Hibiscus tiliaceus ( Malvaceae) Sea Hibiscus tree

Hibiscus tiliaceus (Sea Hibiscus)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Hibiscus tiliaceus

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Hibiscus

Related Herbs from the same family:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Japa/Jasum): The flowers are used in Ayurveda for their astringent and cooling properties, often applied externally for skin conditions and internally for menstrual disorders.

Gossypium herbaceum (Cotton/Karpasa): The root bark is used for its abortifacient and oxytocic properties, while the seeds are considered galactagogue.

Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow/Khatmi): A classic demulcent and emollient herb in Western herbalism, used to soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Abelmoschus moschatus (Muskdana/Latakasturi): The seeds are used as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and for treating nervous disorders.

The Malvaceae family, or mallow family, is known for plants that are often rich in mucilage, giving them demulcent and emollient properties. Many members also have showy flowers and are used for both ornamentation and medicine.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Hibiscus tiliaceus | English: Sea Hibiscus, Beach Hibiscus, Cottonwood Tree | Sanskrit: Bola, Sthalapadapa | Hindi: Bhola, Bela | Tamil: Nirparutti, Pura | Telugu: Adavibenda | Kannada: Seege | Malayalam: Puvarasu | Marathi: Bhola | Bengali: Bola | Spanish: Majagua | Filipino: Balibago | Hawaiian: Hau |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Demulcent,Emollient, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Laxative, Antifungal.

Medicinal Parts:

The bark,leaves, roots, and flowers are all used in various traditional medicine systems.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Mucilage: A gelatinous substance found in the bark and leaves. Its primary actions are Demulcent and Emollient, soothing irritated skin and mucous membranes.

Flavonoids (Gossypetin, Quercetin): Plant pigments with strong Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects.

Tannins: Astringent compounds. Their actions are Antimicrobial and Astringent, helping to tighten tissues and reduce secretions.

Cyclopropenoids (e.g., Sterculic Acid): Found in the seeds, these compounds have demonstrated Antifungal and potential Anticancer properties in research.

Phenolic Acids: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant capacity of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Decoction of the bark or leaves.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is made from the bark and consumed to reduce fever, especially those associated with a burning sensation.

Reasoning: The bark is considered to have cooling (Sheeta) properties, which help pacify Pitta and reduce heat.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Poultice of the leaves or bark.

Preparation & Use: The young leaves are crushed into a paste and applied topically to wounds, boils, ulcers, and skin inflammations to promote healing and reduce infection.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the tannins and other compounds help cleanse and soothe the wound.

Kasa (Cough) & Swasa (Asthma)

Formulation: Infusion of the flowers or bark.

Preparation & Use: A warm infusion made from the flowers or the inner bark is drunk to relieve cough and congestion. The mucilage content helps soothe the throat.

Reasoning: The demulcent property of the mucilage coats and soothes the irritated respiratory tract, while its expectorant action helps loosen phlegm.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Pravahika (Dysentery)

Formulation: Decoction of the astringent bark.

Preparation & Use: A strong decoction of the bark is used for its astringent effect to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

Reasoning: The tannins present in the bark have an astringent effect that helps dry up excess moisture in the intestines and reduce the frequency of stools.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The young leaves are sometimes eaten as a vegetable, and the bark is used for fiber.

Soothing Bark Decoction for Cough and Sore Throat

Purpose: To relieve respiratory congestion and throat irritation.

Preparation & Use:

· Take a handful of cleaned inner bark.

· Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

· Strain and sip the warm decoction 2-3 times a day.

Leaf Poultice for Skin Inflammation

Purpose: To treat boils, wounds, and skin sores.

Preparation & Use:

· Take a few young, tender leaves.

· Wash thoroughly and crush them into a fine paste.

· Apply this paste directly to the affected area and secure with a clean cloth. Change twice a day.

Fever-Reducing Infusion

Purpose: To cool the body during fevers.

Preparation & Use:

· Take a handful of fresh or dried leaves.

· Steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

· Strain and drink once it has cooled to a warm temperature.

7. Disclaimer:

Hibiscus tiliaceusis generally considered safe for external use and for short-term internal use in traditional preparations. However, scientific data on its safety profile is limited. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid internal use due to a lack of safety data. The plant grows in coastal and often polluted areas, so it is crucial to source plant material from clean, uncontaminated environments. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

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

· Wealth of India, Raw Materials (Vol. V)

· Compendium of Medicinal Plants Used in Malaysia

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

1. Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow)

* Species:Althaea officinalis | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Althaea

* Similarities:Both are members of the Malvaceae family and are rich in mucilage, giving them potent demulcent and emollient properties. They are both used to soothe coughs, sore throats, and gastrointestinal inflammation.

2. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Shoe Flower)

* Species:Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Hibiscus

* Similarities:As congeners, they share similar phytochemical profiles, including flavonoids and mucilage. Both have cooling properties and are used traditionally for skin conditions and respiratory issues, though H. rosa-sinensis is more commonly used for female reproductive health.

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