medicine uses almost all parts of the plant: its leaves, flowers, seeds and roots. But the most common recipe ingredients are hibiscus flowers and leaves. On their basis, various folk remedies are prepared for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
To prepare a classic drink, you need to brew one tablespoon of hibiscus flower in 300 ml of boiling water. Let it brew and drink several times a day
Drink from hibiscus petals has healing properties such as:
Useful tea for infectious diseases: brew two tablespoons of hibiscus tea in a cup. Let it brew for 5-10 minutes. Add a spoonful of honey. We drink twice a day. The course is one month. The infusion effectively fights against various microbes and bacteria. The remedy is indicated in the presence of staphylococci, fungi, E. coli and other harmful bacteria.
Tea to normalize blood pressure. It is known that hibiscus tea is useful for both hypertensive and hypotensive patients. When warm, it increases blood pressure, and when cold, it lowers it. To prepare a spoonful of hibiscus petals, brew in a glass of boiling water. Cover and let steep for 7-10 minutes. Drink cool or warm.
Hibiscus tea to increase appetite: take two tablespoons of hibiscus flowers, pour 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew. Add a spoonful of honey. We drink four times a day.
Collection and preparation
To use the plant for the treatment and healing of the body, six-day strings are usually collected, as well as hibiscus rhizomes. During this period, these parts of the plant are of the greatest value, as they contain a maximum of nutrients in their composition.
The collected parts of hibiscus are dried, after getting rid of moisture. If you do not pay attention to this factor, the plant may begin the process of decay.
When collecting petals, it is important not to damage them. The plant is dried naturally, periodically turning over. The drying process ends when the petals become brittle and break easily.
After that, hibiscus flowers are hidden in a dry place (glass vessels, cardboard boxes and linen bags), where there is no access to dampness, humidity and temperature changes.
Contraindications
Despite the huge number of useful properties, hibiscus has some contraindications. "Sudanese rose" and any medicines based on it can cause allergic reactions in the presence of individual intolerance to the plant.
It is also contraindicated to use hibiscus with increased acidity of the stomach. It is forbidden to use hibiscus and hibiscus-based decoctions for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, etc.
During pregnancy and lactation, it is worth using the plant with extreme caution. The use of decoctions and teas based on hibiscus stimulates menstruation. This can harm the unborn fetus and lead to serious consequences.
It is especially important to be careful during lactation, as the child may have an allergic reaction to the substances that make up the hibiscus.
An extraordinary plant from all sides, which is widespread in eastern countries and feels great on the windowsills of ordinary "northern" inhabitants, is hibiscus, or Sudanese rose.
Description
This shrub of the Malvaceae family loves a warm tropical climate. Therefore, it is not surprising that its varieties (tree-like, Syrian, herbaceous) are grown in the territories of Egypt, Sri Lanka, Mexico, India, China, Thailand, Mexico and Sudan in the open field, forming entire plantations. But in Russia, flower lovers prefer to plant hibiscus in a large wide outdoor pot, and smaller plants in flowerpots.
An interesting fact is that in Malaysia, the Sudanese rose is referred to as a symbolic plant of Islam, because it is the beautiful bizarre red petals of the plant that remind the devout Muslim of the main five commandments of the Koran. In addition, in this country, hibiscus has the status of a national flower.
Hibiscus composition
The inflorescences of the plant are most commonly used. And not only for making the world-famous hibiscus tea.
That is why many are interested in the chemical composition of the "petals of the oriental rose" and their calorie content.
In general, the "flower" part of the plant boasts:
- Minimum calorie content (from 0 to 4.6 kcal);
- The presence of beta-carotene;
- The contained vitamins of group B (in particular, B2, B6, B9, B5 and B12);
- Sufficient amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
- The most important vitamin PP in the work of the whole organism (or rather, its complete composition);
- Minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium;
- Fruit, tartaric, citric, malic organic acids;
- Six essential amino acids;
- Gammalinoleic acid (promotes the destruction of "bad" cholesterol cells);
- Easily digestible carbohydrates;
- Bioflavonoids (natural antibiotics);
- Antioxidant substance - pectin;
- The complete absence of oxalic acid.
