Hey there, flower fans! Have you ever seen a flower so red it looks like a burning fire? That’s the Jamaica flower, also called hibiscus sabdariffa! It’s not just pretty, though – it’s packed with secret powers that can help you stay healthy!
Think of it like a superhero in disguise. It might look like any other flower, but inside its bright cup (called a calyx) are hidden weapons like vitamins, antioxidants, and special plant chemicals.
Table of Contents
Scientific name:
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Botanical Family:
Malvaceae
Other Common Names:
Jamaica, Rose of Jamaica, Acedera de Guinea, Obelisk, Rosamorada, Karkadé
Common name(s) in English:
Roselle, Sour tea, Red sorrel
Where is it located?
- This plant is native to Africa, where it is considered a very important plant for both its medicinal and nutritional properties.
- Currently, the plant is cultivated in several tropical regions of the world.
Plant part(s) used:
Mainly the flowers and leaves
How to use it?
- The flowers and also occasionally the leaves are boiled in water or taken as teas, either hot or cold.
- Fresh Jamaican water is also drunk in several countries around the world.
For what do you use it?
The traditional uses of this plant are very varied and include the flowers for the treatment of various problems including the following
- Circulatory system
- High blood pressure
- High levels of fat in the blood
- Against diabetes
- Obesity
- Unsweetened tea is used in Mexico against coughs
- Flowers contain several natural antioxidant compounds that also act against various microbes (viruses and bacteria).
Safety/Precautions
There have been no reported cases of side effects or toxicity with the use of this plant.
Limited animal studies have indicated a possible interaction between hibiscus flowers and acetaminophen (paracetamol).