dried hibiscus flower (sabdariffa)

Description

Hibiscus flower are made from hibiscus tree which are glabrous, showy shrub, **8 ft high bellshaped, with pistil and stamens projecting from the centre.  Dried hibiscus flower have an intense and complex perfume similar to cranberries. Dried hibiscus flowers are most commonly steeped in hot water and drink like tea, thought to be high in antioxidants, and to help lower blood pressure. They help to rid our bodies of freee radicals (destructive molecules that can damage our cells and DNA) and protect us against chronic disease such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and diabetes .  The hibiscus has had a lengthy history of use in Africa and neighboring tropical countries. Its fragrant flowers have been used in sachets and perfumes. In areas of northern Nigeria, this plant has been used to treat constipation. Fiber from hibscus sabdariffa has been used to fashion rope as a jute substitute. The fleshy red calyx is used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and cold and warm teas and drinks. The leaves have been used like spinach. The plant is used widely in Egypt for the treatment of cardiac and nerve diseases and has been described as a diuretic. In Iran, drinking sour tea for the treatment of hypertension is a popular practice.  Research reveals little or no evidence of these medicinal uses of hibiscus. The mucilaginous leaves are used as a topical emollient in Africa. In Western countries, hibiscus flowers often are found as components of herbal tea mixtures.