The benefits of hibiscus: how to use it for health, skin and hair?

If you know our bissap juice recipe, you are surely aware that at the base of this red drink with an aroma that seduces the nostrils, there is a herbaceous plant, native to Africa. However, our research on the benefits of hibiscus will give you the choice to prefer an herbal tea to the ordinary preparation. Its hardworking flavor is similar to that of cranberries, but the hundreds of species of hibiscus make the tea a great alternative to rose tea and matcha tea.

The benefits of hibiscus: overview

Not only the sublime combination of subtle beauty and unique flavor, but also the benefits of hibiscus position it among the plants with medicinal properties most wanted. Either hibiscus slimming benefits or hibiscus skin benefits, it always attracts the interest of tea fans. Thanks to a great wealth of antioxidants, hibiscus is strongly studied for the prevention of diseases due to the accumulation of free radicals. Even in the laboratory, hope for humans is growing day by day as the activity of harmful radicals is proven to be reduced by up to 92%.

Hibiscus tea benefits against blood pressure

Since heart disease and in particular high blood pressure are a contemporary scourge, the fruit of civilization, it makes sense to look for the solution in nature. The eyes are turned towards plants which are likely to remedy in many cases labeled irremediable.

Without doubt, one of the most impressive and well-known benefits of hibiscus tea is that it can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As over time, additional pressure on the heart weakens it, this undoubtedly leads to an increased risk of heart disease. So, a moderate and regular consumption of a hibiscus herbal tea can lead to good results.

What do the statistics reveal?

According to a study of 65 people with hypertension, those who drank hibiscus tea for six weeks were found to have a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure. Compared to those who took a placebo, this was a significant result.

Similarly, a 2015 review generalizing five studies found that hibiscus tea reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 7.58 mmHg and 3.53 mmHg, respectively.

In any case, when talking about interactions with common medications, it is not recommended to drink hibiscus tea if you are taking hydrochlorothiazide, a type of diuretic used to treat hypertension arterial.

What impact on blood fat levels?

In addition to lowering blood pressure, some studies have shown that hibiscus tea may help reduce blood fat levels which are another risk factor for heart disease. After observing 60 people with diabetes, during a time lapse when they consumed hibiscus tea or black tea, the researchers found an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol and a decrease in total, "bad" cholesterol. » LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Research in a group of patients with metabolic syndrome showed that taking 100 mg of hibiscus extract daily was associated with lower total cholesterol and higher HDL “good” cholesterol.

The small downside in these studies is that the effects of hibiscus tea are not equal for all the people observed. So blood cholesterol is a factor that cannot be easily influenced.

However, most studies showing a benefit of hibiscus tea on blood fat levels have been limited to patients with specific conditions such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This is why the benefits of hibiscus are not 100% effective for all suffering related to high blood pressure.

The benefits of hibiscus on the liver

It is true that the liver is an important organ for overall health due to the production of proteins to the secretion of bile and the breakdown of fats. As you might already guess, based on studies, hibiscus has been proven to support liver health and help it function efficiently.

This time, the target group of 19 overweight people took an extract of the plant for 12 weeks. As a result, their fatty liver disease improved. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to liver failure.

A study in hamsters also demonstrated the liver-protecting properties of hibiscus extract, showing that the treatment decreased markers of liver damage. It is hoped that the plant extract will increase the concentration of several detoxifying enzymes in the liver by up to 65%.

However, these studies all evaluated the effects of hibiscus extract, rather than hibiscus tea. More research is needed to find out how hibiscus tea affects liver health in humans, but in the meantime, we can bank on the 7 liver-friendly foods to include on the menu.

In favor of weight loss

How To Write A Ghazal: 3 Steps (with pictures) -wikiHow

— Christina Cavazos Sun Sep 27 22:46:17 +0000 2015

Obviously, it would be a revolution if we accept the results of several studies suggesting that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and protect against obesity. After 12 weeks of taking an extract, 36 overweight participants were able to reduce body fat and mass index, as well as hip-to-waist ratio.

