Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa)

What is Roselle?

Hibiscus sabdariffa, sometimes known as roselle hibiscus, is a Malvaceae family shrub. In Iran, it is commonly referred to as sour tea. Roselle is known as Red Sorrel in English-speaking nations.

Originally from Africa and Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago, it is now widely grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in India and Southeast Asia.

For generations, Roselle has been used as a medicinal plant. It has been used to cure toothaches, urinary tract infections, colds, and even hangovers. Roselle juice made from the leaves is used to treat conjunctivitis in Senegal, and when pulverized, it soothes wounds and ulcers.

One of the primary reasons for roselle cultivation is to generate the best fibers, which are removed from the stem and used as a substitute for jute. Hibiscus cannabinus is frequently grown in southern Asia for fiber extraction.

Roselle is a low-maintenance shrub that grows to be quite tall. Its brilliant crimson stems easily distinguish it. It produces a large number of attractive flowers with a distinct appearance. It also generates a calyx at each node. Calyces, both fresh and dried, play an important role in food preparation.

See, Impressive Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Juice,  Benefits Of Cranberry Juice, and Ginger Shot Benefits.

Roselle hibiscus nutrition:

Roselle is high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to having a delicious taste. A 57-gram serving of Roselle contains 123 mg of calcium, 0.84 mg of iron, 6.8 mg of vitamin C, 29 mg of magnesium, 6.45 g of carbohydrates, 21 mg of phosphorus, 119 mg of potassium, 0.016 mg of vitamin B2, and 8 g of vitamin A.

Roselle plant uses

Roselle is an example of a plant with numerous positive properties. The correct individual can use all of its parts, such as the roselle calyces, leaves, stem, flower, and so forth, for one or more purposes. Among these applications are:

Food

This plant is well-known for its many and fleshy calyces. The fresh calyces of red Roselle are used to make roselle juice or flor de jamaica or Sorrel Drink, a vividly crimson-colored tasty drink. Some people also use the leaves of the Roselle in salads. When roselle leaves are used in salads, they give a flavor similar to spicy spinach with a hint of sour fruitiness. These leaves always offer a unique flavor to any dish.

Dried calyces and dried flowers are also employed as vital ingredients in various recipes.

Skincare

The roselle plant is well-known in the cosmetics and skincare industries for its anti-aging effects. It’s been used to make face/body scrubs, facial steams, clay masks, and other beauty products. Roselle flowers are healthy because they contain antioxidants, which help to neutralize the effects of free radicals and leave you beaming with health.

Ornamentation

Because Roselle is primarily a flower, one of its principal applications is flower arrangements. You can use its many fresh calyces to add a unique touch to your ornamental work.

Health Benefits of Roselle Hibiscus

This flower also has numerous benefits for your body. Here are a few:

1. Relieves menstrual cramps

Roselle Hibiscus is a natural remedy that is often used as a treatment for menstrual cramps. It’s safe to use and is both affordable and simple to make at home.

In a study published in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers evaluated the effect of roselle hibiscus extract on menstrual cramps in women. The study included 60 female participants who were divided into two groups: the first group received roselle hibiscus extract while the second group received a placebo. Both groups were asked to consume the extract daily for four weeks.

At the end of the study, it was found that those who had consumed the extract experienced a 40 percent reduction in menstrual cramps. In addition, the researchers noted that there were no adverse effects associated with roselle hibiscus extract consumption. According to the study authors, these results suggest that roselle hibiscus has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as an effect on hormone levels.

This can help restore hormonal balance (which can reduce mood swings, depression, and overeating associated with menstruation).

 2. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

Ascorbic acid, often known as vitamin C, is abundant in hibiscus tea. Vitamin C is a necessary component that our bodies require to strengthen and promote the activity of our immune systems. Roselle flowers, whether fresh or dry, are high in Vitamin C.

3. Improves digestion

Hibiscus is a flower that has been used for centuries to improve digestion. It contains anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that hibiscus can help reduce inflammation in your digestive system, helping to improve your digestion overall. If you’re looking for a herbal supplement that can help improve your digestive health, give the hibiscus a try!

4. Prevents constipation

Magnesium in Roselle relieves constipation quickly, and a large dose of water-soluble magnesium supplements is known to give sound relief for even the most severe constipation. This vitamin’s laxative properties aid to relax the intestinal muscles, allowing for a smoother rhythm when passing feces. It also can attract water, which softens the stool and allows it to pass more readily. Roselle has 29 mg of magnesium, 6.90% of the daily required amount.

5. Weight loss

Hibiscus herbal tea might also help you lose weight. If you eat foods high in carbohydrates, you can gain weight since they include sugar and starch. However, studies have shown that hibiscus extract reduces the absorption of carbohydrates and glucose and may aid in weight loss.

Hibiscus suppresses the synthesis of amylase, which aids in the digestion of carbs and starch; hence drinking hibiscus tea reduces this absorption. As a result, hibiscus tea can be included in various weight loss solutions.

6. Antidepressant properties

Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect any person at any time. The symptoms can be debilitating and can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or to focus on anything else. There are many treatments available, but the best one for most people is medication. However, medication can be expensive and have side effects.

