There are a great many varieties of hibiscus in the world, conventionally they are divided into indoor and wild. Indoor varieties are good as a piece of furniture, but tea from them will not work. The variety from which this drink is obtained is Hibiscus sabdariffa or Rosella. It is also called the Sudanese rose.
Benefit for health
Useful and medicinal properties tea:
- It has an antibacterial, diuretic, antipyretic effect.
- Removes toxins and salts of heavy metals from the body.
- Normalizes the digestive system.
- Helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
- It is an antispasmodic.
- Prevents the appearance of malignant tumors.
- Strengthens the immune system, speeds up the healing process.
- Prevents the occurrence of colds and viral diseases.
- has a positive effect on appearance skin, slows down the aging process.
We invite you to watch a video about the benefits of hibiscus tea:
Chemical composition of hibiscus drink:
- More than a dozen amino acids, among which 6 are essential.
- Pectin.
- Nicotinic and ascorbic acids, acids of organic origin.
- Vitamins of groups B, A and R.
- Macro- and microelements (phosphorus, calcium, iron, etc.).
- Water.
Harm
The acids in the composition can destroy tooth enamel - it is better to drink hibiscus tea with a straw. Excessive consumption of tea can increase the level of acidity in the stomach, so people with gastritis (high acidity) or ulcers should limit the amount of tea.
Contraindications
- Kidney diseases.
- Stones in the bladder or gallbladder.
- Hypotension.
- Individual intolerance.
- Pregnancy, lactation period.
- Infant age.
- Increased susceptibility to allergies.
Indications for use
- Respiratory diseases.
- Colds and SARS.
- Digestive disorders.
- Menstrual disorders.
- Stress, fatigue.
- Disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system.
- Constipation, swelling.
- "slagging" of the body.
Rules for preparing herbal drink
The most common brewing methods:
- Cold- suitable for the use of hibiscus for healing purposes. In the absence of exposure to boiling water, the plant retains all its medicinal properties. 2 teaspoons of dry brew should be poured with 300 ml of boiled water. Insist 2.5-3 hours.
- Hot- the same volume of dry inflorescences pour 300 ml of boiling water, cover the dishes, leave for 5-7 minutes. Drink hot.
- Cooking- Pour 3 teaspoons of flowers into a bowl, pour water to the brim, bring to a boil over low heat, cook for 4 minutes and 40 seconds.
Important! Properly prepared drink will have one of the shades of ruby color, pleasant taste and rich aroma. Others can be added to the finished tea useful herbs, honey, spices, crushed ice.
We invite you to watch a video on how to brew hibiscus tea:
Methods for obtaining raw materials
Growing a flower at home
Hibiscus can be grown outdoors only in southern latitudes. because this plant is tropical. Low temperatures will kill him. On their own, the Sudanese rose is often grown in a room.
Growing features.
If the purpose of growing rosella is to obtain raw materials for brewing tea, then special attention should be paid to the plant during flowering and in front of it - provide light (but protect from direct sunlight), protect from drafts, do not forget about timely pruning, water abundantly (but not excessively), spray the foliage with water, fertilize regularly.
We suggest reading more about the reproduction and cultivation of hibiscus, and they talked about caring for hibiscus.
We invite you to watch a video about caring for a Sudanese rose:
Purchasing tea leaves in a store or pharmacy: selection rules
Advantages and disadvantages of a purchased product
- Affordable price.
- Lack of time and attention for self-growing of raw materials, caring for the plant.
- Opportunity to purchase a large amount of tea at once.
disadvantages:
- The likelihood of acquiring a fake.
- The raw materials may be stale or damaged as a result of transportation, which will adversely affect the taste and medicinal qualities of the herbal drink.
Rates
The price of hibiscus in Moscow ranges from 40 to 1916 rubles, the cost of a Sudanese rose in St. Petersburg is 60-2495 rubles. for packing.
The price depends on the quality of the goods, the form of its release, the exporting country and the weight of the contents of the package.
Hibiscus is a unique natural drink, combining a rich aroma, taste and useful medicinal qualities (read about how hibiscus differs from hibiscus, and you can learn about useful and harmful properties plants). In the people it is called the cure for all diseases. Regular consumption of hibiscus tea will help to cope with many problems in the body, strengthen it and tone it up.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Hibiscus petal tea is one of the most popular teas. This is not just a way to keep warm, but also an excellent tonic. As is often the case, hibiscus tea has not only an impressive list of useful properties, but also contraindications.
