Hibiscus - Herb for this Lunar Cycle

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Botanical Name:

Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Common Names:

Hibiscus, Roselle, Red Sorrel, Sour Tea, Flor de Jamaica, Karkade

Family:

Malvaceae

Plant Description:

Hibiscus is an annual or perennial shrub native to Africa and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It features reddish stems, deeply lobed green leaves, and bright red calyces (the fleshy part surrounding the seed pod), which are used medicinally. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, and range in color from pale yellow to deep red.

Parts Used:

Calyces (outer flower parts), sometimes leaves

Constituents:

• Anthocyanins (e.g., delphinidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside)

• Flavonoids

• Organic acids (e.g., citric, malic, hibiscus acid)

• Polysaccharides

• Pectin

• Vitamin C

• Mucilage

• Tannins

Traditional Uses:

• Cooling and thirst-quenching: Commonly used as a sour tea in hot climates
  (Hoffmann, 2003)

• Mild laxative and diuretic: Used to promote digestion and elimination
  (Mills & Bone, 2000)

• Support for heart and liver health in various African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean traditions
  (Blumenthal et al., 2000)

Modern Herbal Uses:

1. Cardiovascular Health

• Clinical studies support hibiscus’s ability to lower blood pressure in mild to moderate hypertension
  (McKay et al., 2010)

• May improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
  (Ajay et al., 2007)

2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory

• Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols that scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation
  (Tseng et al., 2013)

3. Liver Support

• Exhibits hepatoprotective effects, potentially reducing liver fat accumulation and oxidative stress
  (Ali et al., 2003)

4. Weight Management and Metabolism

• May modestly support weight loss and glucose metabolism by modulating lipid absorption and reducing oxidative stress
  (Chang et al., 2014)

Pharmacological Actions:

• Hypotensive

• Antioxidant

• Mild diuretic

• Anti-inflammatory

• Hepatoprotective

• Hypolipidemic

• Antimicrobial

Dosage (Traditional Use):

• Infusion (tea): 1.5–2 g of dried calyces per cup, steeped for 10–15 minutes, up to 2–3 times daily

• Standardized extract: Often standardized to 10–15% anthocyanins; dosage varies (usually 250–500 mg/day in studies)

• Tincture: 1:5 in 25% alcohol, 2–4 mL, 1–3 times daily

(Consult a qualified practitioner for therapeutic dosing.)

Safety and Contraindications:

• Safety class: 1 (considered safe when used appropriately)
  (American Herbal Products Association, 2003)

• Cautions:

  • May lower blood pressure—use caution with antihypertensive medications

  • Mild gastrointestinal upset may occur at high doses

  • Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential emmenagogue activity (animal studies suggest possible uterine stimulation)

• Drug interactions:

  • May potentiate the effects of antihypertensive and diuretic drugs

  • Possible interaction with acetaminophen metabolism

References:

1. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

2. Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2000). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone.

3. Blumenthal, M., Goldberg, A., & Brinckmann, J. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council.

4. McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2010). “A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx.” Phytotherapy Research, 24(5), 539–552.

5. Ajay, M., Chai, H. J., Mustafa, A. M., Gilani, A. H., & Mustafa, M. R. (2007). “Mechanisms of the antihypertensive effect of hibiscus sabdariffa.” Phytomedicine, 14(2–3), 152–158.

6. Ali, B. H., Al Wabel, N., & Blunden, G. (2005). “Phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: A review.” Phytotherapy Research, 19(5), 369–375.

7. Tseng, T. H., Wang, C. J., Kao, E. S., & Chu, C. Y. (2013). “Protective effect of hibiscus anthocyanins against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hepatic toxicity in rats.” Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45(5), 690–696.

8. Chang, H. C., Peng, C. H., Yeh, D. M., Kao, E. S., & Wang, C. J. (2014). “Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and improves lipid metabolism in humans.” Food & Function, 5(4), 734–741.

9. American Herbal Products Association (2003). Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition.