Hibiscus, or Red Malva

Malvaceae - Malvaceae. Parts used: flowers. Pharmacy name: hibiscus flowers - Hibisci flos (formerly: Flores Hibisci).

Botanical description. About 150 species of hibiscus, shrubby and tree-like, grow in tropical areas; they are often cultivated as ornamental plants. The plant, a source of raw material, grows in Sudan and is grown in large quantities in Egypt, Ceylon, Java, Mexico, Thailand and China.

Only flowers are used, strictly speaking, dark red fleshy leaves of the calyx and subcup; they are called roses.

Active ingredients: various organic acids (malic, tartaric, citric); recently discovered hibisic acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytosterols, mucilage and pectin.

Healing action and application. Hibiscus flowers have a pleasantly sour taste. A refreshing drink prepared from them quenches thirst and is healthy. All teas with the addition of hibiscus have another pleasant feature - they are colored red.

Specific healing properties are unknown; It is believed that long-term use of hibiscus tea has a mild laxative effect. African folk medicine has a different opinion. There, hibiscus flowers are used as an anticonvulsant, bactericidal, diuretic, choleretic, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory agent, and are also used for weeping eczema.

Side effects are unknown.