The second name is hibiscus
On sale you can find packages on which there is no mention of hibiscus at all. Only the name "karkade" is indicated. This is quite justified. The Sudanese rose, or rosella, is a low-growing shrub native to India. The petals, calyxes and subcups of its flowers are dried and used to make tea.
Today, in many countries, all kinds of varieties of hibiscus are grown. However, it is from India that raw materials of the most best quality. Hibiscus tea tastes good, pleases the eye with a bright scarlet hue, helps with depression and restores strength.
Sudanese rose can be grown at home. Beautiful flowering is the best reward for the owner. However, one should not expect such buds to be as tasty as those brought from India. Growing conditions play a huge role. The abundance of the sun, the composition of the soil are crucial.
How to prepare a drink?
There are many different ways. Everyone chooses the one that is more to their taste. Some of the most popular methods for making hibiscus flower tea include:
- Hot brew. A teaspoon of dried flowers is poured into a glass hot water(95°C). It is enough to insist 5 minutes. The method is good because it is suitable for use during any meal.
- Cold brew. A tablespoon of petals is poured into 0.5 liters of water room temperature. The container is covered with a lid. The drink is infused for 8 hours. When used, honey is added to the mug to taste.
- Decoction. Boil a tablespoon of hibiscus tea in 0.5 liters of water over low heat for 3 minutes. Serve immediately or strain and refrigerate.
- Infusion. Two teaspoons of petals are poured into 0.5 liters of hot (but not boiling) water and placed in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. The resulting drink is very similar to cherry juice in taste and contains a maximum of healing substances.
- in Egyptian. A tablespoon of hibiscus tea (hibiscus) is placed in a glass of cold water and left for 2 hours. Then the infusion is boiled for 5 minutes. You can drink the drink cold or hot.
- in Thai. In a coffee pot, 3 teaspoons of petals are poured into a glass of hot water. After boiling, throw a clove bud, a drop of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom. After 3 minutes, the drink is ready.
How to drink hibiscus tea?
Hot infusion is an excellent cold remedy. Those who suffer from low blood pressure can drink it regularly. Tasty additions: mint, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, lemon. There are several options for guests to choose from.
In summer, it is useful to keep a jug of chilled infusion in the refrigerator. Lemon acid contained in the petals, perfectly quenches thirst. Serve in glasses with ice. The drink prepared ahead of time is stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If there are no contraindications to taking, then it is permissible to drink up to 3 liters of tea per day.
Hibiscus is popularly known as an excellent alternative to cabbage pickle in the fight against hangovers. If a person suffers from high blood pressure, then it is permissible to drink no more than 3 glasses per day. The concentrated infusion is diluted with ordinary and mineral water.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
By eating hibiscus, a person receives a whole set of valuable trace elements. Among them:
- vitamins of groups PP, A, B, and C;
- phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium;
- flavonoids;
- organic acids;
- pectins;
- antioxidants.
The drink is part of many diets. This is not surprising, because 100 g of brewed tea contains:
- fat - 0 g;
- carbohydrates - 0.6 g;
- proteins - 0.3 g;
- calories - 5 kcal.
It is important to remember: you should not drink tea on an empty stomach. It's best to end your meal. This will help to avoid excessive irritation of the gastric mucosa.
With what diseases can you drink hibiscus?
If a person is sick and is being treated, then it is best to ask a doctor. The specialist will say for sure: it is possible or not to drink an infusion of hibiscus in a particular case. Traditionally, it is believed that the drink is useful for diseases:
- Heart and vessels.
- Gastrointestinal tract.
- Cold, flu.
- Allergy.
- Insomnia.
- salt deposits.
- Cholecystitis.
- Low pressure.
- Neurosis.
- Constipation.
- Helminthiases.
Fresh juicy petals are a well-known remedy for the treatment of wounds, tumors, and hematomas. This is due to the bactericidal, regenerating properties of the plant. A concentrated infusion of dried flowers is used in the treatment of skin diseases, inflammation.
How to be with a cold?
During an influenza epidemic, hot drinks have a beneficial effect on the patient's condition. Hibiscus tea has the same effect in sore throat, pharyngitis, rhinitis and other colds. The effect is not only in warming the nasopharynx and lungs. The healing effect is due to a rich set of vitamins and antiseptic properties of the plant.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of hibiscus tea are undeniable, but they will appear even brighter in combination with other cold remedies. For example, you can brew hibiscus with raspberries, lemon, lime blossom, lingonberries. Hot drink goes well with honey, as well as with berries mashed with sugar. An excellent remedy for beriberi is an infusion of hibiscus with rose hips.
