Hibiscus: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Hibiscus is a red flower that is also known as China rose or Gudhal. Hibiscus has so many beneficial properties that are good for the treatment of various health problems. Consuming hibiscus tea is beneficial for managing menorrhagia, bleeding piles, and diarrhea and lowering high blood pressure. Other uses of hibiscus are using it in the form of powder or paste along with other essential oils for promoting hair growth and preventing the greying of hair. 

Properties of Hibiscus:

Hibiscus has so many beneficial properties that may help in the treatment of various health problems. Some of these properties of hibiscus are as follows:

• Aphrodisiac property
• Laxative property
• Sita property
• Kashaya property
• Pitta balancing property
• Antioxidant property

So these are some of the properties of hibiscus. All these properties are beneficial for the overall health of a person.

Historical uses of hibiscus: 

Hibiscus plant has been used for years in the treatment of various health problems. The red hibiscus flowers are mainly used for medicinal purposes because of its medicinal properties. The hibiscus plant's use dates back to the Egyptian time as it was used to lower the body temperature and was used to treat nerve and heart diseases. Hibiscus may also be used as a diuretic to increase urine production. Some of the other health benefits of using hibiscus are as follows:

• Lowers high blood pressure
• Treats upset stomach
• Helps in the treatment of bacterial infections.
• Used for promoting hair growth
• Helps lower body temperature

So these were some of the health problems that can be treated with the help of hibiscus. People for years have believed in the health benefits of the hibiscus plant. Moreover, people also consume hibiscus tea as it has many health benefits for the body.

Benefits of hibiscus in Ayurvedic treatment:

Hibiscus is highly valued for ayurvedic treatments. Hibiscus has so many health benefits and has useful healing properties. Check out all the benefits of hibiscus in the treatment of various health problems.

1. Helps in the treatment of menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is the condition of excess or heavy menstrual bleeding, which is known as raktapradar. This happens when the Pitta dosha in the body is aggravated. However, consuming hibiscus tea is good. It can help control the excess menstrual bleeding as it has a sita and Kashaya property that helps balance the Pitta dosha of the body.

Tips for the treatment of menorrhagia by consuming hibiscus tea

If you want to control excessive menstrual bleeding, then you can consume hibiscus tea by following these steps.

1. You could take about 1-2 cups of water in a boiling pot and add hibiscus tea leaves in the boiling water.
2. After 2-3 minutes, you can stain the hibiscus tea in a cup and add honey for taste.
3. You can consume hibiscus tea 1-2 times a day for controlling excess menstrual bleeding.

Helps in the treatment of bleeding piles

The reason for bleeding piles is because of the aggravated pitta dosha in the body. However, hibiscus has pitta balancing and Kashaya properties that are beneficial for the treatment of bleeding piles. Therefore, consuming hibiscus tea can be helpful for bleeding piles as it provides a cooling effect in the body.

Tips for the treatment of bleeding piles by consuming hibiscus tea

If you want to treat bleeding piles, then you can consume hibiscus tea by following these steps.

1. You could take about 1-2 cups of water in a boiling pot and add hibiscus tea leaves in the boiling water.
2. After 2-3 minutes, you can stain the hibiscus tea in a cup and add honey for taste.
3. You can consume hibiscus tea 1-2 times a day for the treatment of bleeding piles.

Helps in the treatment of diarrhea

The reason for diarrhea is the weak digestive system due to improper food intake, water, and even mental stress. This leads to an increase in the body's Vata, and an aggravated Vata leads to diarrhea. However, hibiscus has grahi property that is beneficial for the treatment of diarrhea as it can balance the Vata of the body and also promote a good digestive system. Therefore, hibiscus tea can be consumed by a person suffering from diarrhea.

Tips for the treatment of diarrheaby consuming hibiscus tea

If you are suffering from diarrhea, then you can consume hibiscus tea by following these steps.

1. You could take about 1-2 cups of water in a boiling pot and add hibiscus tea leaves in the boiling water.
2. After 2-3 minutes, you can stain the hibiscus tea in a cup and add honey for taste.
3. You can consume hibiscus tea 1-2 times a day for the treatment of diarrhea.

Helps prevent hair loss and promote hair growth

Hibiscus has sita property that is beneficial for controlling hair fall and promoting the growth of new hair as hibiscus has nourishment agents that provides nourishment to the scalp and hair.

Tip for controlling hair fall and promoting hair growth

If you are suffering from hair fall and want to promote new hair growth, you can follow these steps.

1. Take about a handful of hibiscus leaves in a grinder and grind them by adding a little water to make a thick paste.
2. You can then pour this paste into a bowl and apply it to your scalp and hair.
3. Let the paste stay on your hair for about 1-2 hours before you rinse it off.
4. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to get better results.

