Also known as Roselle flower grows in tropical and subtropical regions.

This pleasant-tasting herb with the deep red colour, which is used as a natural coloring agent, also has beneficial health properties, specifically for those looking to support cardiovascular health. Originally from Angola, hibiscus is now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Sudan, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico, and China.

Approximately 15-30 percent of the hibiscus plant is made up of plant acids, including citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and allo-hydroxycitric acid lactone. It is also popular as a natural diuretic; it contains vitamin C and minerals and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. Dieters or people with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic.

Hibiscus Benefits:

– It has high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants assist the body in neutralizing the losses of free radicals, slowing down aging processes, and improving our general health.

– It is an important source of Vitamin C, which plays a role in strengthening immune system and helps to ward off infections and colds.

– Antioxidants also help lower the risk of developing cancer, when tested against stomach cancer cells, hibiscus showed to be deadly to the cells. According to Chemico-biological Interactions and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics an extract of hibiscus is toxic to cancer cells.

– A research by the International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences revealed that the ethanolic extract of leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (EEHS) has hypertensive effect in reducing blood pressure.

– A research by The Natural Product Radiance revealed the ethanolic extract of leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (EEHS) has curative effect on stone formation in the kidney induced by ethylene glycol.

– It may help reduce inflammation in body. This plant has important antioxidant activity. Antioxidants can decrease inflammatory symptoms in many health conditions, including inflammatory joint disease, and acute and chronic pancreatitis.

– Studies by Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochesmistry and the Journal of Current Medicinal Chemistry revealed that the antioxidants in hibiscus can help lessen liver inflammation and improve its general health.