Has the end of grueling diets come? As it is mandatory in these cases, more studies are needed to confirm the benefits of slimming hibiscus. However, a full body detox will lead to good results.

Cancer prevention

Because hibiscus is rich in polyphenols, the compounds it is saturated with have powerful anti-cancer properties. Impressive results, still in test tubes, concern the potential effect of the plant on cancer cells. Cell growth was impaired and the invasiveness of oral and plasma cell cancers was reduced. Likewise, this positive effect prevents prostate cancer cells from spreading. A serious percentage of 52% proves considerable favors as inhibiting stomach cancer cells in animals. Thorough studies need to be done on humans. In the meantime, bet on the alkaline diet.

What effect on bacteria?

Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms that can cause various infections and for this reason the struggle with them is daily and ranges from bronchitis to pneumonia to inflammations of the urinary tract. Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, hibiscus can fight bacterial infections. Its potential includes inhibiting the activity of Escherichia Coli, a strain of bacteria that can cause symptoms such as cramps, gas and diarrhea. Along with certain medications that treat bacterial infections, hibiscus extract effectively fights eight strains of bacteria. It is also recommended, as a preventive measure, to know the health benefits of clove essential oil.

Tasty and easy to prepare

Besides the multitude of possible health benefits, hibiscus tea is delicious and easy to prepare at home. Simply add dried flowers of the plant to a teapot and pour boiling water over it. Let steep for five minutes, then strain, sweeten if desired, and enjoy. Hibiscus tea can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste similar to cranberries. For this reason, it is often sweetened with honey or flavored with a drizzle of lime juice to balance out the tartness. Dried hibiscus can be purchased at your local health food store or online. The tea is also available in pre-made bags which can simply be steeped for five minutes in hot water, then removed and the tea is ready to drink.

Benefits of hibiscus for hair

If you include hibiscus in your hair care regimen, you can prevent hair loss and promote the growth of new ones. Obviously, the plant acts as a natural conditioner and nourishes the hair for a smooth and shiny look. Likewise, it controls the breakage and itching of the scalp. Therefore, you no longer have to wonder how to prevent split hair. Thanks to its anti-dandruff properties, hibiscus permanently eliminates dandruff and cleanses hair. As a result, the thinning of the hair stops.

Since coloring hair is a great way to refresh your look, but you want to avoid harsh and damaging chemicals, the homemade concoction of hibiscus tea is a natural hair dye. So, to control premature graying, you can try without fear of side effects.

Lastly, the amino acids in hibiscus bind to the hair to add strength and elasticity. If combined with honey, the hair retains its moisture.

Hibiscus and skin care

Acknowledging that organic hibiscus flower water and extract contain natural acids, it gently helps to remove dead skin and dirt while balancing its natural oil production. Not only is the hibiscus flower incredibly beautiful to look at, but its fantastic skin benefits can be unlocked when used in personal care products. Often referred to as a miracle flower, the plant has natural anti-aging properties. Apparently, hibiscus face masks can improve skin elasticity and naturally prevent the first signs of aging.

As for the exfoliating effect, it eliminates age spots, purifies the complexion, making it fresher, younger and smoother, like a real skin detox. By drinking hibiscus tea regularly, you keep your skin well hydrated and elastic.

Natural cleanser

Since hibiscus contains natural surfactants called saponins, it can naturally cleanse the skin. The saponins and organic acids in hibiscus not only promote cleansing but also slough off dead skin cells. Therefore, it can be safely used as a natural cleanser and hibiscus powder for skin works wonders.

How to make a hibiscus mask for the face?

You will only need 4 basic ingredients:

Instructions for making a dry mask

Combine the two dry ingredients: hibiscus powder and brown rice flour. Store this dry mixture in a glass jar. When you are ready to use your hibiscus face mask, scoop 2 teaspoons of the dry mix (brown rice + hibiscus powder) into a small bowl or plate and add enough yogurt and aloe vera gel to form a thick paste. You can start with ¼ teaspoon of each.

Spread over your face and let dry for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. As soon as you add the wet ingredients to the mask, it is subject to spoilage. Therefore, only use what you need and throw away the rest.