The Hibiscus flower, regarded as an aphrodisiac in many parts of the world, is now linked with lowering blood pressure, improving liver function and fighting cancer cells!
| As the festive season approaches, our Mulled Wine Tea is flying off the shelves. Along with Orange Blossom Oolong tea and a range of fruits, herbs and spices, one of the main ingredients in this perky concoction, responsible for its lovely red colour when brewed, is hibiscus. In this case, we use flowers of the species of hibiscus plant popular throughout the Arabic world, Hibiscus sabdariffa, known there as Karkade. As well as having a delightfully tart yet sweet taste, hibiscus holds great cultural significance in places as far apart as Sudan, Malaysia and Hawaii. It is often regarded as a symbol of beauty, making it a popular ingredient in many Asian and African skincare products. It has also been said to act as an aphrodisiac, in some places reputed to dangerously inflame passions, which perhaps explains the Hawaiian practice of wearing a single hibiscus flower behind the right ear to indicate availability. Most of all though, hibiscus is a real superfood when it comes to its health benefits. It has long been used in traditional medicine all over the world. In India, it has been administered as a treatment for diabetes, in Mexico, it is used to combat PMS, and jn various parts of Africa is favoured as a treatment for a wide range of ailments, from sore throats to digestive issues and even cancer! |
| As Modern studies continue to indicate the health-giving properties of this wonder-flower. It contains Vitamin C, to help boost the immune system, antioxidants that destroy damaging free radicals, and a number of other vitamins and minerals. It also seems to promote a decrease in liver fat, improving liver function, and thanks to its high polyphenol content, has shown some promise in attacking certain types of cancer cells. Perhaps its most remarkable health benefit though, is its apparent ability to lower blood pressure. Several studies have indicated that hibiscus tea lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, thereby greatly reducing the chance of heart disease and many other ailments. All in all, it is a plant to be reckoned with, and is just one of the health-giving ingredients to be found in our Mulled Wine Tea! |