What is hibiscus and its benefits

Hibiscus is a medicinal plant that can be used to aid in diets for weight loss, blood pressure control, and even the prevention of liver problems.

Its flowers can be used in teas or salads, and other parts of the plant can be used to make jellies, soups and sauces, making it a very versatile way to improve health.

Hibiscus Price

The price of hibiscus varies according to the place of purchase and the form of presentation, and the average value for the dry plant is 5 reais per 100 grams for the powder is 15 reais for 100 grams and for the capsules is 40 reais, for 60 capsules.

Main benefits

Hibiscus has several benefits and therefore it can be used to assist in the treatment of various health problems. Hibiscus is good for:

• Help to lose weight because it is a great diuretic and also helps in burning fat;
• Improve constipation because it has laxative action;
• Fight liver diseases and detoxify this organ because it boosts the functioning of this organ;
• Relieve menstrual cramps because it has analgesic action;
• Combat colds, colds, cough and fever because it has expectorant action, which facilitates the withdrawal of secretions;
• Fight seborrhea in the scalp because it has anti-dandruff properties;
• Relieve stomach pain due to analgesic action and to have calming effect;
• Reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels because it has antihypertensive properties;
• Slow skin aging because it is rich in antioxidants.

Hibiscus is also popularly known as Rose-of-china, Mime-de-Venus, Greenhouse, Grease-of-Student and Dandelion, but its scientific name is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. This plant can be bought in natural products stores and some markets with the average price of 12 reais.

How to Use Hibiscus

The used part of the hibiscus is the flower, and the tea of ​​this plant is widely used to aid in weight loss.

• To make hibiscus tea: add 2 tablespoons full of dried hibiscus flowers, 2 sachets or 1 teaspoon of the powder in 1 liter of boiling water. Turn off the heat and stifle the container for ten minutes, strain and drink.

To lose weight, one should take 3-4 cups of hibiscus tea daily, half an hour before main meals.

There are also capsules containing hibiscus powder inside. These capsules are usually sold to those who are trying to lose weight and their use should be made according to the indications of the box, since they vary according to the brand.

Possible side effects

Although it does not happen in all people, hibiscus can cause dizziness, weakness and drowsiness because it helps in lowering blood pressure. So, suffering from low blood pressure should not consume the hibiscus in large quantities, nor without medical advice.

Who should not use

Hibiscus is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, periods of PMS and women who are trying to get pregnant, as it alters hormones and may in some cases make pregnancy difficult and cause infertility.