Hibiscus tea: what it is, the benefits of the drink and contraindications for health

The infusion of Sudanese rose has long gained popularity not only in the East.

Most people are familiar with it as a karkade & ndash; an invigorating, floral-flavoured drink with a touch of acid.

In this article, let's talk about what hibiscus flower tea is, how it looks in the photo, what useful properties and contraindications it has.

Composition

Pink buds suitable for food use have the following characteristics:

• rich floral fragrance;
• Sweet and sour;
• dark red.

They are very valuable in traditional medicine, as they contain many important components for the body:

• calcium;
• vitamin complex: A, C, B and PP;
• magnesium;
• pectin;
• tartaric, citric, malic, linoleic acids;
• potassium;
• beta-carotene;
• phosphorus;
• organic flavonoids;
• captopril;
• antioxidants.

With all this wealth, the infusion of Sudanese rose has an extremely low calorie content. There are only 5 calories per 100 ml of finished product. Therefore, this broth will fit perfectly into dietary nutrition.

B vitamins are involved in metabolism and the nervous system. With their help, karkade normalizes metabolism and supports the CNS in performance.

Anthocyanins give the red color to the drink. They also have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the circulatory system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Citric acid together with ascorbic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect. They also prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, contribute to the active breakdown of fats.

Elements such as calcium and phosphorus provide strength to bone, hair, nails and tooth enamel.

 

How Hibiscus Tea Works

Karkade is very popular in the countries of the East due to its invigorating and general strengthening actions.

In the heat, it perfectly quenches thirst, and in cool weather & ndash; warms.

In this case, the temperature of the drink itself also matters: being hot, it can increase the level of blood pressure, and when cooled, & ndash; reduce it.

To whom

• The decoction is often used for colds, as it has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, thins and removes phlegm from the lungs.
• Tea stabilizes the functioning of the digestive system with pectin, which has a positive effect on the intestine.
• Stops inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, regulates the pancreas and gallbladder.
• Positively affects the CNS, helps to mitigate the negative impact of stress on the body, improves mood.
• Controls the water-electrolyte balance by removing excess fluid from the body.
• Lowers blood cholesterol, helps cleanse by working as an antioxidant.
• Especially useful for girls, as it helps to equalize the menstrual cycle, ease the state of health during menopause.
• Regular use of hibiscus infusion improves erectile function by increasing blood flow.
• Due to the diuretic effect, the drink is useful for diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Hard-brewed red tea masks and compresses are useful for skin problems.
• The decoction is used as a rinse for hair to restore them lost shine, health, beauty and strength. It also makes the natural dark color of the curls more saturated.
• Karkade is considered a preventive agent for the formation of malignant cells and tumors in the body.

Contraindicated to

• Children under 3 years old.
• Persons with peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis, gastric acid (a type of gastritis) or pressure drops.
• Pregnant and lactating women (not to exceed two cups per day).

The possibility of individual intolerance should not be ruled out.

How to choose a quality product

A really good and healing infusion of Sudanese rose is obtained only if the quality of the raw materials is excellent.

Determine it by the size of the petals: they must be large, without crumbs.

Tea in bags or in the form of crushed leaves will not harm, but there will be no benefit from it.

The flowers are properly dried in a rich burgundy color. Pale or too dark leaves should not be bought: these signs indicate the stale hibiscus used or process violations.

How to cook it correctly

In order for the brew to give the infusion the maximum amount of nutrients, it is necessary to follow important rules for preparing the drink. There are several different recipes for brewing karkade.

• Boiling. Add 2 tbsp. l. dry petals and pour them with one glass of boiling water. Heat a container of teabags over low heat for about 3-5 minutes. When the decoction is almost ready, put a little sugar in it. To achieve a more tart, rich taste, you should increase the heating time to 10 minutes. And do not forget that the longer the raw materials are subjected to heat treatment, the less valuable trace elements remain in it.
• Hot brewing. In this case, tea is prepared directly in a mug. 1-2 tsp dried rosella pour barely boiling water. You can drink karkade brewed in a cup in 5-7 minutes.
• Cold way. Soak the flowers in the chilled liquid for a couple of hours. Then pour the brew into a refractory container (such as a saucepan) and put on a slow heat. Bring the broth to a boil and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes. Strain the prepared drink and add sugar (optional).

Hibiscus is also unique in that its steamed sour petals can be eaten.

Contraindications

• Infusion increases the acidity of gastric juice. Thus, it should not be drunk by those who suffer from highly acidic gastritis or ulcers.
• It is recommended to use with caution in the presence of stones in the urinary or gallbladder.
• Hypotonics, allergy sufferers and pregnant women should not get carried away with the product.
• Before consuming a decoction at night, remember that it has an invigorating effect. Those who suffer from insomnia are also contraindicated.
• After drinking tea, it is necessary to rinse the oral cavity, as the acids contained in the plant adversely affect tooth enamel.

Action in cosmetics

Beauty therapists are actively using the Sudanese rose to create products with these characteristics:

• caring for oily and combined facial skin;
• cleaning pores;
• smoothing wrinkles;
• giving skin elasticity;
• arresting inflammatory processes;
• against dandruff and increased hair fat.

Organic acids quickly and effectively eliminate pollution, exfoliate, and regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Raw material sources

There are many varieties of hibiscus. The most famous of them are & ndash; Sudanese rosella, Chinese and Syrian roses.

