Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Hibiscus

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Abelmoschus esculentus (Bhindi, Okra/Lady's Finger) - A common vegetable, the mucilage of which is used as a demulcent.

• Sida cordifolia (Bala, Country Mallow) - A premier Ayurvedic herb used as a tonic and for neuromuscular conditions.

• Gossypium species (Cotton, Karpasa) - The roots and seeds are used in traditional medicine.

• Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - A European herb with similar demulcent properties, used in a similar way to Hibiscus for soothing mucous membranes.

  
  

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | English: Chinese Hibiscus, Shoe Flower | Sanskrit: Japa, Udicchada | Hindi: Gudhal, Japaphul | Tamil: Sembaruthi, Cemparattai | Telugu: Dasani, Mandara | Kannada: Dasavala, Hoovu | Malayalam: Cembarutti | Marathi: Jaswand | Bengali: Joba | Nepali: Rakta Japaa | Urdu: Gul-e-Gurhal | French: Hibiscus Rose de Chine | Spanish: Rosa de China | Italian: Ibisco | German: Chinesischer Roseneibisch | Chinese: Fúrónghuā | Russian: Гибискус китайский | Japanese: ブッソウゲ | Afrikaans: Hibiskus |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow), Hair Tonic (promotes hair growth, prevents greying), Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antipyretic, Demulcent, Astringent, Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), Refrigerant (Helps reduce body heat), Emollient (Softens the skin), Demulcent, Hair conditioner.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action:

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin, Hesperidin): These are powerful Antioxidants that protect hair follicles and skin cells from damage. They contribute to vasodilation, supporting the Hypotensive effect.

Anthocyanins: The pigments that give the flower its red color. They are potent Antioxidants and are linked to cardiovascular health.

Mucilage: A polysaccharide that gives the flower and leaves a slimy texture when crushed. This is responsible for the Demulcent (soothing) property, useful for coughs and digestive irritation.

Tannins: These polyphenolic compounds have a strong Astringent action, which helps tighten tissues, control bleeding, and condition hair by smoothing the cuticle.

Organic Acids (Citric, Malic, Tartaric): These contribute to the flower's mildly acidic nature, which helps in maintaining scalp health and giving hair a natural shine.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Hair Tonic & Hair Growth Promoter

Formulation: Flower paste or oil infusion.

Preparation & Use: Fresh red flowers are crushed into a paste and applied to the scalp and hair to prevent hair loss, dandruff, and premature greying. The flowers are also infused in coconut oil (Japa tailam) for regular use as a hair oil.

Reasoning: The Tannins act as a natural hair conditioner, the Flavonoids and Anthocyanins improve blood circulation to the scalp and provide antioxidant protection to follicles, while the Organic Acids help maintain a healthy scalp pH.

Emmenagogue (for Irregular Menstruation)

Formulation: Flower decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the flowers is taken to stimulate menstrual flow in cases of amenorrhea (absent periods) and to relieve menstrual cramps.

Reasoning: The flower is believed to have an estrogenic effect, stimulating uterine contractions to promote shedding of the uterine lining. The Flavonoids may be responsible for this activity.

Anti-inflammatory & Demulcent (for Cough and Bronchitis)

Formulation: Flower paste or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The mucilaginous paste of the flowers is mixed with honey and consumed to soothe a dry, irritated throat and cough. A decoction of the flowers and buds is used for bronchitis.

Reasoning: The Mucilage coats the throat, providing a soothing, Demulcent layer. The Anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce the underlying irritation.

Antifungal (for Ringworm and Fungal Infections)

Formulation: Leaf and flower poultice.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves and flowers are ground into a paste and applied topically to areas affected by ringworm, boils, and other fungal skin infections.

Reasoning: The plant's extracts have demonstrated Antifungal activity against various dermatophytes, likely due to its complex mix of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Note: The common red Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is used medicinally, while Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) is the species typically used for culinary teas. However, the following are traditional medicinal recipes for H. rosa-sinensis.

Soothing Hibiscus Tea for Cough and Hypertension

Purpose: As a demulcent for sore throat and a hypotensive tonic.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 2-3 dried or fresh hibiscus flowers. Boil them in one cup of water for 5-7 minutes.

2. Strain the tea. Add honey or lemon for taste.

3. Drink once a day. (Note: This is a medicinal tea; for regular consumption, Hibiscus sabdariffa is preferred).

   
   

Hibiscus Hair Pack for Healthy Hair

Purpose: To strengthen hair, reduce hair fall, and add natural shine.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 5-6 fresh red hibiscus flowers and 10-12 leaves.

2. Grind them into a smooth paste with a little water or yogurt.

3. Apply the paste from the roots to the tips of your hair.

4. Leave on for 30-45 minutes before washing off with a mild shampoo.

   
   

Topical Paste for Boils and Inflammation

Purpose: To reduce swelling and draw out infection.

Preparation & Use:

1. Crush a few hibiscus flowers and a neem leaf together.

2. Apply the paste directly onto the boil or inflamed area.

3. Let it dry and then wash off. Repeat twice daily.

7. Disclaimer:Hibiscus rosa-sinensis may have an emmenagogue effect and should be avoided in pregnancy as it can potentially stimulate menstruation and cause complications. Its effects on blood pressure mean individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure) or those on antihypertensive medication should use it with caution. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before internal medicinal use.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Further study:Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties:

1. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle): Family: Malvaceae. The calyces of this species are used worldwide to make a popular herbal tea ("Jamaica tea") which is high in Vitamin C and Anthocyanins, and is used for its Hypotensive, Diuretic, and Antioxidant properties.

2. Lawsonia inermis (Henna, Mehendi): Family: Lythraceae. While from a different family, it is the other quintessential Indian hair herb. Like Hibiscus, it is used as a hair conditioner, dye, and to cool the scalp, sharing Hair Tonic and Cooling properties.

3. Rosa damascena (Damask Rose): Family: Rosaceae. Prized for its exquisite fragrance and cooling properties. Similar to Hibiscus, its petals are used in skin and hair preparations for their Astringent and Anti-inflammatory benefits, and it is also used to soothe the mind.

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Medicinal Uses:

Blood purifier, Antioxidant, Anticancer.

Other Traditional uses:

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2. A fine paste of the tender leaves is used for hair wash. It is an excellent conditioner, nourishes the hair roots and protects the hair shaft from damage.

3. A poultice of the leaves can be used as a cooling aid when one is suffering from excessive body heat, burning sensation on the scalp or from recurrent infections of the hair follicles.

Disclaimer: For the untrained eye, many plants appear similar. Do not attempt to harvest and use herbs until and unless you are familiar with herb identification and usage.

If you want to use any of the herbs mentioned on these blogs, please do so under the guidance of a doctor or a holistic practitioner. You can also write to us at feedback@prehealing.com for usage information specific to your issue.

References: