A gorgeous exotic plant with eye-catching, deep magenta and yellow flowers, hibiscus are certainly a popular addition to gardens. Used for dyes, teas, and wellness applications, hibiscus flowers:
-
Are popularly brewed into a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea
-
Contain vitamin C, anthocyanins, and minerals
-
Have been traditionally used
What is Hibiscus?
Also known as roselle, hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a bushy annual flowering plant native to western Africa and found in the tropics around the world. They are best known for their large, solitary flowers, which bloom in bright yellows and deep, rich magentas. Hibiscus is the national flower of Haiti, and is traditionally worn by Hawaiian and Tahitian girls to express their relationship status: if the flower is behind the left ear, the woman is married; if it is behind the right ear, she is single.
While the eye-catching flowers may receive worldwide appreciation, the calyces of the flowers deserve just as much praise. The crimson calyx can be found cupping the bottom of each flower where the petals meet. They contain naturally-occurring anthocyanins, flavonoids, fruit acids, vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants, and are popularly made into herbal tea infusions. They boast a sweet, tart, cranberry-like flavor, making them popular in jellies, jams, juices, and pies. In China, hibiscus calyces have long been used on the skin in salve preparations.
Hibiscus Products
Hibiscus and their nutritious calyces can typically be found as tea or in supplement form. Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, deep red in color, and has a less tart, more sweet cranberry-like flavor that is delightful served hot or cold. As an herbal supplement, hibiscus has been traditionally used to support cardiovascular health, in particular in helping support healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.**
PipingRock’s Hibiscus Flower supplements deliver 400 mg of top-quality hibiscus in each easy-to-swallow quick release capsule. Adults take one (1) serving up to two times daily with meals for optimal nutritional support.
Hibiscus Powder
Looking for the best way to discover this flower in rawest form? Get closer to nature with our Cut & Sifted (Organic) 1 lb. Hibiscus Flowers! PipingRock now carries an extensive assortment of bulk herbs, roots and flowers that are perfect for purists. Simply steep in hot water to make tea or add to different cuisines for a natural spice.
