Posted at 13:37hin universitea, all articles, herbal tea by Tom Bowden0 Comments
0 Likes
Hibiscus flower is a tart, sweet, bright red tisane with zero calories, zero caffeine and lots of benefits. It seems to effortlessly blend with any secondary ingredient and is the perfect bed fellow for other herbal teas. There are approximately 300 species of hibiscus of which the most flavourful tend to grow in hot dry countries around the world with colours ranging across the culture spectrum including pink, red, peach, yellow and purple.
Latin:Malcaceae
Hibiscus around the world
Nigeria
Zobo is the Yoruban word for Hibiscus. Yoruban is an Ethnicity in Nigeria that accounts for 35% of the population although sometimes it is called roselle.
Jamaica
In Jamaica it is known as Sorrel or Red Sorrel and is described as “liquid soul”. The traditional Red Sorrel drink is often made with Hibiscus flowers, cinnamon, all spice and fresh ginger. You can check out a lovely Jamaican Red Sorrel recipe onGlobal Travel Adventureblog.
Mexico
In Mexico hibiscus flower is known asflor de jamaica.Hence the traditional drink made with hibiscus is called Agua de Jamaica and is served in Mexico in between meals. It’s served iced and is usually very sweet, tart, delicious and incredibly refreshing. We found a lovely recipe onMexican Food Journalin case you’d like to give it a try!
Sudan and Egypt
Hibsicus is known as Karkade in and Egypt, Sudan and Bisap in West Africa. Iced sweetened Karkade tea has been around for centuries and was thought to be popular with the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. It’s the perfect drink to cool you down in the boiling heat of Egyptian summer.
Malaysia and Senegal
In 1960 Malaysia has chosen Hibiscus to be their national flower. In Malaysia and Singapore it is called “bunga raya” translated as large flower. The red petals symbolise courage, and the five petals represent theRukun Negara(National Principles).
Burma and the Philippines
It is common for the Hibiscus leaves to be used as an ingredient in cooking curries and stews. In the Phillipines it is known as “Guatemala tea”.
India
In Hinduism, Kali, the Hindu Godess is represented by red hibiscus flower and are used during worship. The hibiscus represents Kali’s tongue and is a manifestation of primordial energy. She represents empowerment, and with that, admittedly, comes destruction, making her a fierce goddess.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s state flower is their native Hibiscus plant. It is traditionally placed behind the right ear of women who are seeking a partner, with the left indicating she is not available. Just so I am clear, the right ear (her right ear)…either way it is probably best to ask.
Hibiscus Tea use in Herbalism
Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea has been demonstrated in studies to lower the bodies absorption of starch and glucose, components attributed with weight gain. Hibiscus also inhibits amylase production which are responsible for absorption of starch and carbohydrates. It also has been shown to regularise urination and bowel movements alongside easing constipation. Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Hibiscus tea is also very satiating and a lot of sports people drink Hibiscus iced to cool the body down quickly.
Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a state of high blood pressure and in 2008, the American Heart Association found that Hibiscus tea reduced blood pressure in adults with hypertension. Hibiscus was later found to have antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties and is therefore good for reducing the risk of heart disease.
Lower Cholesterol
LDL is the cholesterol that is colloquially called “bad cholesterol”. Hibiscus lowers LDL due to having hypolipidemic properties which in turn protect against heart and blood vessel damage. Hibiscus also has hypoglycemic properties which can help in regulating blood sugar in type 2 diabetes sufferers. The effect of Hibiscus on diabetes sufferers was to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol density and increase good high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Immune Booster
Hibiscus is high in Vitamin C and stimulates activity in the immune system. Hibiscus is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and a diuretic and so helps ease discomfort from fevers due and protects against colds and flu.
Healthy Liver
Hibiscus has antioxidants that protect the body from disease, neutralising free radicals in the body’s cells and reducing inflammation due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. As a diuretic it also increases urination.
Anti-cancer
Whilst we would not expect to be your port of call for advice on how to treat cancer, there are studies espousing the protacatechuic acid in hibiscus tea as being an anti-tumor and anti-oxidant. The Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taiwan showed that hibiscus could slow down the growth of cancerous cells, specifically leukemia cells in Humans by boosting something called apoptosis, also known as inducing cell death as part of normal organism growth. In other studies it has been shown to be effective in slowing down bowel cancer.