But this is only the composition of the inflorescences, which are eaten fresh and "boiled" form. True, we must not forget about the leaves and the fruits of this shrub. After all, the ancient healers left a lot of information that is effectively used by contemporaries.
For example, the green leaves of the Sudanese rose contain proteins, cellulose, ash, total carbohydrates and fats, and additionally calcium and phosphorus.
Completely protein-free, but very high-calorie (practically up to 355 calories per 100 g of product) are hibiscus fruits. But despite the sufficient amount of fats and carbohydrates in them that can spoil the figure, their moderate use will replenish the body with additional calcium, phosphorus and iron, which is valuable in combination with vitamin C.
Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus flower tea of a brightly saturated color of red wine is probably known all over the world.
Of course, a special attitude towards it is observed in the East, where it is considered a national drink that perfectly quenches thirst.
To obtain a real “drink of the pharaohs”, it is recommended to take only flowers of the Rosella or Sabdariffa variety.
It is customary to brew hibiscus petals and drink hibiscus hot as regular tea.
But in accordance with the classic recipe for making tea, dry petals are poured with warm water and insisted for several hours. Then filter and cool.
You can make an infusion of hibiscus inflorescences, covering them only with cold water for almost a day. After aging, they are advised to warm up for five minutes and again put infused until completely cooled. So connoisseurs of red tea exclude the possibility of destroying the valuable vitamins contained in the petals. Hibiscus specialists note the acquisition of raspberry and other berry flavor notes by tea with a very long standing of the mixture. And if you also add a little honey or sugar, then the aromas will resemble the usual homemade jam.
The main thing is not to use metal utensils, which tend to oxidize under the influence of vitamin C.
After the slightly sour tea is drunk completely, it is allowed to eat those very inflorescences. They taste good and contain all the useful substances.
Benefits of Hibiscus
It is quite natural that the presence of such a large percentage of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other organic components give the Sudanese rose incredible beneficial properties for the human body. And here is a small list of them:
This plant is considered the most versatile in relation to helping people with unstable blood pressure. Many still do not believe in the healing properties of hibiscus and are trying to clarify: “Does such a drink lower or increase blood pressure?” According to the research results, it turned out that
- Drinking hot hibiscus petal tea will help to avoid a breakdown, cheer up and, as a result, increase blood pressure in case of hypotension;
- "Cold" hibiscus tea, on the contrary, helps to lower pressure.
True, some skeptics associate such an effect on blood vessels with the direct effect of heat and cold on them.
Be that as it may, today red tea is considered to be the only natural universal remedy that effectively regulates blood pressure, both low and high.
Caution
Despite the beneficialness of hibiscus tea per person, it is necessary to take into account some nuances when using it:
- Sudanese rose flowers increase the level of estrogen in a woman's blood, which causes uterine cramps, which is why it is strictly forbidden to drink such a drink for pregnant women and those who are just planning to get pregnant;
- Naturally, hibiscus tea should not be consumed by children under one year old;
- This tea is not recommended for those who have an increased acidity of the stomach and an ulcer (the acids contained can lead to an exacerbation);
- Also, you can not use such tea for exacerbations of urinary and cholelithiasis;
- If possible, before drinking red tea, it is advisable to conduct allergic tests in order to exclude individual intolerance.
And in general, excessive passion for hibiscus will not lead to good. Therefore, the maximum amount of hibiscus should be 3 small cups per day.
Selection and storage
It can be argued that in domestic stores and supermarkets it is almost impossible to find true hibiscus flowers that can be brewed for tea. After all, there are often no large copies, and a “trifle” is wishful thinking.
It is good when there is an opportunity to bring food products from Asian countries. And if this is not possible, then you should try to find large dried whole inflorescences (sometimes they are sold).
It is also better to pour the prepared tea into a glass jar, close the lid and refrigerate.
Hibiscus is a flowering shrub much loved by gardeners and landscapers for its beautiful, vibrant flowers.
In other languages, the name of this plant sounds like this:
- English - Hibiscus;
- German - Hibiscus;
- French - Hibiscus.
Appearance
Hibiscus has a wide variety of species, so its appearance can be very different. It can be a small tree or a herbaceous plant, but most often the hibiscus is a branched shrub strewn with brightly colored inflorescences. The flower of the herbaceous hibiscus reaches as much as 30 cm in diameter.
