Hibiscus Flower

GREENIT! HIBISCUS FLOWER

Hibiscus is a very diverse genus of plants in the Malvaceae family, which includes tropical, subtropical and temperate species. It is commonly known as the Chinese rose (room hibiscus) or the mallow bush (garden hibiscus), and is a popular ornamental plant due to its abundant, colorful blooms.

Detailed characteristics:

• Appearance: Depending on the species, it can be an evergreen or deciduous shrub, a small tree, or an herbaceous perennial (e.g. swamp hibiscus). Its leaves are scattered, their shape can vary from lanceolate to ovate, often lobed, with serrated edges. The flowers are the main decoration of the plant. They are huge, funnel-shaped, 5-15 cm in diameter flowers, which appear at the ends of the shoots or in the leaf axils. The characteristic feature of the flowers is the striking, long pistil, which extends far from the petals.
  • • Active ingredients: Hibiscus flower is rich in vitamin C and other vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, beta-carotene), antioxidants (anthocyanins and flavonoids such as quercetin), organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, hibiscus acid), minerals and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper), as well as pectins and mucilages.
    • Possible beneficial effects:
      • Blood pressure control: Regular consumption has been proven to reduce systolic blood pressure.
      • Cardiovascular support: Improves capillary circulation and regulates cholesterol levels.
      • Immune support: Excellent during colds due to its high vitamin C content; it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
      • Diet support: Diuretic and metabolism-boosting effects.
      • Skin care: Due to its AHA content (malic acid, citric acid), it is also used in cosmetics, helps cleanse the skin and treat hyperpigmentation, and has an anti-aging effect.
  • Possible applications:
  • • • Tea: A decoction made from the dried flowers to relieve the above symptoms.
      • Externally: Creams, ointments and hair care products (hibiscus extract is often used in shampoos and hair packs to strengthen hair, reduce dandruff and stimulate hair growth).
      • Kitchen: For making syrups, jams, salads.
  • Collection and storage:
  • • Collection/Harvest: To make tea, collect the fleshy, deep red sepals (sepals) that remain after the flower opens, not the petals.
  Drying: Place the cleaned sepals on a tray and leave to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded, warm place. Do not place in direct sunlight, as this can cause the color and aroma to fade.
• Storage: Store completely dried hibiscus flowers in an airtight glass, metal box, or paper bag.