Hibiscus cannabinus (Malvaceae) Gongura

Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Hibiscus cannabinus

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Hibiscus

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Japa): The common shoe-flower, used as a hair tonic and for menstrual disorders.

· Abelmoschus esculentus (Bhindi/Lady's Finger): A common vegetable with demulcent properties.

· Sida cordifolia (Bala): A premier Balya (strength-giving) herb in Ayurveda, used for nervous and muscular strength.

The Malvaceae family is rich in plants with mucilaginous (demulcent) and strengthening properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Hibiscus cannabinus | English: Kenaf, Java Jute, Deccan Hemp | Sanskrit: Not definitively recorded. | Hindi: Patsan, Ambari | Tamil: Pulichai, Kavatchi | Telugu: Gongura, Pimpini | Kannada: Pundi, Gongura | Malayalam: Sree Narayana Chedi | Marathi: Ambadi | Bengali: Mesta | Arabic: Tilib |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Demulcent,Laxative, Refrigerant (cooling), Antiscorbutic (treats scurvy), Aphrodisiac (in some traditions), Blood Tonic.

Medicinal Parts:

The leaves,seeds, and roots are used.

· Leaves: The primary part used, both as a food and medicine.

· Seeds: Used for their oil and tonic properties.

· Roots: Used in decoctions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Mucilage: A soluble fiber that gives the plant a slimy texture when cooked. Its action is Demulcent (soothes mucous membranes) and Laxative.

Vitamin C: Contributes to its Antiscorbutic and Antioxidant properties.

Polyphenols and Flavonoids: Provide Antioxidant support and contribute to overall health.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids (in seeds): Found in the seed oil, contributing to its nutritive value.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Daha (Burning Sensation) & Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Formulation: Leaf vegetable or juice.

Preparation & Use: The sour-tasting leaves are cooked as a vegetable (similar to Gongura) or the juice is consumed to alleviate internal heat and burning sensations. It is considered a blood purifier.

Reasoning: The cooling nature and mucilage help pacify Pitta dosha, which is responsible for heat and bleeding.

Malabandha (Constipation)

Formulation: Cooked leaves.

Preparation & Use: Regular consumption of the cooked leafy vegetable provides a good amount of soluble fiber, which helps in forming soft stool and promoting easy bowel movements.

Reasoning: The mucilaginous fiber absorbs water, bulks up the stool, and stimulates peristalsis.

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

The leaves are a popular souring agent in Indian cuisine, especially in Andhra Pradesh, where they are known as "Gongura."

Classic Gongura Pachadi (Chutney)

Purpose: A digestive and cooling condiment.

Preparation & Use:

· Sauté a bunch of Kenaf leaves with green chilies.

· Grind them into a paste with salt and tamarind.

· Temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Eat with rice or roti.

Cooling Leaf Juice

Purpose: To quench thirst and reduce internal heat.

Preparation & Use:

· Extract the juice from fresh leaves.

· Mix with a little water, salt, and cumin powder. Drink once a day.

7. Disclaimer:

Hibiscus cannabinusleaves are generally safe when consumed as a food. Due to its laxative effect, excessive consumption may cause loose stools in some individuals. Its use as a therapeutic agent beyond dietary intake should be discussed with a healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes.

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

· Wealth of India by CSIR

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

· Regional cookbooks and ethnobotanical studies of South India.

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

1. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle)

· Species: Hibiscus sabdariffa | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Hibiscus

· Similarities: A very close relative, also known for its sour, red calyces which are used to make teas and jams. Both are cooling, rich in Vitamin C, and have diuretic and mild laxative properties.

2. Rumex vesicarius (Chuka/Bladder Dock)

· Species: Rumex vesicarius | Family: Polygonaceae | Genus: Rumex

· Similarities: Both are sour-tasting leafy greens used as cooling vegetables and digestive aids in Indian cuisine, especially during summer.