2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Some, mistakenly, believe that this drink is made from rose petals. This is not so far from the truth, because hibiscus is also called the Chinese rose. Tea from the petals of the plant has been prepared since ancient times, believing in its beneficial properties. What are they?
In recent years, the drink made from Chinese rose petals has been popular all over the world, including in Russia. The aromatic and rich taste, beautiful shade, health benefits and an inexpensive price have elevated this drink to the ratings of the most favorite types of tea. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hibiscus?
A little phytohistory
The hibiscus plant (stem-rose Alcaea rosea) belongs to the Malvov family. It was first discovered in South China and Asia. Now there are about 300 species of these woody plants with charming and delicate flowers. He is especially revered by Indians, Argentines, Japanese and Sudanese. Thanks to the latter nationality, the hibiscus has another name - the Sudanese rose. Even the ancient Egyptians used a drink made from the flowers of the plant. It was available only to the aristocracy. They also included hibiscus for the first time in cosmetology, ritual ceremonies and textile production.
In Europe, this flower was noticed only at the beginning of the 18th century, and in our country only in the middle of the 20th century, although some of its varieties (for example, marsh hibiscus) have long settled in the vastness of the Russian south. But today, a variety of varieties of this plant can be settled in your apartment. Most of them take root well in indoor conditions, are unpretentious and bloom almost all year round.
Realities and myths about hibiscus
An infusion or decoction of Chinese or Sudanese rose flowers includes thirteen organic acids. They give the drink its characteristic exquisite sourness. However, there are not so many vitamins in it. But they are successfully combined with trace elements and biologically active acids, which activates the immune system of the human body. In folk medicine from different countries, hibiscus is an excellent prophylactic agent against conditions of chronic fatigue, a predisposition to frequent colds and nervous exhaustion.
The benefits and harms of hibiscus, as the basis of controversy among expert herbalists, are due to another important ingredient - anthocyanins. They are called a coloring agent, which not only gives the characteristic shade of tea, but actively affects the state of the blood vessels, which is not always useful. Therefore, for those who have problems with hematopoiesis and the process of blood clotting, it is recommended that before introducing hibiscus into a regular diet, consult with your doctor.
The antispasmodic effect of the drink is also important. In addition, hibiscus improves the "generation" of bile and has a calming effect on the liver. The broth is used in southeastern countries to prevent infections of the genitourinary system.
Research notes that hibiscus is able to positively affect the metabolism in the human body. With regular use of the drink, the functions of the pancreas are normalized. The infusion of the petals of this flower has a pronounced (but at the same time quite mild) laxative effect, stimulating the "lazy" intestines. Chinese rose tea, when used correctly, compensates for many diabetes problems and improves overall glucose metabolism.
A separate topic in the use of this drink is a hangover. "Antialcoholic" benefits and harms of hibiscus have been studied in our country with interest and in practice. Sudanese rose tea (with a high temperature of the liquid) quickly normalizes the effects of alcohol poisoning. And when cold, this purple drink perfectly fights post-alcoholic dehydration and does not allow edema to appear during the "ups and downs" of the fluid.
Hibiscus harm: possible risks
The benefits and harms of hibiscus within the framework of evidence-based (scientific and European - not oriental and traditional) medicine have not yet been sufficiently studied. Of the frequently discussed risk factors for drinking this drink, one can name active acids - such substances in a regular diet can harm those who have ulcerative changes in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and chronic gastritis.
Secondary harm is hypotonic conditions, since hibiscus at high doses can significantly lower blood pressure. Also, it is not recommended for babies under one year old (it can cause allergies and indigestion in a fragile body) and people with an individual intolerance to one of the active substances hibiscus. That is why it is important to consult a doctor before adding a drink to a regular menu in order to exclude possible side effects as much as possible.
Recommended:
The Benefits Of Mountain Ash And Harvesting Fruits
Although mountain ash bears fruit in August-September, berries can be picked much later. At the beginning of autumn, they are cut off for storage in a raw state, and closer to November, when after the first frosts, it loses its taste of bitterness - for the preparation of winter preparations
The Benefits And Harms Of Rosemary
Rosemary is a truly unique plant that deserves the closest attention, because it is considered both an excellent spice and one of the most powerful and effective medicinal herbs. This attractive herb is successfully used in cooking, and in folk medicine, and even in cosmetology! Nevertheless, despite the huge number of useful properties, not everyone can use rosemary. So who will it do a good job, and who better to abandon the idea of using it?
The Benefits And Harms Of A Flower From Under The Snow
He conquers at first sight, so touching, gentle and fragile, but at the same time hardy and fearless. Even the deceptive April drafts are nothing to him. What, apart from its external beauty and grace, is this spring primrose known for?
Amazing Benefits Of Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a very beautiful woody plant native to southern countries. But in indoor conditions, it takes root well and pleases with its large flowers every season. They are not only beautiful but also useful
The Benefits And Harms Of Pumpkin
Autumn is the time to collect pumpkin from the plots. She's just ripe. This is the kind of information we have collected about this autumn beauty, about its benefits and harms (it also happens), about how to store it in the winter