Who is contraindicated for hibiscus?
Doctors forbid drinking hibiscus tea to patients with inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. Gastritis, gastric ulcer, pyelonephritis - this is an incomplete list of contraindications. There is also the phenomenon of individual plant intolerance.
When a person is prone to allergic reactions, you should try the drink carefully. It is not recommended to drink acid-rich tea on an empty stomach. If the pressure is above the norm, then it is better to refuse to use it altogether.
Endocrinologists believe that hibiscus is an excellent prophylactic in diabetes mellitus. The glycemic index of the drink is 0. You can sweeten a glass of infusion with a spoonful of fructose, then its calorie content will be only 38 kcal.
Useful properties and contraindications of hibiscus tea in relation to a particular person should be evaluated comprehensively. If there is no explicit prohibition for health reasons, then you can try. For example, to replace the usual morning cup coffee with a glass of hot or cold tea.
Diet with hibiscus
It is a mistake to believe that hibiscus is able to burn fat. This is not true. However, in diet food a medicinal drink is often used. There are several reasons for this:
- With its help, harmful substances are actively washed out of the body, restoring the natural balance of the fluid.
- Sour tea helps to get rid of hunger, having a meager calorie content.
- Hibiscus can be included in the composition of mono-diets, preventing a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements in the body.
Nutritionists remind: after drinking a drink, you must rinse your mouth, and even better, brush your teeth. The high content of acids has a devastating effect on tooth enamel.
Is it possible to drink hibiscus tea during pregnancy?
The expectant mother needs to remember not only about her health, but also about the baby. Surprisingly, tastes are laid at a very early age. To understand whether the child likes the drink, you can by your own well-being. If mom has no contraindications to hibiscus, then it's worth a try. A sour drink, as many testimonies of young mothers confirm, helps to cope with the unpleasant consequences of toxicosis.
In the meantime, don't get carried away. Pediatricians advise during pregnancy to limit yourself to 1-2 cups a day. After giving birth for a while breastfeeding should be abandoned. The reason for this is the certain harm of hibiscus tea. Due to the bright color and high acidity, the product is included in the list of possible allergens.
Can children drink this tea?
Pediatricians are of the opinion that babies under one year old should refrain from tasting the drink. This tender age is especially prone to allergic reactions. It's not worth the risk. But older children can be offered to try sour infusion.
Parents should remember that preparing a drink for a child is not the same as for adults. The usual concentration (1 teaspoon of petals per glass of water) is halved. Over time, the strength of the infusion can be gradually increased, keeping in mind the properties and contraindications of hibiscus tea. It is believed that at 7 years old, 1-2 cups a day is enough. It is better to drink pure water on an empty stomach, as the acids of hibiscus irritate the mucous membrane too much, causing heartburn.
Hibiscus infusion for pancreatitis and liver disease
There is no categorical ban on the use in diseases of the pancreas. But this does not apply to acute pancreatitis. At this time, an acidic drink can lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition. After the removal of the acute syndrome, after 2-3 weeks, they begin to take tea 1-2 times a day.
The benefit lies in the high concentration of vitamins and valuable trace elements in the plant itself and drinks from it. In addition, the infusion helps with diarrhea and vomiting, as it has a pronounced astringent effect. Doctors recommend drinking only freshly brewed tea, and even better diluted with pure or mineral water.
With cholelithiasis, periods of exacerbation and remission are observed. If the patient experiences pain, takes medication, undergoes a course of physiotherapy, has recently undergone surgery, then it is necessary to refrain from using hibiscus. During the recovery period, the drink is prepared from dried hibiscus petals and crushed mint leaves (in a 1: 1 ratio). A teaspoon of the mixture is brewed with a glass of hot water. You can drink with a drop of honey 1-2 times a day.
Tea drinking is not only a pleasant pastime with family and friends, but also contributes to beneficial rest and good mood. Moreover, according to numerous studies, tea as a drink is able to have a powerful effect on the human body - to calm or, conversely, to excite, give strength or relax. The expected effect is also affected by the dosage and strength of the drink.
This article will focus on hibiscus tea, the properties and contraindications of the drink, as well as how to brew it. But first, let's find out what hibiscus is and how it is useful.
Handsome hibiscus
You may be familiar with this second name for hibiscus flower tea. The birthplace of this plant, as it turned out, is the East. The ancient Arab sages repeatedly mentioned its miraculous properties in their treatises.
Before that, as many believe, hibiscus grew in India, after which it was taken to Egypt and northern Africa. Now hibiscus tea is distributed throughout Asia, Europe and America.
The plant itself is a branched shrub (less often a tree) with elegant flowers of various shades.
What is remarkable about the plant?
Speaking about the benefits and harms of hibiscus tea, one should definitely mention its composition. It's interesting that healing properties possess not only inflorescences of a plant, but also leaves, and fruits, and even seeds. Hibiscus is rich in such useful substances as:
- Vitamins A, PP, group B, ascorbic acid.
- Trace elements such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and others.
- Flavonoids.
- Pectins.
- Beta carotene.
- Antioxidants, etc.
Many, being interested in the properties of hibiscus tea, think about its nutritional value. So, the drink is considered very light and dietary. One hundred grams of the product contains: fat - zero grams, carbohydrates - 0.6 grams, proteins - 0.3 g, calories - 5 kcal.
What are beneficial features and contraindications of hibiscus tea?
For what diseases is it used?
As can be seen from the composition listed above, hibiscus flowers have many useful trace elements that can be used for such ailments as:
- Viral diseases of the common cold.
- Decreased immunity.
- Some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cardiovascular pathologies.
- Insomnia.
- Light neuroses.
- salt deposits.
- Hypertension.
- Constipation.
The leaves of the plant also have a beneficial effect on the human body. For example, they contribute to the elimination of toxins and cleansing of worms.
Moreover, decoctions of hibiscus petals can be used not only internally, but also externally. They can be used in the form of compresses as an addition to the main therapy for diseases of the skin, manifested in wounds, bruises, tumors, inflammation.
Below we will take a closer look at how you can make hibiscus tea so that it has healing properties. But first, let's talk about the cautions regarding the use of this plant.
When can't you drink?
Contraindications of hibiscus tea are, first of all, allergic reactions that can be caused by individual intolerance to certain components of the plant.
Also, it can not be used for such diseases of the digestive tract as gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, hyperacidity and others.
And of course, there are temporary contraindications to hibiscus related to the period of gestation and lactation. It should be remembered that the plant helps to increase menstruation. Therefore, girls who are carrying a child should be careful and careful not to provoke a miscarriage. On the other hand, the use of hibiscus tea during pregnancy will help minimize toxicosis and nausea. Another contraindication to the drink is children under three to five years of age.
But how should the drug be collected correctly in order to preserve its beneficial properties?
To maintain the highest concentration useful substances in the plant, it should be collected on the sixth, maximum seventh day, after the ovary of flowering. This applies not only to hibiscus inflorescences, but also to its root system.
The collected raw materials are thoroughly dried, but several rules should be observed here. For example, hibiscus should be dried in a dry, dark place, it is especially necessary to be careful not to get direct sunlight. Also, during drying, parts of the plant must be turned over several times in order to avoid unnecessary rotting of the components.
When the hibiscus petals become brittle and brittle, this means that it can be collected and hidden in a dry, dark place. It is advisable to store herbs in containers made from natural materials (glass jars, cardboard boxes, linen bags, etc.).
The shelf life of such raw materials should not exceed three years. After that, hibiscus will lose all its beneficial substances.
Immunity booster drink
Considering all the above benefits of hibiscus tea, let's find out how to prepare it in order to increase your body's defenses.
To do this, take 4 tsp. hibiscus, as well as lemon balm, oregano and mint (a small pinch each). Pour a mixture of herbs into 0.5 liters of boiling water and insist for an hour. During the day, it is recommended to drink the prepared infusion, which will not only strengthen the immune system, but also raise vitality.
Against worm infestations
Sedation
As a sedative and light sleeping pill, you can use a decoction of hibiscus and hop cones, combined in equal amounts. To do this, take one spoonful of dried herbs, mix them, pour boiling water (in the amount of 300 ml) and insist. This remedy can be drunk in the morning and in the evening, one or two tablespoons.
To give strength
If, in case of a serious illness, the body should be quickly restored, then hibiscus tea will become the most the best remedy to give vigor and strength. To do this, you need to take one tablespoon of hibiscus and sour, pour a glass of hot water, wrap and leave for thirty minutes. This decoction can be taken one tablespoon three times a day for half an hour before meals. If the remedy must be given to children, then the dosage is reduced to one teaspoon.