The plant, depending on the variety, is a tree (the highest reaches 3.5 meters) or shrub, can be annual or perennial. The buds themselves have a rich pink aroma.

According to some sources, India is considered the birthplace of the flower, according to others & ndash; Africa. Today it is grown in many tropics: Egypt, Thailand, Sudan, Syria, Mexico, China, Sri Lanka. Some species are artificially cultivated in Russia as garden or indoor variations.

Curious fact: the capital of Malaysia has the only Hibiscus Park in the world, where about 2,000 trees and shrubs of various varieties grow.

How to grow from seeds

The first thing to think about before planting at home & ndash; best landing place and location.

The process of Sudanese or Chinese rose is extremely picky and very rarely takes root, so it is better to resort to the seed method of cultivation. However, even in this case, be prepared for the fact that nothing can happen the first time.

The soil can be purchased ready-made or made yourself (if this is not your first experience in flower breeding).

The container with the sapling should be stored in a dry and warm room. Be sure to follow the watering regime: do not allow the soil to dry out.

Transplant the growing tree in time (and it can grow very high or wide & ndash; depending on the variety).

Hibiscus will delight you even in green with its beauty, and the appearance of the first bud will certainly give you a lot of positive emotions.

Care for the plant is simple: you need to make sure it has enough light, but prevent direct sunlight.

In summer, the tree needs room temperature, and in winter & ndash; within 10-15 & deg; C.

Rosella must be transplanted regularly (in the first few years of life annually, and in the future & ndash; as needed).

The first bloom should not be expected before 2-3 years.

What diseases are helped by the properties of hibiscus tea

Due to the huge amount of valuable trace elements, karkade is effective in combating the following health problems:

• viral diseases;
• decreased immunity;
• cold;
• digestive tract damage;
• poor sleep;
• mild neurotic ailments;
• blood pressure and cardiovascular instability;
• salt deposits.

Tea has antioxidant characteristics, cleanses the body of parasites and toxins. Petals are used to make compresses and solutions to get rid of injuries and inflammation on the skin.

Collection and storage

To make a refreshing and healing drink, you need to collect already fading hibiscus flowers. In this case, the buds should be saturated with juice and large, fully open.

The best time to gather is 6-7 days of flowering.

Immediately after collection, the hibiscus must be dried in a dark and dry place where direct sunlight cannot reach. & nbsp; Periodically, the petals must be turned over so that future brewing does not start to rot.

When & laquo; teapots & raquo; begin to break, pour them into a glass or metal jar. Linen bags can also be used as a container. Suitable storage banks can be purchased from our online store: here .

If proper conditions are met, the karkade can be stored and not lose its taste and healing properties for 3 years.

How to drink to raise immunity

To support the immune system, prepare an infusion of this recipe.

Mix the oregano, lemon balm and mint in equal proportions.

To one teaspoon of the resulting mixture, add three teaspoons of rosella. Pour over 500ml boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour.

Strain and drink the prepared drink several times during the day. Use it for two weeks.

Prevention

To keep the body in good shape, as well as to prevent viral diseases, take the infusion twice a day, brewing it at the rate of one teaspoon per glass of water.

Add honey to warm tea as a sweetener.

External use of decoctions

Lotions are made from hibiscus petals to treat ulcers. Plant leaves are equally effective for these purposes.

The Sudanese rose is used as a hair balm, a face wash, and is also added to water during baths.

It is important to maintain a low concentration: an excessively strong infusion can stain the skin.

Other uses

• For overexertion or emotional outbursts, prepare a soothing karkade. It will help restore the nervous system after stress. To do this, in addition to rosella flowers, you need hop cones. 1 tsp of each ingredient mix and brew in 500ml boiling water. Leave the brew for about 15 minutes, after which strain it and drink a tablespoon 3 times a day for 21 days.
• To rehabilitate an organism stressed after a disease, brew red petals with dried acidity. You need to drink the broth half an hour before eating 1 tbsp. three times a day. Children under 6 cannot be given the product.
• The drink can also have a mild laxative effect. To do this, simply pour a spoonful of dry brew with a glass of hot water, wait a quarter of an hour and drink a warm infusion. It not only stimulates the work of digestion, but also relieves muscle spasms and relaxes.

Hibiscus essential oil is used in a variety of applications.

In cosmetology & ndash; as a component of hair, skin care products to stop the inflammatory process.

In aromatherapy & ndash; as a way to eliminate depression.

In traditional medicine & ndash; as an aid to gastrointestinal malfunctions, to eliminate pain, tension and cramps in muscle tissues.

In perfumery, hibiscus is valued for its bright musky aromatic notes.

Not only tea deserves attention, but also juice from plant petals. It helps lower blood cholesterol. Chinese rose is best suited for this: fresh buds are squeezed out with gauze or a meat grinder.

Hibiscus syrup is extremely useful and tasty. They rarely drink it on their own, more often they are used as a natural additive in coffee, cocktails, desserts.

In cooking, karkade also took its place of honor. Fresh it is added to salads, meat dishes, sweet sauces and flower seasonings are prepared from it, jam, used in the preparation of oriental sweets.

Conclusion

You can buy tea from dried hibiscus flowers in the catalog & laquo; Russian Tea Company & raquo;: remember that only high-quality raw materials can benefit health, not harm.

The reliability of our products has been proven by the long-standing existence of the company in the market and the large number of positive reviews from our regular customers.