HIBISCUS FLOWERS

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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