With various pathologies of blood pressure
It is known that the pressure is low or high. In both cases, one cannot do without the miraculous hibiscus. A teaspoon of hibiscus inflorescence should be brewed in a glass of boiling water and drunk. Hot - to increase blood pressure, cold - to lower.
To relieve constipation
You should brew a tablespoon of hibiscus with boiling water, cool and take 100-150 milligrams four times a day. Such a tool can also be used in the fight against extra pounds or for natural bowel cleansing.
As a preventive measure
As you know, the disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, it is worth using hibiscus tea as a prophylaxis against colds and infectious diseases, cancers and the development of atherosclerosis, memory impairment and a decrease in immunity. To do this, you can drink one or two cups of tea a day, sweetening it with honey or a spoonful of sugar.
External use of decoction
It is also very important, as it will help get rid of such ailments as eczema, ulcers, etc. To do this, you need to brew a decoction of hibiscus (one tablespoon per glass of boiling water), cool it and use it as lotions or compresses. You can also use for this purpose fresh leaves and hibiscus petals.
Other Uses for Hibiscus
Of course, traditional medicine is not the only area where hibiscus extracts are used. Very often, the plant serves as the basis for a variety of cosmetic products, such as shampoos, gels, creams, soaps, and so on. Thanks to its properties, hibiscus improves the skin and rejuvenates it, eliminating wrinkles and acne. It also moisturizes the hair, making it shinier and healthier.
In cooking, hibiscus is used as a spice. This seasoning can be added to meat or a fish dish, various salads and sauces. And, of course, you can not do without hibiscus when preparing compotes, jams, preserves, fruit drinks, cakes and so on. Dried petals added to a coffee drink are also very good.
Moreover, hibiscus extract is also used in traditional medicine in the manufacture of certain types of tablet preparations or external agents.
Finally
As you can see, hibiscus is an important and useful plant that can not only improve immunity, but also cure serious diseases. Kakrade tea is considered a very tasty tonic drink. However, to achieve the desired effect, it is important to properly collect and store raw materials. Above, we discussed some recommendations that should be considered for those who want to do it themselves.
Moreover, in order for hibiscus to benefit the entire body, it must be properly brewed. The article provided numerous recipes for a drink that can help in the fight against a particular disease, ranging from common colds to serious ailments in the form of hypertension.
Moreover, in order for tea to be beneficial, one should never forget about its contraindications. Those who suffer from allergies or stomach ulcers should absolutely not take the drink. Pregnant or lactating women should use it with caution, understanding that the use of tea can cause allergic reactions not only in the mother, but also in the baby.
The healing properties of hibiscus or Sudanese rose in the East have been known for a long time. Now this unique drink is known to us as hibiscus tea. It has a delicate floral taste with sour notes, it is perfectly refreshing and invigorating. Unlike traditional tea drinks, it does not contain caffeine and can be used to treat various ailments. What is useful tea from hibiscus flowers, as well as the main secrets of brewing and drinking are discussed in our information.
The unique characteristics inherent in this drink are fully explained by its composition. IN traditional medicine all parts of this plant are used, but flowers (buds) and leaves are considered the most useful. They are used for the preparation of medicinal decoctions.
Chemical composition:
- Vitamins of groups A, C, B and PP.
- organic flavonoids.
- Pectin.
- Macro and microelements (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium).
- Beta carotene.
- Natural organic acids (citric, ascorbic, linoleic, malic, tartaric).
- Captopril.
- Antioxidants.
The drink is amazing low calorie. The finished tea contains only 5 calories per 100 ml of liquid. It perfectly replenishes the supply of substances necessary for the body, so it will perfectly complement any diet.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
In Eastern countries, hibiscus tea is very much loved for its tonic and restorative effect. In hot weather, it will perfectly quench your thirst, and in cold weather it will warm you. By the way, the temperature of the drink significantly affects the effect. For example, hot hibiscus tea can increase blood pressure, so it is recommended for use in case of hypotension. The chilled drink will keep useful composition, but it can lower blood pressure, which must be considered when using.
What properties does this tea have:
- Anti-inflammatory properties allow the drink to be used for colds. It helps bring down the temperature, suppresses the vital activity of pathogenic strains of bacteria, and also dilutes and removes sputum from the lungs (expectorant effect).