The seeds of the plant ripen in small boxes, which are sometimes covered with pile.
Kinds
In the botanical literature, information can be found on many different types of hibiscus. In total, scientists count from 150 to 300 species of this shrub. Among them the most famous are:
- hemp- an annual, which is a low grass, is used for the production of technical textiles;
- Chinese- evergreen shrub with very large, pink or red inflorescences;
- rosella- a shrub with white or pink flowers, the fruits of which are used to make hibiscus tea and confectionery;
- Syrian- a tall shrub, which is characterized by a wide variety of colors of inflorescences;
- trifoliate- a herbaceous plant, characterized by the structure of the leaf and pale yellow, with a purple middle inflorescences.
Where does it grow?
Hibiscus is common in Europe, Africa, North and South America, in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. On the territory of Russia, the largest number of species of this plant grows in the mountains of the Caucasus, in the Far East and in the Crimea. Hibiscus can also be found in the CIS countries, including Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
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The roots of the plant, as well as very young ovaries, contain the greatest amount of nutrients. The latter are usually harvested on the 6th day after their appearance. The flower ovaries are cut with garden shears or a small pruner. You can do this procedure for the entire flowering period of hibiscus, every one and a half weeks.
The collected raw materials are dried away from sunlight, in a room with dry air and good ventilation. It is best to store the ovaries and roots of hibiscus in bags or paper bags.
Characteristics
The hibiscus petals of those species commonly eaten are characterized by:
- dark red;
- fruity-floral aroma;
- sweetish, with a slight sour taste;
- high concentration of nutrients.
Nutritional value and calories
You can learn more useful information about hibiscus from the video.
Chemical composition
Hibiscus contains a large amount of organic acids: phenolcarboxylic, tartaric, citric, malic and ascorbic. As well as amino acids and flavonoids: hibiscetin, myricetin, quercetin and hibissetrin. The red color of hibiscus tea comes from anthocyanins. The chemical composition also includes: polysaccharides, pectin, vitamin C, mucous substances, macro- and microelements.
Beneficial features
- normalizes pressure;
- improves skin condition;
- has a choleretic effect;
- regulates metabolism;
- cleanses the blood;
- strengthens blood vessels;
- has a diuretic effect;
- is a mild laxative;
- helps to get rid of excess weight;
- strengthens the immune system;
- purifies the air in the room.
Harm and contraindications
There are no strict contraindications for eating hibiscus, but people suffering from the following diseases should take this plant with caution:
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- hypertension.
In addition, it should be remembered that in case of individual intolerance, hibiscus can cause an allergic reaction, accompanied by redness and itching of the skin, as well as signs of food poisoning.
Oil
Hibiscus essential oil has been used in many different areas of life. In aromatherapy, it is used to treat depression, in cosmetology - for skin care and inflammation, and in folk medicine - for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and to relieve pain and muscle cramps. Hibiscus oil has a rich musky aroma, so it is often included in various perfume compositions.
Juice
Hibiscus juice is recommended by traditional healers for the treatment of a number of diseases, including in order to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. For these purposes, the Chinese hibiscus, which is also called the Chinese rose, is most suitable. Juice is squeezed from fresh inflorescences of the plant in any way possible, for example, using gauze or a meat grinder.
Syrup
Hibiscus syrup has a wide range of health benefits, but is usually used not as a medicine, but as a soft drink or an ingredient in a variety of cocktails. The syrup contains hibiscus flowers, water and cane sugar. Drinking this drink after a meal will help get rid of digestive problems.
Application
In cooking
- fresh hibiscus leaves can be added to salads;
- the leaves of this plant can also be stewed with meat;
- hibiscus seeds are roasted and used to make oriental sweets;
- grains can also be added to coffee during brewing;
- hibiscus petals are part of different types of tea;
- the flowers of the plant are used in the preparation of sweet sauces, jams and jellies.
Seasoning for sweet dishes
Grind dried flowers: 1 part hibiscus, 1 part tea rose and 1/3 part lavender. Add salt and sugar to taste. Seasoning is perfect for salads of flower petals and fruits, for cottage cheese and dairy desserts.
Refreshing ginger tea
Peel a small piece of ginger root and cut into thin strips. In a small saucepan, put ginger, half a glass of sugar and pour a liter of water.