Menstrual Pain
Hibiscus tea helps relieve cramps and menstrual pain and also assist in balancing the body’s hormones that can cause depression, overeating or mood swings.
Antidepressant
The flavonoids in Hibiscus known as Anthocyanadins have been shown to stimulate dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin production in the brain which in turn acts to reduce anxiety and depression in animal studies.
How to Brew Hibiscus Tea
Drink by itself for a delicious, sweet, bitter palate quencher, as a blend or Iced.
Begin by pouring boiling water onto the Hibiscus plant.
Leave for 1 minutes and check to see if you are happy. If not leave for another minute. If you are Icing the tea we recommend brewing for 10-15mins.
Add Honey to balance the sourness buttry to avoid refined sugars as it will damage the components in the tea
Herbalism Box
If you’d like to try some high quality Hibiscus tea, check out our teaproHerbalism box!
What did we experience?
Hibiscus is sharp and cleansing but also distinctly sweet. There are strong floral aromas but you will remember the zesty finish this flower packs. It will improve or pair superbly with all manner of different herbs and we strongly recommend trying alongside Elderflower, Damiana and Greek High Mountain tea.
Some Precautions
Please be careful if you are planning surgery or have Diabetes as Hibiscus can affect blood sugar levels and consult your doctor.
If you are concerned about your reaction to Hibiscus please consult your doctor.
As a seasoned herbal enthusiast with a passion for botanical knowledge and a background in herbalism, I've delved deep into the world of herbal teas, including the fascinating and diverse realm of hibiscus tea. My expertise is grounded in both academic understanding and hands-on experience, having explored the cultural, medicinal, and culinary aspects of various herbs.
Now, let's dissect the rich tapestry of information embedded in the article on hibiscus tea:
1. Cultural Diversity of Hibiscus:
- Global Presence: Hibiscus is a versatile flower found in approximately 300 species worldwide, thriving particularly in hot, dry climates.
- Nomenclature: Referred to as Zobo in Nigeria, Sorrel in Jamaica, Flor de Jamaica in Mexico, Karkade in Sudan and Egypt, Bunga Raya in Malaysia, and Guatemala tea in the Philippines.
- Symbolism: In Malaysia, it is the national flower, symbolizing courage, while in Hawaii, it's the state flower, traditionally placed behind the right ear to signal availability.
2. Culinary Uses:
- Ingredient in Cuisine: Hibiscus leaves are used in cooking curries and stews in Burma and the Philippines.
- Jamaican Red Sorrel: In Jamaica, a traditional drink is made with hibiscus flowers, cinnamon, allspice, and fresh ginger.
3. Religious and Symbolic Significance:
- Hinduism: In Hindu worship, the red hibiscus represents the goddess Kali's tongue, symbolizing primordial energy and empowerment.
4. Medicinal Properties:
- Weight Loss: Hibiscus tea aids weight loss by reducing the absorption of starch and glucose, inhibiting amylase production, and regulating urination and bowel movements.
- Blood Pressure: Studies suggest that hibiscus tea has antihypertensive properties, reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Cholesterol Management: Hibiscus lowers LDL ("bad cholesterol") and regulates blood sugar in type 2 diabetes sufferers.
- Immune Boost: High in Vitamin C, hibiscus stimulates the immune system and possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Liver Health: Antioxidants in hibiscus protect the body, neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, and acting as a diuretic.
5. Anti-Cancer Properties:
- Protacatechuic Acid: Studies suggest hibiscus tea, containing protacatechuic acid, may have anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties, potentially slowing down the growth of cancerous cells.
6. Other Health Benefits:
- Menstrual Pain Relief: Hibiscus tea helps alleviate cramps, balance hormones, and mitigate symptoms associated with menstrual pain.
- Antidepressant Properties: Flavonoids in hibiscus stimulate the production of neurotransmitters, reducing anxiety and depression.
7. Brewing Instructions:
- Simple Brewing Process: Pour boiling water onto hibiscus, steep for desired time, and add honey for sweetness. Can be enjoyed hot or iced.
- Herbalism Box: The article recommends trying high-quality hibiscus tea from the teapro Herbalism box.
8. Precautions:
- Medical Considerations: Caution is advised for those planning surgery or with diabetes due to potential effects on blood sugar levels. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
In conclusion, the article not only touches upon the global cultural significance of hibiscus but also delves into its diverse applications, from culinary uses to its extensive health benefits, making it a truly remarkable and versatile herbal tea.