- Normalizes the activity of the digestive system. Hibiscus contains pectin, which in turn helps to normalize bowel function. In addition, it eliminates inflammatory processes in the stomach and duodenal region, regulates the function of the pancreas and gallbladder.
- Hibiscus also has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. It helps to cope with stress, suppresses depressive states, and also improves mood.
- Regulation of water and electrolyte balance occurs due to the removal of excess fluid from the body. The drink also lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, has an antioxidant effect and helps cleanse tissues at the cellular level.
- For women, hibiscus will normalize the menstrual cycle, relieve discomfort during menopause, and also increase sexual desire.
- For men, hibiscus tea plays the role of a natural aphrodisiac. With regular use, erectile function is restored by increasing blood supply in the organ and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
- In diseases of the genitourinary system, hibiscus tea is also often used. It has a strong diuretic effect, and also eliminates inflammation in the excretory system.
- For dermatological problems: rashes, inflammatory processes on the skin, acne and pimples, compresses from strongly brewed hibiscus tea are often used.
- Decoction of hibiscus is useful to rinse hair after washing. It will give them shine and strength, as well as enhance the natural color of dark hair. For light curls, it is better to use less pigmented formulations, because a decoction of hibiscus can provoke darkening of the hair.
Scientifically proven benefits tea drink for the prevention of cancer. Tea contains a lot of natural antioxidants that cleanse the body of free radicals and toxins, preventing malignant degeneration of cells.
Possible harm
The natural rich composition of hibiscus tea brings not only benefits, but also harm. This must be taken into account before starting such therapy, because with possible contraindications, you can not drink it.
In what cases is the reception contraindicated:
- Children's age up to three years.
- individual negative reaction.
- Ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice.
- Cholelithiasis.
- Drops in blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea is used with caution, even despite its beneficial properties, pregnant and lactating mothers. During such periods, it can negatively affect the body of a woman and a baby, lead to allergic reactions, bleeding and the threat of miscarriage. In general, a reasonable rate of consumption of this drink is two to three cups per day, so for comfortable use, you should not exceed this amount.
Methods of treatment with a useful decoction
To prepare a healing drink, you need to take dried petals and hibiscus leaves. They must be brewed in a glass or ceramic container. In the East, it is customary to use porcelain or earthenware, the main thing is that the tea leaves do not come into contact with metal.
Important nuances and the correct algorithm are discussed in the attached video clip.
Hibiscus, hibiscus, Sudanese rose - it is under these names that this healing drink is known to us. Lon perfectly refreshes and invigorates, and also helps in the treatment of many diseases. Once you know the benefits of hibiscus, you will definitely start using it on a regular basis. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account possible harm healing drink, as well as the features of preparation to preserve the unique composition and qualities. All this is described in our information.
Hibiscus is a popular indoor plant native to China, whose flowers and leaves have been used by local healers since ancient times in folk medicine. Now, on the basis of these flowers, a delicious and refreshing hibiscus drink is being prepared. The beneficial properties of hibiscus tea make it possible to use it not only to quench thirst, but also to prevent and treat many diseases.
Description
Hibiscus is a tropical heat-loving plant, so most of its varieties (there are about 300 of them) grow in Mexico, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand, Sudan. By the way, the second name of the plant is "Sudanese rose".
In Russia, hibiscus is not planted in open ground, but grown on windowsills.
The plant is easily recognizable, as its flowers have a rich red color. For medicinal purposes, it is customary to take six-day-old inflorescences and rhizomes (as shown in the photo), since during this period they absorb the greatest amount of nutrients.
Hibiscus tea is the national drink of the Egyptians. In Russia, it is also very popular and is used both in medicinal purposes, and in nutrition and even in cosmetology. Sudanese rose petal tea has different names: "Drink of the Pharaohs", "Red Sorrel", "Rose of Sharon". But among the people the name of hibiscus has taken root.
The composition of the drink
The beneficial properties of hibiscus are due to the unique chemical composition plant flowers. At the same time, despite the huge benefits for the body and the content of protein and carbohydrates in it, the calorie content is only 5 kcal per 100 g of the product.
Hibiscus flower contains:
- beta carotene;
- micro and macro elements, including essential magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, etc.;
- antioxidant pectin;
- vitamins of groups B, A, C and PP;
- vegetable flavonoids;
- organic acids;
- amino acids;
- anthocyanins;
- polysaccharides.
