Read about some of the amazing uses of Hibiscus, including Hibiscus tea which controls cholesterol and is a rich source of Vitamin C.
Hibiscus for long has been known as a flowering plant grown in a garden for beautifying purposes. What is not well known to all is that dried hibiscus calyces are also used as tea which can be consumed both hot and cold. And it’s caffeine free!
Refreshing recipe for Hibiscus Tea:
Hibiscus Tea is proven to reduce hypertension or increased blood pressure and is also a natural diuretic. It can also help you shed a few pounds. It is extremely easy to make and is quite refreshing. Here’s a tried and tested recipe for making Hibiscus Tea – please try this at home and let us know how you liked it!
Take fresh hibiscus flowers (only the red or crimson variety of flowers) and pluck the petals. Next, dry the petals in the sun for 6 to 8 days until they lose moisture.
Then crush the flowers by hand and store them in a clean and dry bottle. Use the powder like you would use tea leaves – boil one teaspoon of the powder in one cup of water, filter it and add honey (preferably) or sugar to it. You can also add some lemon juice for taste. Serve hot or chilled. And voila! Your hibiscus tea is ready.
PS: For a healthier drink, do not add milk.
Know your Hibiscus:
- Genus: Hibiscus
- Family: Malvaceae
- Flower colours: white, pink, red, orange, purple or yellow
- Foliage: alternate, ovate with lobed margin
- Plant height: up to 10 feet
The flowers are of five petals or more and are usually large, trumpet-shaped. The beneficial properties of these flowers are innumerable. Drinking the goodness of these petals in the form of tea is the best way to benefit from it. Hibiscus tea is a kind of tisane made from the infusion or decoction of the dried petals in hot water.
How to care for your beloved Hibiscus?
Hibiscus species flower frequently, are perennial and do well with regular care. The flowers usually do not have a scent but there are exceptions. Flowers stay for 1-2 days after blooming. With frequent pruning, the plant gains girth and sprouts new flower buds. The plant can grow in full sun to semi-shade conditions and is not suitable for indoors. Some varieties of Hibiscus can also be used as a hedge plant.
Other surprising uses of Hibiscus:
Hibiscus has many amazing uses apart from being used as tea. One of the interesting ones is that unmarried Tahitian women wear a single hibiscus tucked behind the ear to indicate that they are available – pretty convenient I must say!
Few of the other uses are that the leaves, flowers and roots are crushed and added to oil and boiled to make healthy concoctions for thick hair growth that also helps in reduced greying. The leaves and flowers also make a leathery paste when crushed and can be used as a shampoo plus conditioner. Women in Kerala with their thick black hair swear by this. Hibiscus is also used in several countries in food preparations.
Few of the other uses are that the leaves, flowers and roots are crushed and added to oil and boiled to make healthy concoctions for thick hair growth that also helps in reduced greying. The leaves and flowers also make a leathery paste when crushed and can be used as a shampoo plus conditioner. Women in Kerala with their thick black hair swear by this! Hibiscus is also used in several countries in food preparations.
Hibiscus is also used in several countries in food preparations. Creative chefs add a tropical touch to their exotic dishes by decorating it with hibiscus petals.
So until next time, give your taste buds something special and try the Hibiscus Tea!
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