Also known as «Bissap», «Karkade» or «Guinea Gold», Sabdariffa Hibiscus is a bushy plant native to West Africa traditionally used in cooking. But I’m sure you already know… It’s about these big red flowers that, by themselves, evoke us fleeing to a sunny destination with our toes fanned out… You know very well that hibiscus flowers are famous for its innumerable benefits for the organism as well as the beauty of the body.
In this article we explain why you should have hibiscus flowers in your cabinets…
The medicinal properties of the hibiscus flower.
Hibiscus flower is concentrated in anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C, which are powerful antioxidant active ingredients. Several scientific studies have shown that this plant could be an effective natural remedy against many ailments.
In case of intestinal disorders, for example, the hibiscus flower, rich in mucilage, helps to cleanse the intestines and thus restore normal digestion. For people suffering from dyslipidemia, this plant also helps balance cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In case of hypertension, the hibiscus flower can also be used as a natural remedy to help reduce blood pressure . In addition, you can consume this flower to give your body a little boost, since its high concentration of antioxidants helps fight stress and reduce fatigue.
Finally, for those who make maintaining the figure a point of honor or who want to lose the bidoche, know that the hibiscus flower turns out to be an excellent slimming ally because it effectively helps maintain blood sugar levels and prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver.
The hibiscus flower and its beauty benefits
for the skin
In addition to being excellent for health, the hibiscus flower turns out to be an essential beauty ally! In fact, its high concentration of antioxidants and moisturizing sugars make it a natural care for your skin. It allows to hydrate the dermis in depth, from stimulating the production of collagen and thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, its anthocyanin pigments will delight the most tired faces as they help lightly tint the skin giving it a tanned appearance.
For the hair
The hibiscus flower is also a beauty ally for your hair. Applied to the roots, it stimulates hair growth and purifies the scalp , ridding it of dead cells and dandruff. For longer locks, know that hibiscus hydrates, strengthens lengths and helps prevent split ends.
How to use hibiscus flowers?
To take advantage of the benefits of the hibiscus flower, nothing could be easier, gentlemen…
Hibiscus flower infusion
To prepare a hibiscus tea, simply steep the equivalent of a tablespoon of dried flowers in hot water for a few minutes, until it boils. When the water is really purple, you can taste it! If you have a bit of a problem with the acidic side, you can add a little sugar, a dash of strawberry syrup, or a few mint leaves. It’s up to you! And if you are not a fan of hot drinks, no lizard, you can absolutely prepare your infusion, pour it into a glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator for a refreshing and good for your health drink!
Hibiscus beauty lotion
To use the hibiscus flower in beauty care, start by proceeding in the same way as for preparing an infusion. Let cool, then pour everything into a spray bottle. You can then add aloe vera gel or essential/vegetable oils depending on the nature of your hair to complete your hibiscus lotion. This can be used daily. To hydrate the skin, you can apply a few sprays in the morning and at night with a cotton ball and directly on the hair to refresh the cut, stimulate growth and protect the lengths.
Well and for the most lazy, know that many brands offer ready-to-use hibiscus care such as the BioKarité, Kalia Nature or Khadi brand.
Where can I get them?
You can easily find dried hibiscus flowers in supermarkets or in organic stores (Biocoop, Naturalia, etc.) at a price of between €2 and €7 per 100g depending on the brand. You can also order your hibiscus flowers directly online from websites like Aroma-Zone or Onatera.
Please note that not all hibiscus flowers are edible. Make sure the flowers you buy are of the sabdariffa species of hibiscus . better to eat them Organic and fair trade .
There you have it, now the hibiscus flower may speak to you a little more than just perching on the ear of a cute Tahitian…