Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus or Gudhal, commonly known as China rose is an attractive red flower.
External application of Hibiscus powder or the flower paste with coconut oil on the scalp helps in promoting hair growth and prevents greying of hair.
Drinking Hibiscus tea might help in the management of menorrhagia, bleeding piles, diarrhea and high blood pressure. It also has good aphrodisiac and laxative properties[2].
External application of Hibiscus powder or the flower paste with coconut oil on the scalp helps in promoting hair growth and prevents greying of hair.
Drinking Hibiscus tea might help in the management of menorrhagia, bleeding piles, diarrhea and high blood pressure. It also has good aphrodisiac and laxative properties[2].
What are the synonyms of Hibiscus?
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Gudahal, Jawa, Mondaro, Odophulo, Dasnigae, Dasavala, Jasud, Jasuva, Dasani, Dasanamu, Sevarattai, Sembaruthi, Oru, Joba, Japa Kusum, Garden Hibiscus, China rose, Angharaehindi, Shoeblackplant[1]
What is the source of Hibiscus?
Plant Based
Benefits of Hibiscus
Hair loss
Hibiscus helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth by providing nourishment to the scalp. Hibiscus leaves also prevents premature greying of hair due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tip:
1. Take a handful of Hibiscus leaves and grind it to make a paste by adding little water to it.
2. Apply the paste on the scalp.
3. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat this atleast once a week to control hair fall.
Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying a paste of Hibiscus leaves gives a cooling effect and reduces the burning sensation. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) nature.
Tip:
1. Take a handful of Hibiscus leaves or as per your requirement and grind it by adding little water to it to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste on the affected area.
3. Leave it for 2-3 hours and wash with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat it once or twice a day to manage sunburn.
Hibiscus helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth by providing nourishment to the scalp. Hibiscus leaves also prevents premature greying of hair due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tip:
1. Take a handful of Hibiscus leaves and grind it to make a paste by adding little water to it.
2. Apply the paste on the scalp.
3. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat this atleast once a week to control hair fall.
Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying a paste of Hibiscus leaves gives a cooling effect and reduces the burning sensation. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) nature.
Tip:
1. Take a handful of Hibiscus leaves or as per your requirement and grind it by adding little water to it to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste on the affected area.
3. Leave it for 2-3 hours and wash with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat it once or twice a day to manage sunburn.
Precautions when using Hibiscus
Allergy

Modern Science View
Hibiscus may cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive people. Apply Hibiscus paste or juice to a small area first to test for possible allergic reactions[7].
Recommended Dosage of Hibiscus
- Hibiscus Oil - 4-5 teaspoons or as per your requirement.
- Hibiscus Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.
How to use Hibiscus
1. Hibiscus Powder Face Mask
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried Hibiscus powder.
b. Add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
c. Add 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1-2 teaspoons yogurt.
d. Add water and mix well to make a fine paste.
e. Apply this pack on your face and neck.
f. Leave it for 10-15 minutes till it dries.
g. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Hibiscus Infused Hair Oil
a. Grind 5-6 Hibiscus flowers and 5-6 Hibiscus leaves into a fine paste.
b. Add 1 cup of warm coconut oil to this paste and mix well.
c. Apply this paste on the scalp and through the entire length of your hair.
d. Massage gently and leave for about 30 minutes.
f. Wash your hair with shampoo.
g. Repeat this process to control premature greying of hair and hair fall.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried Hibiscus powder.
b. Add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
c. Add 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1-2 teaspoons yogurt.
d. Add water and mix well to make a fine paste.
e. Apply this pack on your face and neck.
f. Leave it for 10-15 minutes till it dries.
g. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Hibiscus Infused Hair Oil
a. Grind 5-6 Hibiscus flowers and 5-6 Hibiscus leaves into a fine paste.
b. Add 1 cup of warm coconut oil to this paste and mix well.
c. Apply this paste on the scalp and through the entire length of your hair.
d. Massage gently and leave for about 30 minutes.
f. Wash your hair with shampoo.
g. Repeat this process to control premature greying of hair and hair fall.
Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Yes, Hibiscus leaves are edible. They contain important nutrients and minerals required by the body. You can consume dried Hibiscus leaves or its extract.

Modern Science View
Although Hibiscus is an outdoor plant and tends to bloom big,
you can grow them indoors as well with smaller flowers. With proper environmental conditions such as humidity and light, Hibiscus plant can thrive indoors.
you can grow them indoors as well with smaller flowers. With proper environmental conditions such as humidity and light, Hibiscus plant can thrive indoors.

Modern Science View
1. Hibiscus is a tropical plant that requires at least 3-4 hours of sunlight along with a warm and humid environment.
2. Hibiscus can tolerate a temperature of 16-32℃. So make sure to shift the plant indoors during winters.
3. During summer, a large amount of water is required to keep the plant healthy. However, during winters, water it only when the soil dries. Excess water may kill the plant. Make sure to have proper drainage.
2. Hibiscus can tolerate a temperature of 16-32℃. So make sure to shift the plant indoors during winters.
3. During summer, a large amount of water is required to keep the plant healthy. However, during winters, water it only when the soil dries. Excess water may kill the plant. Make sure to have proper drainage.

