Description of hibiscus flowers. How are they useful and to whom are they contraindicated? Can this plant contribute to weight loss? Recipes for drinks and unusual delicacies. The healing properties of hibiscus are still appreciated in folk medicine, especially in China and Africa. In the Middle Kingdom, on its basis, preparations are made that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. In Africa, the plant is used as an antibiotic, diuretic, choleretic and anticonvulsant, as well as for the treatment of various skin diseases.
Contraindications and harm of hibiscus flowers
Unfortunately, no matter how useful drinks and dishes made from hibiscus flowers are, not everyone can appreciate their positive effect - the fact is that this product, like any other, has contraindications.
The product is prohibited for use:
- People suffering from diseases of the digestive system, since the plant increases acidity, and this can have a negative effect in the presence of gastritis, peptic ulcer and other gastrointestinal ailments.
- Pregnant and planning a baby. Hibiscus has an estrogenic effect that slows down the maturation of the egg and also stimulates uterine contractions, which can trigger preterm labor.
- People with kidney and bladder diseases - in this case, the diuretic effect of the plant can be harmful, there is a particular danger for patients with cholelithiasis and urolithiasis.
It is also worth saying that with caution you need to introduce the product into the diet of allergy sufferers. Individual intolerance to plant components is not a rare phenomenon, since for us it is still exotic. For the same reason, you should not use the product for lactating women and young children.
Another important fact that you need to know about hibiscus flowers is that they tend to enhance the effect of a number of drugs, including antiviral, anticancer and other medicines. This means that during the period of such therapy, the use of the product must be abandoned so as not to blur the picture of the treatment and not to cause side effects of the drugs.
It is also important to note that even a healthy person who does not take any medications should not abuse drinks and dishes with plant petals, otherwise symptoms of "overdose" may occur, mainly manifested in loss of concentration and attention.
Note! If you suffer from a serious illness that we did not mention above, it is better to consult your doctor before using hibiscus flowers in order to avoid negative consequences.
Hibiscus Flower Drink Recipes
The ruby-colored aromatic infusion of hibiscus petals got its special name - hibiscus tea. There are many ways to brew such a drink, here are some of them:
- Fast hibiscus … This simple and quick recipe should be used if you especially don't have time to make tea. The preparation is very simple: put half a tablespoon of the petals in a cup and fill it with a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid on top. After 10 minutes, the drink can be drunk.
- Real hibiscus … But if time permits, we recommend that you use this recipe, you will get a richer and brighter drink. Take petals (10 grams) and fill with water at room temperature (1 liter). Leave the flowers to open overnight. In the morning, put the infusion on the stove, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. It remains only to strain the tea and add sweetener and spices to taste.
- Cold hibiscus … If you want to drink the drink cold, then it is also recommended to follow a special recipe. Place the petals (4 tablespoons) in a small saucepan and cover with cold water (500 ml), put on fire, add sweetener and cook for 3 minutes. Cool the tea at room temperature first and then put it in the refrigerator. When the hibiscus becomes completely cold, you can drink it, having previously filtered it. You can add sliced citrus fruits to the drink; on the one hand, they will accentuate the sourness, and on the other, they will make the taste richer.
It is worth noting that hibiscus can be drunk at least every day, but it is better not to exceed the norm of 2-3 cups. In addition, with constant daily use of the drink, it will be useful to take occasional breaks.
Hibiscus Flower Recipes
As we said above, the petals of an exotic plant are suitable for preparing not only drinks, but also dishes, mainly sweet ones - preserves, jams, candied fruits. It is noteworthy that even in the famous Ducan diet there is a recipe for hibiscus jam, which once again confirms its benefits for weight loss.
The use of hibiscus flowers in recipes is a popular practice in eminent restaurants. Delicious desserts are decorated with caramelized flowers. However, let's look at what flower dishes you can cook yourself at home:
- Jam by Ducan … Pour water (0.5 liters) into a saucepan, put the petals (30 grams), bring to a boil, add any sweetener to taste - honey, agave syrup, stevia, etc., cook for 5-7 minutes. Remove the jam from the heat, let it cool, and then add the gelatin (20 grams), if you're a vegetarian, use agar. Put the future dessert in the refrigerator or freezer for a faster solidification. When the jam hardens, you can eat it immediately. It will taste very similar to blackcurrant jam.
- Hibiscus flowers in syrup … To prepare this unusual dessert, put a saucepan of water (250 ml) on the fire, and when the water boils, add sugar (1 glass). Once it is completely dissolved, remove the syrup from heat and cool to 60 degrees. While the syrup is cooling, place the flowers (50 grams) tightly in a small jar, and then pour the syrup at the desired temperature. Now close the jar with a tight lid and put the treat in the refrigerator. After 3-5 days, you can eat it. If the petals seem sour to you, add more sugar next time and vice versa.
- Hibiscus seasoning … Mix the grated hibiscus and rose petals in equal proportions, add sugar and / or salt to taste. In the first case, it will be possible to complement various sweet dishes with spice - cottage cheese desserts, fruit salads, etc., in the second, with the help of seasoning, you can create unusual notes in any savory dishes.
It is worth noting that hibiscus petals can be added to various jams and compotes, this will not only make them healthier and more original, but also give a rich, appetizing color. By the way, in industry, plant petals are used as a natural dye.
Interesting facts about hibiscus flowers
According to biological characteristics, hibiscus does not belong to tea cultures, however, in view of the established tradition of its use, everyone is accustomed to calling the drink made from plant flowers tea.
In ancient Egypt, only pharaohs and dignitaries were allowed to drink hibiscus flowers.
In our climate, hibiscus grows well only in indoor conditions, but with due diligence, one of its varieties, called "garden tree hibiscus", can also be grown on the street. The culture is a shrub, it requires loose fertile soil, it also needs regular watering, processing of shoots. With proper care, hibiscus grows for over 20 years.
The flowers of the plant are actively used in cosmetology; when applied externally, they have a very beneficial effect on the skin. On the basis of the petals, masks are made against aging, remedies for the treatment of problem skin, etc. There is evidence that Cleopatra herself regularly took hibiscus baths to maintain youthfulness and skin contour.
In the East, hibiscus has always been endowed with magical properties, it is still believed that it contains the energy of movement, strength, activity and masculinity. There is also a belief that the flowers of a plant are able to bring back an extinct passion.
Watch a video about hibiscus flowers:
Hibiscus flowers have been known to the world since ancient times, and have always been prized for their many beneficial properties. Even today, they are actively used in traditional medicine. However, in order to achieve a healing effect, it is not necessary to prepare special medicines from them, you can simply drink tea from the petals and prepare various desserts from them, observing, of course, a reasonable measure. In addition, before eating the product, you need to check the list of contraindications and make sure that the hibiscus flowers will not harm you.
