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plant profile

Hibiscus

LATIN NAME

Hibiscus spp.

MEANING

Beauty; Delicate; Peace & Happiness

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Hibiscus

About

There are a great many species of hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) but most commonly, for the purpose of tea making, we use Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae family, and we use the sepals of this plant for teas.

Active Constituents

Anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins (especially C), minerals and plant acids.

Sowing & Growing

Sowing and growing hibiscus is a rewarding experience that adds a vibrant splash of colour to any garden. Start by selecting healthy seeds; soak them for a few hours to help with germination. Plant them in well-draining soil, ideally in pots or directly in the garden once the risk of frost has passed. Make sure they get plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day—since hibiscus thrives in bright light.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as they enjoy a good drink without drowning. As the plants grow, regular pruning will help them maintain an attractive shape and encourage more blooms. And don’t forget to fertilise every few weeks with a balanced fertiliser to support their growth. With a bit of care and attention, you’ll be rewarded with stunning flowers all season long!

Harvesting & Prep

When you're looking to harvest hibiscus for tea, make sure to focus on the calyx—the bulb-like part at the base of the flower—rather than the petals. For a great cup of tea, go for the Roselle hibiscus, which produces a fleshy calyx after the flower blooms and wilts.

Aim to pick these calyxes when they’re nice and plump, about an inch wide, and a bright red color, usually around 7-10 days after the flower has faded. You can either gently pull them off or cut them from the plant.

Therapeutic Properties

Antibacterial, antioxidant, astringent, cardiovascular tonic, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, hypotensive and nutritive

Traditional Uses

Hibiscus has been traditionally used as a remedy for fever, dry coughs, and sore throats. Its cardiovascular effects have made it popular for conditions related to this system.

Modern research has shown that hibiscus can lower high blood pressure and provide some protection to our blood vessels. Additionally, hibiscus has been used to treat diarrhoea, protect the liver and kidneys, and support the immune system as a nutritive.

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