Helps in the treatment of sunburns

The reason for sunburns is direct contact with harmful UV radiations, which increase the amount of pitta in the skin and decrease the amount of rasa dhatu, which is the skin's nourishing fluid that is responsible for the skin color, complexion, and glows. However, hibiscus has ropan and sita properties that are beneficial for the treatment of sunburns. Therefore, if you want to treat your sunburns, you can apply hibiscus leaves on the skin to provide a cooling sensation.

Tips for using hibiscus leaves for the treatment of sunburns

If you want to treat your sunburns, then you can use hibiscus leaves by following these steps.

1. Take about a handful of hibiscus leaves in a grinder and grind them by adding a little water to make a thick paste.
2. You can then pour this paste into a bowl and apply it to the affected area. 
3. Let the paste stay for about 2-3 hours before you rinse it off.
4. After 2-3 hours, rinse off the paste using cold water.
5. You can repeat this process about 1-2 times a day for better results.

Dosage of hibiscus recommended by doctors:

The quantity of hibiscus recommended by doctors is as follows:

• Hibiscuspowder- You could take about half to two teaspoons of hibiscus powder, or you could take as per your requirement. 
• Hibiscus oil- you could take about 4-5 tablespoons of hibiscus oil, or you could take as per your requirement.
• Hibiscus capsule- You could take about one capsule two times a day or as recommended by your doctor.
• Hibiscus syrup- You could take about 3-4 teaspoons of hibiscus syrup two times a day or as recommended by your doctor.
• Hibiscus tea- You could consume about 1-2 cups of hibiscus tea in a day.

So these are the recommended dosage of hibiscus that you can consider before consuming or using hibiscus.

Usage of Hibiscus for ayurvedic treatment:

Hibiscus can be consumed and used for ayurvedic treatment. Check out how you can consume and use hibiscus for your treatments.

Hibiscus capsule with water

1. You could consume about one hibiscus capsule or as recommended by your doctor.
2. You can consume a hibiscus capsule after having lunch and dinner.

Hibiscus syrup with water

1. You could take about 3-4 teaspoons of hibiscus syrup two times a day or as recommended by your doctor.
2. You can mix the hibiscus syrup with water and consume after having your lunch and dinner.

Hibiscus powder with honey or water

1. You could take about half to two teaspoons of hibiscus powder, or you could take as per your requirement.
2. You can mix hibiscus powder with honey or water for consuming two times a day after lunch and dinner.

Hibiscus as tea

You can consume hibiscus as a tea by following these steps.

1. You could take about 1-2 cups of water in a boiling pot and add about 1-2 teaspoons of hibiscus tea leaves in the boiling water.
2. After it is boiled, you can turn off the burner and cover the pot for 1-2 minutes.
3. You can now add some tulsi leaves and add about ½ tablespoon of honey to the tea. 
4. You also have the option of adding about 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
5. Mix all the ingredients well and strain the hibiscus tea in a cup.
6. You can consume hibiscus tea 1-2 times a day.

Hibiscus as fresh juice

You can prepare fresh juice with hibiscus powder. Check out the procedure for the preparation.

1. You can take about one and a half cup of dried hibiscus flower in a pan, or you can also take about ¼- ½ of hibiscus powder.
2. Then you can add about 5-6 cups of water and about a 3-inch ginger piece in the pan.
3. Now start cooking it for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Now, after 15-20 minutes, turn off the burner and add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the pan and mix well.
5. Now strain the hibiscus juice in a glass and let it cool. You can also refrigerate the hibiscus juice for serving it cold.
6. You can consume hibiscus juice 1-2 times a day.

Hibiscus powder for face pack

You can make a face pack with hibiscus powder for getting glowing and healthy skin. Check out the procedure for the preparation of the face pack with hibiscus powder.

1. You could take about 1-2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus powder in a bowl.
2. You can then add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Then add about 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and about 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt.
4. Now finally, add adequate water to make a thick fine paste.
5. Start applying this paste on the face and neck.
6. Let the paste stay for 10-15 minutes.
7. After 10-15 minutes, you can rinse off the paste with cold water.
8. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week for better results.

Hibiscus as hair oil

You can use hibiscus hair oil for preventing hair fall and promoting the growth of new hair.

1. Take about a handful of hibiscus leaves in a grinder and grind them by adding a little water to make a thick paste.
2. Then pour about one cup of coconut oil into the paste and stir well.
3. You can then pour this paste into a bowl and apply it to your scalp and hair. 
4. Let the paste stay on your hair for about 1-2 hours before you rinse it off.
5. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to get better results.

Side effects of hibiscus

Some of the side effects of hibiscus are as follows:

• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Skin reddening

Precautionary guide for using hibiscus

Certain precautions must be considered before the consumption of Apple cider vinegar. Check out certain precautions that must be followed seriously:

• Expert advice

According to the expert’s advice, you must take care of the following things.

• It is advised not to consume any hibiscus supplements before 2 weeks from undergoing any surgery as hibiscus can lower the body's blood glucose levels, which makes it difficult for controlling the sugar levels during surgery.
• For allergic people

It is advised to consult your doctor if you are allergic to hibiscus as it is a part of the Malvaceae family. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before the consumption of any hibiscus supplement. Moreover, it is advised to do a patch testing before applying any hibiscus paste on the skin as it can cause allergic reactions if you are hypersensitive.