However, in addition to the petals, healers also use the leaves and fruits of the plant.
Sudanese rose leaves are rich in protein, cellulose, potassium, phosphorus. nutritional value is 70% carbohydrates and 3.5% protein compounds.
Hibiscus fruits are undesirable for regular consumption, as they are very high in calories. 100 g of this product contains as many as 335 kilocalories. But in a small amount, fruits can reward the body with iron, calcium, niacin and ascorbic acid.
Application methods
The "royal" flower, as it is called in the East, has a wide range of applications. Hibiscus is actively used in cooking, including for the preparation of compotes, desserts, jams - it is a natural dye and sweetener. From dried flowers, plants make a fragrant seasoning that goes well with meat dishes and vegetables.
Pharmacological companies create medicines based on hibiscus, including from plant pollen. And in folk medicine, tonic and medicinal infusions and decoctions are made from it. Based on the flowers and oil of the Chinese rose, cosmetic products for face, body and hair care are created.
But most often the plant is consumed in the form of tea, which can be brewed both hot and cold. In terms of vitamin C content, this healing drink surpasses even rose hips, so it is especially worth increasing the frequency of its use during colds.
Benefits of hibiscus tea
The benefits of the drink are undeniable for the whole organism as a whole and for maintaining the work of individual organs and systems. The petals of the plant have a bactericidal, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, laxative, hemostatic effect.
Hibiscus tea affects:
- immunity;
- nervous system;
- cardiovascular system;
- organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
Indications for use
Hibiscus tea is recommended for colds or infectious diseases. The ascorbic and oxalic acids contained in the composition destroy pathogenic bacteria, and also increase the protective functions of the body. In addition, this drink works as an antipyretic.
Hibiscus is incredibly useful for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, as well as pressure drops. Thanks to the anthocyanins included in the composition, it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and also cleanses the blood. Hibiscus tea lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, which is an excellent prevention of diabetes.
Depending on the temperature of consumption, hibiscus can affect in two ways arterial pressure. So, a cold drink is designed to lower its performance, and a hot one, on the contrary, to increase it.
Sudanese rose tea has unique property remove toxins, free radicals and heavy metals from the body. Therefore, it is recommended to use it as a prophylactic against cancer, especially for people who live near industrial enterprises. This property also effectively manifests itself in the fight against alcohol intoxication, so hibiscus can easily replace cucumber pickle and hangover pills.
The presence of anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic components in the composition allows the use of hibiscus tea infusions as an expectorant and bactericidal agent for bronchitis, tracheitis, and cystitis.
In addition, in medicine, external applications with hibiscus tea are used to cleanse and heal cuts, abscesses and purulent boils.
Drink from hibiscus flowers is a universal remedy for problems of the gastrointestinal tract. It is able to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria without disturbing the correct intestinal microflora, and also speed up the digestion process. Tea has an active choleretic effect, so it can serve as a prophylactic against stagnation of bile.
The benefits of hibiscus for women
The fairer sex will be interested to know that linoleic acid, which is part of hibiscus, promotes active fat burning, which means that hibiscus tea should definitely be included in the diet when losing weight.
During pregnancy, this drink perfectly copes with toxicosis and reduces fatigue due to the rich vitamin composition.
In addition, the third trimester is often accompanied by uterine tone, and hibiscus is a natural antispasmodic and helps to quickly relieve muscle spasm.
Possible contraindications
Despite all the benefits of the drink, it has some contraindications that should be considered in order to exclude possible harm:
- children's age up to a year;
- cholelithiasis and urolithiasis;
- gastritis and stomach ulcers;
- allergy to the components included in the composition.
Before drinking hibiscus tea, be sure to test for an allergic reaction!
How to make a healthy drink
Hibiscus tea is made from dried hibiscus petals at the rate of one tablespoon per 400 ml of water. It is not recommended to use metal utensils for brewing, as they can ruin taste qualities and the color of the drink.
Hibiscus tea will be more beneficial if prepared cold.
To do this, the flowers must be poured cold water and leave overnight to infuse. The plant perfectly gives its beneficial properties and at the same time retains irreplaceable vitamin C and a pleasant sweet and sour taste.
Hibiscus tea is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. It can be drunk at any time of the year to quench thirst and prevent the development of many diseases. Let this invigorating drink become an integral part of the family tea party, especially on cold winter evenings.
