Hibiscus – Medicinal Properties, Uses, Side Effects
Just like roses, flowers of hibiscus are found in different colors, without fragrance but are very beautiful. Due to its natural beauty and bell-shaped structure, these are grown in the pots in houses, gardens, parks and other places. This is an evergreen plant which is 5 to 9 feet in height. The branches and trunk are strong. Leaves are shiny, smooth, dark green in color and are oval in shape. The flowers are found in various shades, out of which the most beneficial are white and red ones.
Hibiscus pacifies the pitta dosha because of its pitta-pacifying action and is also anti-hemorrhagic in nature, it is widely used in treating bleeding disorders such as bleeding gums, and pimples. It also subsides the pain during menstruation, hemorrhoids, UTI, skin and urinary disorders.
Morphology
Hibiscus is a famous herb found all over India in the temperate climates and its other types are found all over the world. Flowers of this herb are conspicuous, large and trumpet in shape with 5 or more than 5 petals. Its fruit is dry and has 5 lobed capsule that contains several seeds in each lobe and is released when the capsule dehisces at the maturity. The flowers are mostly red and white in color.
Name in Different Languages
- English name: China rose, shoe flower, hibiscus
- Hindi name: Gudahala, gudhal, japa
- Punjabi name: Gudahala
- Bengali name: Jaba
- Marathi Name: Jasvand
- Kannada name: Dasavala
- Telugu name: Dasanamu
- Tamil name: Shemaparuti
- Malayalam name: Chembarathi
- Synonyms of hibiscus:
- HemaPushpa: Flowers are yellow-reddish in color
- Harivallabha: It is liked by God Vishnu
- PindaPushpa, japajava, mandapushpa: Flowers are circular in shape
- Trisandhya: Flowers last for 3 evenings
- ArkaPriya, praatika: Flowers blossom on sun rays
What are the Medicinal Properties of Hibiscus?
- Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (Astringent) and Tikta (Bitter)
- Guna (Qualities): Rooksha (Dry) and Laghu (Light for digestion)
- Veerya (Potency): Sheeta (Cold)
- Vipaka: katu (undergoes pungent taste after the digestion process)
- Karma (Actions): kapha-pitta Shamaka (Subside Kapha and pitta dosha)
- Part used: Flowers and leaves
- Dosage: Leaf paste: 10 to 20 gm
- Flower powder: 10 gm
Medicinal Uses of Hibiscus
- The paste of leaves and flowers of hibiscus is processed in sesame oil and it is used for external application to provide strength to the roots of the hair and some other conditions like alopecia.
- Make paste of its tender flowers and mix milk in it. This remedy is used to control heavy bleeding.
- Soak the flowers in water for overnight and filter this water next day and consume this in a dose of 30 ml to control the blood sugar level.
- Mix the paste of hibiscus flowers in cow urine and apply it on the scalp to treat alopecia.
- 5-gram powder of its flowers is mixed with buttermilk to treat the condition of piles.
- The paste of its flowers should be mixed with lukewarm milk and consume it to relax the mind and for a good and proper sleep.
Side Effects of Hibiscus
The flowers have contraceptive action so pregnant women should avoid using hibiscus internally.
What are the Therapeutic Uses of Hibiscus?
1. Reduces Blood Pressure
Hibiscus is used in treating high blood pressure due to its diuretic action and blood thinning properties. Also, it contains bio-flavanoids that prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
2. Alopecia
Alopecia is one of the main concern problems for today’s youth. The main reasons for baldness are still unknown. In alopecia, hair fall is very high and some patches appear on the scalp. For this apply a paste of 6-8 leaves of hibiscus and wash it with lukewarm water. It ensures the beautiful, shiny and healthier hair.
3. Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin level gets decreased due to the lack of iron content. Take 20 to 25 buds of these flowers and dry them. Grind them and take 1 teaspoon of this dried powder with a cup of milk every day in the morning and evening.
4. Memory Power
Hibiscus increases memory power and improves the concentration level. It increases and improves the functions of the brain. Take 10 leaves and 10 flowers of hibiscus plant and dry them. Grind them into powder and store it. Take one teaspoon of it with sweet milk two times a day daily.
5. Swelling
Hibiscus heals the swelling and other skin related problems such as burning sensation, itching, etc. Make a paste of its leaves and apply it on the affected/swollen areas. It will provide relief within a few minutes.
