The hibiscus plant is known by various names. This is a Sudanese or Syrian rose, as well as ketmy. And in Russia, this plant was given the name "Chinese Rose". It belongs to the family of malvaceae, and now at least 250 of its species are known. These are wild and cultivated plants, shrubs and trees, perennial and annual grasses. These include sabdarifa hibiscus, culinary hibiscus (okra), grassy hibiscus and many other species.
Hibiscus growth sites
In the natural environment, this plant is found in Central Asia, the Crimea, the Kuban, the Caucasus and Moldova. But the birthplace of hibiscus is Malaysia. Here it grows in the form of tall bushes, and it is easy to recognize by large flowers, which have a dark purple corolla and large petals of bright red color. It also has a very bright aroma. And in temperate latitudes, you can grow hibiscus at home. What many gardeners do.
Hibiscus Range
But the "Chinese rose" is appreciated not only for its beautiful, sophisticated look and aroma. Hibiscus, the beneficial properties of which have been known for a long time, are used for a variety of purposes. The pharmaceutical industry uses the seeds, leaves, roots and fruits of this plant. Unusual necklaces are made from its seeds, and vitamin-rich leaves and shoots are suitable for eating. The purple flowers of the "Chinese Rose" are also eaten, and black paint is made of its dark flowers. Also, excellent tea is brewed from this plant, which everyone knows as hibiscus tea, hibiscus tea or malva tea.
Hibiscus tea
And they make this tea from the cups of Chinese Rose flowers. After wilting of flowers, they grow and become several times larger, while acquiring juiciness, softness and bright red color. And at the same time they are suitable not only for tea, but also for the preparation of sauces, stewed fruit, jelly, for pickling vegetables, and also as a food coloring. Well, in hibiscus tea gives its useful properties in full force.
Anthocyanins and flavonoids
Hibiscus contains anthocyanins, substances that color this tea in red. In addition, P-vitamin activity is pronounced in anthocyanins. And with their help, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, blood pressure is regulated. But here it is worth knowing that a cold hibiscus lowers this pressure, while hot, on the contrary, increases it. Such an interesting plant is hibiscus. Useful properties of it have a beneficial effect on the tone and general condition of the whole organism. This is largely facilitated by flavonoids that are found in hibiscus. They enhance the effect of anthocyanins, cleansing the body. At the same time, excess metabolic products are removed from it, metabolism is accelerated, and bile production is stimulated, and liver protection is strengthened.
Hibiscus will help with a hangover and protect against cancer
Syrian rose tea also contains substances that destroy some pathogenic microbes. And therefore it is often used as an anthelmintic. It also contains citric acid, which gives the hibiscus a pleasant taste, and it quenches thirst well on hot days. Also , it does not contain oxalic acid, which makes it safe for kidney diseases. Linoleic acid is another substance that contains hibiscus. Its useful properties are expressed in the fact that this acid improves the condition of the skin, and also less cholesterol plaques are formed under its influence . In addition, the beneficial substances contained in the plant can remove the hangover syndrome. And those who regularly drink this tea increase their immunity against cancer. Here it acts as a prophylactic that prevents cancer cells from developing.