Herbal Monograph
Herb: HIBISCUS FLOWERS (Hibiscus rosa‑sinensis; Malvaceae)
Other Names: guinea sorrel, jamaica sorrel, red sorrel, roselle. (2)
Character/Energetics: sour, sweet, cool (6)
Meridians/Organs/Body Parts affected: liver, stomach (6)
Part(s) used: flowers (6)
Identification & Harvesting: A bushy, up to 3′ high annual; branched from the base. Stems are reddish, almost smooth; leaves cauline, trilobate, 3″-4″ wide; flowers are solitary, axillary; the calyx (corolla cup) is red, corolla yellow. Fruit is a 1″ long ovoid many-seeded capsule. Grows in all tropical regions. (2)
Active Constituents: Fruit acids 15-30% incl. hibiscus ((+)-allohydroxycitric acid lactone), malic acid, tartaric acid; anthocyans (intensive red) incl. delphinidin-3-xyloglucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-xyloglucoside; flavonoids incl. gossypetin; mucilages incl. rhamnogalacturonans, arabinogalactans, arabinans. (2)
not available (6)
Actions: laxative effect due to poorly absorbable fruit acids. Extracts of leaves effect a relaxation of the uterus musculature and have a hypotensive effect (2); refrigerant, anti‑inflammatory, astringent (6)
Conditions & Uses: Used for loss of appetite, colds of respiratory tract and stomach, to dissolve phlegm, as a gentle laxative and diuretic; effectiveness for these uses have not been substantiated. (2)
Hibiscus is used for fevers and minor stomach and intestinal complaint also makes a refreshing summer beverage. (6)
Combinations
Precautions: No recorded risks or side effects with designated dosages. (2)
Tincturing Process:
Applications:
Divination
Dosage: standard infusion or 3‑9 gms. (6)
General Notes:
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References:
(2) PDR for Herbal Medicines (Medical Economics Co., 1998), pgs. 897-98
(6) Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., pg. 210
PHOTO: Wikipedia