From the Greek “Hibiscos” which translates to “marshmallow”, hibiscus is a genus of perennial flowering plant of the large Malvaceae family (Malvaceae)
Highly reputed since antiquity for its many medicinal and ornamental virtues, the hibiscus was then cultivated in Southeast Asia and Egypt before being imported into the West in the 12th century by the Moors of Spain and finally gaining the new continent.
To date, there are more than 30,000 different species of hibiscus, each valued for its various properties. The beauty of their brightly colored flowers charms its fans and has also earned some species to become the national emblem of South Korea (hibiscus syriacus) and Malaysia (red hibiscus)
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a very well-known variety in Egypt and Africa where it was imported in the 19th century from Southeast Asia. In addition to its ornamental qualities, the hibiscus sabdariffa commonly known as Guinea sorrel or Roselle is coveted for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.
The health benefits of hibiscus
Rich in ascorbic acid, which gives it its tangy taste,
Hibiscus has many beneficial properties for health, it is both a
• antibacterial
• anti-inflammatory
• antiseptic (natural disinfectant)
• analgesic (acts against pain)
• diuretic • mild laxative
• emmenagogue (promotes the onset of menses)
• relaxing uterine muscles
• cholagogue (promotes the evacuation of bile towards the intestine by contraction of the gallbladder)
• hypotensive
• cholesterol-lowering (helps maintain good cholesterol levels)
For internal use: Herbal teas, juices, infusions
The history of Hibiscus by Okhamare Various scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of hibiscus on arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, small urinary tract infections (properties recognized by EFSA, European food safety authority) and in the prevention of kidney stones. The infusion of the calyxes of hibiscus sabdariffa flowers makes it possible to obtain a drink very popular in Africa and now in the world. It has different names depending on the country of production: Bissap in Senegal, Karkadé in Egypt, aqua de jamaica in Mexico, foléré in Cameroon, gooseberry country in the West Indies, karakandji in the Central African Republic... A scientific study conducted in 2010 at the Boston University (United States) demonstrated that the consumption of three cups of Bissap per day for three months allowed a significant reduction in arterial hypertension in moderately affected subjects. This drink is also used in prevention. The infusion of hibiscus roots was also widely used in Egypt to calm inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Hibiscus also has antiphlogistic properties (fights infection and promotes its resorption), it promotes the healing of certain eczema, certain dermatoses or skin allergies. It also has anti-oedematous properties. Although its health benefits are widely recognized, hibiscus is not a medicine and consuming too much of it over a long period of time could be harmful to the liver. In addition, its consumption is not recommended for young children, pregnant women (for its emmenagogue properties) and breastfeeding women. Hibiscus on our plates... Not all species of hibiscus are edible, only a few of them, such as hibiscus sabdariffa, syriacus, and esculentus for example, are used in the kitchen. ➢ The leaves and shoots of hibiscus sabdariffa are eaten raw or cooked just like vegetables. ➢ The flowers of hibiscus syriacus are edible and are often used in infusion for their emollient power (relaxes, releases tense tissues) ➢ The fruits of hibiscus esculentus called okra are used as vegetables in the composition of many African dishes , Asian, Central and South American.
Hibiscus, my beauty ally! The hibiscus flower has proven to be a real beauty asset from Africa, it is used in the composition of many cosmetic products. In the form of cream, oil, hydrosol, soaps, hibiscus contributes to our well-being and takes care of our skin and our hair thanks to its many regenerating, moisturizing and protective properties. A rejuvenation asset: Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins, molecules belonging to the class of flavonoids (just like polyphenols), and which prove to be powerful antioxidants which fight against the free radicals responsible for cellular aging.
A hydration asset: Hibiscus also contains many natural active ingredients such as sugars and essential fatty acids with beneficial moisturizing power for dry, weakened and devitalized skin. Used in oil, hibiscus flowers provide natural protection to the epidermis while allowing better absorption of water in the cells. Hibiscus flower oil is also used in hair care to prevent the appearance of split ends and promote their growth. In hydrosol, hibiscus restores strength and shine to the hair. An asset against dull complexion: Hibiscus is also very rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, applied to the skin, it will promote the elimination of dead skin often responsible for a dull complexion while stimulating the production of collagen thus promoting a better skin elasticity. All of this provides a radiant complexion. We recommend the use of hibiscus extracts in the composition of the following products: – shampoos for damaged and fragile hair – softening body milks – hand creams, moisturizing soaps – soothing after-sun gels – peeling masks for skin mature or dull – refreshing foot creams – tonic lotions for stressed skin