Hibiscus

Latin Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa (5, 6)

Part(s) Used: calyces (5, 6). Flowers, leaves and seeds also usable, but not
discussed here (4).

Energetics: cooling (6), drying (6)

Key Actions: Antioxidant (5, 6), refrigerant (4, 5, 6), hypocholesterolemic (5,
6), diuretic (5)

Medicinal Uses:
Despite the many benefits of hibiscus, it is notably and unfortunately absent
from many herbal texts. Where it is discussed, hibiscus’ antioxidant and
hypocholesterolemic actions are featured (5, 6). The potential for positively
affecting cholesterol, blood sugar, and hepatoprotective properties were
also mentioned (5). Finally, it’s mentioned as an herbal ally for women
during menopause, as its refrigerant action can help temper hot flashes (10).

Clinical and scientific studies, on the other hand, have not overlooked hibiscus’ potential. A 2014 study found
that constituents from hibiscus calyces “significantly reduced blood pressure in both humans and rats” (8).
Two 2019 studies further validated these findings, concluding that hibiscus showed promise as a dietary
strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (1), benefit endothelial [cells that line the interior
of blood vessels] functioning, benefit vascular functioning (1), and may be an effective intervention to address
stage one hypertension (7). Hibiscus’ effects on cholesterol was investigated in one study, but the resulting
data did not support this uses (1).

Constituents from hibiscus calyces also have antioxidant effects (8), due to being food-rich in lutein and
anthocyanins (9). Chlorogenic acid, which modulates glucose concentration and release, was also found in
food-rich levels (9). The diuretic properties have also been investigated and were supported by a 2012 study,
which also noted that the diuretic effect and the dosage were positively correlated (2).

Other Uses:
Fiber [leaves] for clothing, linen, etc. (3)
Animal feed [leaves, seeds] (3)
Beverage/ culinary (5)

Preparations and Dosages:

Hot infusion – 1 tsp to 1 tbsp [per cup] up to six times per day (five), 2 tsp [per cup] three times per day (6)
Tincture – not commonly used because constituents do not extract well into alcohol (4)

Cautions:
Large doses have the potential to decrease the chance of conception (5)
Acidity may weaken tooth enamel (5)
May interact with some medications due to mild diuretic properties (5)
Use caution with high blood pressure medication, due to mild diuretic properties (4)

This monograph is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Sources:
1. Abubakar, S. M., Ukeyima, M. T., Spencer, J. P. E., & Lovegrove, J. A. (2019). Acute effects of hibiscus
sabdariffa calyces on postprandial blood pressure, vascular function, blood lipids, biomarkers of
insulin resistance and inflammation in humans. Nutrients, 11(2), 341.
2. Alarcón-Alonso, J., Zamilpa, A., Aguilar, F., Herrera-Ruiz, M., Tortoriello, J., Jimenez-Ferrer, E.
Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae)
extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 139(3), 751-756.
3. Da-Costa-Rocha, I., Bonnlaender, B., Sievers, H., Pischel, I., Heinrich, M. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A
phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry, 165, 424-443.
4. De la Foret, R. (n.d.). Benefits of hibiscus. https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/benefits-of-
hibiscus.html
5. Groves, M. N. (2016). Body into Balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. North Adams, MA: Storey
Publishing.
6. Hibiscus monograph. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/2026
7. Jalalyazdi, M., Ramezani, J., Izadi-Moud, A., Madani-Sani, F., Shahlaei, S., & Ghiasi, S. S. (2019). Effect
of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Journal of advanced
pharmaceutical technology & research, 10(3), 107–111.
8. Joven, J., March, I., Espinel, E., Fernández‐Arroyo, S., Rodríguez‐Gallego, E., Aragonès, G., Beltrán‐
Debón, R., Alonso‐Villaverde, C., Rios, L., Martin‐Paredero, V., Menendez, J.A., Micol, V., Segura‐
Carretero, A. and Camps, J. (2014). Hibiscus sabdariffa extract lowers blood pressure and improves
endothelial function. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 58, 1374-1378.
9. Piovesana, A, Rodrigues, E, Noreña, CPZ. Composition analysis of carotenoids and phenolic
compounds and antioxidant activity from hibiscus calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) by HPLC‐DAD‐
MS/MS. Phytochemical Analysis, 30, 208– 217.
10. Weed, S. (1992). Menopausal years the wise woman way. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing.
11. PICTURE:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Description_des_plantes_rares_cultivees_a_Malmaison_et_
a_Navarre_(pl._29)_BHL275909.jpg

This monograph is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.