Another option is to try natural remedies, such as tea. Tea has been used for centuries to improve mental health, and there are a variety of studies that show that hibiscus tea is a good way to fight depression. Hibiscus tea contains antioxidants and flavonoids, which are known to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms. In addition, hibiscus tea has traditionally been used as a relaxant, so it may help you to feel less stressed and more relaxed.

If you are struggling with depression, consider trying hibiscus tea. It may be a good way to start feeling better again quickly.

7. Cancer-resistant properties

Because it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties, hibiscus can help reduce your risk of cancer. In fact, research shows that drinking hibiscus tea on a regular basis can reduce your chances of getting breast cancer by as much as 27 percent. Drink 2 cups a day to make sure you get your daily dose! You’ll also be protecting yourself from colorectal cancer and lung cancer.

Research suggests that hibiscus is beneficial in preventing other types of cancers, too. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, studies have shown positive results against liver, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers with hibiscus.

Another study found that hibiscus slowed cancerous cell growth by inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.

8. Muscle weakness

Roselle contains Phosphorous, which has the power to alleviate minor health issues such as muscle weakness, numbness, exhaustion, and other comparable symptoms. Normal phosphorus levels in the body are an excellent method to stay fit and active.

According to experts and other health practitioners, a normal dose for adults is around 1200 mg. Sexual weakness can also be treated with a healthy phosphorus supplementation. So issues like libido loss, frigidity, impotence, and sperm motility can be improved by having an adequate supply of phosphorus in your system.

9. Management of coughs, colds, and fever

Roselle contains Vitamin C, which helps to boost our immune system and protects us from colds and coughs. Aside from that, it aids iron absorption and enhances the body’s resilience against infection. It is also effective against viruses.

In addition to its substantial benefits, hibiscus is also known to have anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties. Thus hibiscus tea is widely used as a supplement to help treat coughs and colds. Since it has a cooling effect, it is particularly useful in reducing the discomfort of fevers caused by such diseases.

10. Keeps teeth and gums healthy

As a result of the calcium in Roselle, the jaw bone remains strong and sturdy throughout your life, making your teeth tight and free from bacteria. Before you start experiencing tooth and gum problems, make sure you keep a calcium-rich diet. Your children’s oral health will naturally improve with its intake, especially at a young age.

11. Protects liver

Antioxidant qualities help to treat liver problems (Antioxidants help to protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in bodily tissues and cells) (Antioxidants help to protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells)

12. Healthy pregnancy

Pregnant ladies should take more iron-rich meals than anyone else. So including iron-rich food like Roselle is quite advantageous for pregnant women as they require roughly 27 mg daily, and this is frequently covered in a prenatal multi-vitamin. Also, pregnant women should try consuming more healthy fat and folate-rich foods throughout pregnancy.

13. It tastes fantastic!

Hibiscus herbal tea has a flavor that is remarkably similar to cranberry juice. It can be regarded as tart. Therefore you can add sweetener to increase the sweetness. Depending on your taste, you can experiment with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

14. Lowers cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of lipid found in the body that helps with the structure and function of cells. It helps the body to make hormones, build muscles, and process fats.

There are two main types of cholesterol: good and bad. Good cholesterol helps to protect the heart and arteries from damage, while bad cholesterol can cause inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Hibiscus has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels in both humans and rats. This could be beneficial for people who have high levels of bad cholesterol or who are at risk for heart disease.

However, more research is needed to determine the benefits and risks of hibiscus for people with heart disease.

How to use roselle hibiscus?

• Hibiscus tea

The leaves, blooms, and pods of Roselle hibiscus are all edible. The leaves have a spicy spinach taste and are widely used in various cultures around the world. In hot water, dried leaves are steeped to create this caffeine-free tea. This tea can be flavored with ginger or lemon and sweetened with sugar.

• Alcohol-free beverage

Dried Roselle calyces can be used to make soft drinks. First, wash the dried calyces to remove dirt, then boil for 8-10 minutes to make the dark red solution. The solution is filtered to eliminate calyces before being sweetened and flavored with sugar, pineapple, cloves, or ginger. Finally, chill the drink in the refrigerator before serving.

• Smoothies

Blend it into smoothies. Calyces can be used fresh or frozen in smoothies after being removed from the seed pod. (Don’t forget that the leaves are edible and make an excellent addition to smoothies.)

• Jellies and jams

Roselle jam is solely created with calyces and sugar. Due to pectin and citric acid in the calyces, the resulting jam or jelly is typically red, thick, and sour. Collect and rinse fresh calyces before boiling for 10-15 minutes to make roselle jam. Finally, combine the boiling calyces with the sugar and heat. Congratulations, your jam is now ready to be stored in jars.

• Sauces

Roselle can be added to your favorite sauces. Roselle provides a distinct flavor and color to sauces, making them a great addition to sweet and savory dishes.

• Soup

Fresh green roselle calyx makes a popular soup in Nigeria called Isapa or Ashuwe. It’s made using egusi oil melon seeds, beef, seafood, veggies, seasonings, and locust beans. It is supposed to be both healthful and tasty.

More herbal information:

1. Rosemary
2. Tokyo Bekana
3. Fennel Bulb
4. Thai Basil
5. Moringa
6. Arugula

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