Hibiscus sabdariffa

Hibiscus sabdariffa
Family:Hibiscus sabdariffa; Antiscorbutic; Astringent; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Stomachic.
Common name:Roselle
The flowers contain gossypetin anthocyanin and the glycoside hibiscin. These may have diuretic and choleretic effects decreasing the viscosity of the blood reducing blood pressure and stimulating intestinal peristalsis. The leaves and flowers are used internally as a tonic tea for digestive and kidney functions. Experimentally an infusion decreases the viscosity of the blood reduces blood pressure and stimulates intestinal peristalsis. The ripe calyces are diuretic and antiscorbutic. The succulent calyx boiled in water is used as a drink in the treatment of bilious attacks. The seeds are diuretic laxative and tonic. They are used in the treatment of debility. The bitter root is aperitif and tonic. The plant is also reported to be antiseptic aphrodisiac astringent cholagogue demulcent digestive purgative and resolvent. It is used as a folk remedy in the treatment of abscesses bilious conditions cancer cough debility dyspepsia dysuria fever hangover heart ailments hypertension neurosis scurvy and strangury. One report says that the plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and as an intestinal antiseptic though it does not say which part of the plant is used. Simulated ingestion of the plant extract decreased the rate of absorption of alcohol lessening the intensity of alcohol effects in chickens.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:38 []