Modern Science View
Although Hibiscus will thrive in fully sunny areas, it does not necessarily need direct sunlight if the surrounding temperature is high. Hibiscus should be kept in the shade if the temperature goes beyond 33℃.

Modern Science View
No, Hibiscus tea does not contain caffeine as it does not come from Camellia sinensis (shrub/small tree whose leaves or buds are used to produce tea).

Modern Science View
1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Hibiscus flower powder.
2. Add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Add 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1-2 teaspoons yogurt.
4. Add water and mix well to make a fine paste.
5. Apply this pack on your face and neck.
6. Leave it for 10-15 minutes till it dries.
7. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Add 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1-2 teaspoons yogurt.
4. Add water and mix well to make a fine paste.
5. Apply this pack on your face and neck.
6. Leave it for 10-15 minutes till it dries.
7. Wash it off with warm water.

Modern Science View
1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried Hibiscus powder.
2. Add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Add 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1-2 teaspoons yogurt.
4. Add water and mix well to make a fine paste.
5. Apply this pack on your face and neck.
6. Leave it for 10-15 minutes till it dries.
7. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Add ¼ cup of ground brown rice.
3. Add 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1-2 teaspoons yogurt.
4. Add water and mix well to make a fine paste.
5. Apply this pack on your face and neck.
6. Leave it for 10-15 minutes till it dries.
7. Wash it off with warm water.

Modern Science View
1. Take 2-3 Hibiscus flowers and 5-6 Hibiscus leaves.
2. Grind to make a smooth paste.
3. Add 2-3 drops of Coconut/Olive oil to it.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoon of curd.
5. Mix well and apply this paste on the scalp and hair.
6. Keep for 1-2 hours and rinse well with shampoo.
7. Repeat this once a week to control hair fall and premature greying of hair.
2. Grind to make a smooth paste.
3. Add 2-3 drops of Coconut/Olive oil to it.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoon of curd.
5. Mix well and apply this paste on the scalp and hair.
6. Keep for 1-2 hours and rinse well with shampoo.
7. Repeat this once a week to control hair fall and premature greying of hair.

Ayurvedic View
There is no specific variety of Hibiscus flower for promoting hair growth. You can use any type of Hibiscus flower but it is better to use the petals for better result.
Tip:
1. Take a few petals of Hibiscus.
2. Wash under running tap water to remove any dust.
3. Grind them and apply directly on the scalp.
4. Keep for 1-2 hours and then rinse with shampoo.
5. Repeat atleast once a week for better results.
Tip:
1. Take a few petals of Hibiscus.
2. Wash under running tap water to remove any dust.
3. Grind them and apply directly on the scalp.
4. Keep for 1-2 hours and then rinse with shampoo.
5. Repeat atleast once a week for better results.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Gudhal.Ayurved jadi buti rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Upadhyay P, Upadhyay S.Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis:Pharmacological review. Int J Pharm Biomed Res. 2011; 2(4):1449-1450.
- WebMD.Hibiscus: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Venkatesh S, Thilagavathi J, Shyam sundar D.Antidiabetic activity of flowers of Hibiscus rosasinensis.Fitoterapia.2008;79(2):79-81.
- McKay DL, Chen C-YO, Saltzman E et al.Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.J Nutr.2010;140(2):298-303.
- Vasudeva N, Sharma SK.Post-coital antifertility activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. roots.Evidence-based Complement Altern Med.2008;5(1):91-94.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Kholkute SD, Mudgal V, Deshpande PJ.Screening of indigenous medicinal plants for antifertility potentiality.Planta Med.1976;29(2):151-155.
- Singh MP, Singh RH, Udupa KN.Antifertility activity of a benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers on female albino rats.Planta Med.1982;44(3):171-174.
- Orisakwe OE, Husaini DC, Afonne OJ.Testicular effects of sub-chronic administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract in rats.Reprod Toxicol.2004;18(2):295-298.
- Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Jalali-Khanabadi BA, Afkhami-Ardekani M et al.The effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on hypertension in patients with type II diabetes.J Hum Hypertens.2009;23:48-54.
- Ruban P, Gajalakshmi K.In vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract against human pathogens.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed.2012;2(5):399–403.
- Shewale PB, Patil RA, Hiray YA.Antidepressant-like activity of anthocyanidins from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers in tail suspension test and forced swim test.Indian J Pharmacol.2012;44(4):454-7.
- Kumar V, Singh P, Chander R, et al.Hypolipidemic activity of Hibiscus rosa sinensis root in rats.Indian J Biochem Biophys.2009;46(6):507-10.
- Martino O, Tito A, Lucia A, et al.Hibiscus syriacus Extract from an established cell culture stimulates skin wound healing.Biomed Res Int.2017: 7932019.
- Agrawal A, Pal VK, Sharma S, et al.Phytochemical investigation and hair growth promoting activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.Chronother Drug Deliv.2016;7(1): 31-39.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.