Constantly stirring, wait for the water to boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and put 3-4 tea bags with hibiscus petals in it (you can replace it with just dried flowers). Cover and leave for 15 minutes.
Then strain the tea and let it cool. Add 2 tbsp. lemon juice. If desired, you can dilute the drink with cold water. Serve with ice cubes and lemon wedges.
In medicine
Traditional medicine recommends using medicines prepared from various parts of the plant to combat a variety of ailments, including:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- haemorrhoids;
- constipation;
- dysentery;
- purulent inflammation on the skin;
- alcohol poisoning;
- swelling;
- hypotension;
- elevated temperature;
- violation of the kidneys.
Folk recipes
- For constipation it is recommended to prepare a mild laxative from hibiscus petals. For this, 1 tbsp. dried flowers pour a glass of hot water and let it brew for 30 minutes. The decoction should be drunk warm.
- If there are worms in the body an infusion of hibiscus flowers will help. It is prepared traditionally: brew 1 tbsp. dry petals in a glass of boiling water. The decoction should be drunk on an empty stomach once a day for 3 days.
- For insomnia and nervous tension a soothing drink made from hibiscus and hops will help. Take in equal parts (about 1 tbsp each) hibiscus petals and hop cones and pour 300 ml of boiling water. Let the broth brew for several hours. Drink 1 tbsp. a spoonful of decoction in the morning and 2 tbsp. - before going to bed. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In cosmetology
Cosmetics prepared on the basis of hibiscus flowers are used for:
- care for oily and combination skin;
- giving skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles;
- pore cleansing;
- relieve inflammation;
- prevent dandruff;
- reduce oily hair.
When losing weight
Nutritionists often recommend that those who wish to lose weight replace regular tea with hibiscus tea made from hibiscus flowers. It contains substances that help to get rid of excess weight, and also regulates digestion. In addition, the laxative and diuretic effects of hibiscus are well known.
At home
Even in ancient times, people learned how to prepare red paint from hibiscus flowers, which they applied to the body, dyed hair and fabrics. Today, some housewives use this dye to dye Easter eggs, but the color of the eggs will not be red.
Growing at home
Growing hibiscus at home is not difficult even for a beginner grower. The easiest way to do this is from a cutting of a plant.
You need to grow cuttings in a warm, bright room. Within a month, the young plant will give roots. When this happens, the cutting should be planted in a separate pot with soil fertilized with peat and humus.
Care
Caring for hibiscus is not a burden at all. It is necessary to ensure that the plant has enough sunlight, but at the same time, protect it from direct sunlight. Indoors in summer it is necessary to maintain room temperature, and in winter try to place the pot with the plant in a cooler room (but the air temperature should not fall below 10 degrees).
Periodically, hibiscus should be watered with settled water, slightly warmer than the room temperature. In summer and spring, it is advisable to spray the plant. For better growth, once a month, the soil can be fed with a special fertilizer for hibiscus.
The first few years of life, the flower needs an annual transplant. An older plant is enough to transplant once every three years.
It should be remembered that even with proper care, hibiscus will bloom no earlier than 3 years later.
reproduction
Hibiscus propagates by cuttings, seeds, layering, as well as dividing the bush. The first two methods are the easiest. We have already written about growing cuttings above. Propagation by seeds is as follows:
- the collected seeds are placed in a container with epin - a growth regulator and left for 6 hours;
- prepare a box for planting - mix sand and peat;
- place the seeds in the planting mixture;
- the box is covered with glass and placed in a warm room;
- several times a week, seedlings are ventilated and watered;
- when the first 3-4 leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in separate pots.
Varieties
For breeding at home and in the backyard, Chinese hibiscus is the most popular. It is this type of flower that boasts the largest variety of varieties. Here are just a few of them:
- Gait;
- White diamond;
- cloudy days;
- snowy sky;
- Darkness of the night;
- flower wall;
- Marianne Charlton.
- In the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, there is the world's only Hibiscus Park, in which about 2,000 specimens of the plant are grown. The hibiscus flower can also be found on the national emblem of this country.
- In India, hibiscus participates in wedding ceremonies - bright red flowers are woven into wedding wreaths.