• For pregnant ladies

It is advised not to consume hibiscus during pregnancy as it has the anti-implantation property that could lead to miscarriage if consumed during pregnancy. Therefore, you must avoid the consumption of hibiscus if you are pregnant.

• For breastfeeding ladies

There is not enough evidence available to support the harmful effects of hibiscus for breastfeeding ladies. Therefore, it is advised not to consume hibiscus if you are breastfeeding.

• For diabetic patients:

If you have diabetes, then you must know that hibiscus has properties that can lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is advised that you check your sugar levels now and then after hibiscus along with any anti-diabetic medicines.

• For heart disease patients

The consumption of hibiscus may prove harmful to heart disease patients as they take diuretics or other antihypertensive drugs, leading to low blood pressure. Therefore, if you are consuming hibiscus with other diuretics, you must regularly monitor your blood pressure.

• Other medicine interactions

It is advised that you must consume hibiscus in the recommended dosage. There may be chances of medicine interactions if you are consuming hibiscus and analgesic and antipyretic drugs. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you are taking any analgesics and antipyretic drugs.

FAQ about brown rice:

Are hibiscus leaves edible?

You can consume hibiscus leaves as they are not harmful for consumption and contain all the essential nutrients and minerals beneficial for your body. Therefore, you can eat the dried hibiscus leaves, or you can also consume its extract.

What is the right procedure for using hibiscus powder for skin?

1. You could take about 1-2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus powder in a bowl.
2. You can then add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Then add about 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and about 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt.
4. Now finally, add adequate water to make a thick fine paste.
5. Start applying this paste on the face and neck.
6. Let the paste stay for 10-15 minutes.
7. After 10-15 minutes, you can rinse off the paste with cold water.
8. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week for better results.

Can you grow hibiscus plants indoors?

Hibiscus plants require the right environment with the right amount of light and humidity for growing. Therefore, you need the right amount of environmental factors like light and humidity for growing hibiscus plants indoors.

What is the right procedure for looking after your hibiscus plant?

You can follow this procedure for taking care of your hibiscus plant.

1. You must keep your hibiscus plant in the sunlight for about 2-3 hours as the hibiscus plant needs a warm and humid environment for growth. 
2. You must take care of the temperature as hibiscus plants can survive in temperatures between 16-32—C. Therefore, make sure that you place the plant indoors during winters. 
3. You must water your hibiscus plant with an appropriate amount as, during summers, the plant requires more water. However, you must water the plant during winters only when the soil dries up as excess watering can kill the hibiscus plant.

Does hibiscus plants need to be kept in shady areas or under the sun?

Hibiscus plants can survive in temperatures between 16-32^—C., and they can be kept under the sun. However, you can keep the hibiscus plant in a shady area if the temperature rises beyond 32^—C. You can also grow a hibiscus plant indoors with the right amount of humidity and light.

Does hibiscus tea contain caffeine?

Hibiscus tea does not have any caffeine content as it is not from the camellia sinensis family. Therefore, hibiscus tea can be called caffeine-free.

What is the procedure for making a hibiscus mask?

You can follow this procedure for preparing a hibiscus mask for getting glowing skin.

1. You could take about 1-2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus powder in a bowl.
2. You can then add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Then add about 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and about 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt.
4. Now finally, add adequate water to make a thick fine paste.
5. Start applying this paste on the face and neck.
6. Let the paste stay for 10-15 minutes.
7. After 10-15 minutes, you can rinse off the paste with cold water.
8. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week for better results.

What is the right procedure for using hibiscus leaves and flowers for hair?

You can follow this procedure for using hibiscus leaves and flowers as a paste for hair.

1. Take about 5-6 hibiscus leaves and about 2-3 hibiscus flowers in a grinder and grind them by adding a little water to make a thick paste.
2. Then pour about 2-3 drops of coconut oil or olive oil into the paste and stir well.
3. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt.
4. You can then pour this paste into a bowl and apply it to your scalp and hair. 
5. Let the paste stay on your hair for about 1-2 hours before you rinse it off.
6. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to get better results.

Does hibiscus tea lead to upset stomach?

Hibiscus has Kashaya property, which is harmful if hibiscus is consumed in large amounts and could lead to gas or constipation. Therefore, it is advised to consume hibiscus tea in the recommended amount.

Does consuming hibiscus tea promote good sleep?

Hibiscus tea has flavonoid contents that can promote good sleep as it reduces anxiety and stress. Consuming hibiscus tea can help in proving a soothing effect on the body and thereby improving sleep.

Does hibiscus have any benefits for the heart?

Hibiscus has antioxidant properties and also has a cardio-protective effect, which is beneficial for good heart health. Therefore, you can consume hibiscus tea for promoting heart health.