Hibiscus
Flowers/Karkaday
English
Name
|
Hibiscus
|
Other Names
|
Karkaday
(Egypt); jaswand (India); sorrel (Caribbean); roselle.
|
Description
|
Dark red
flower petals.
There are
hundreds of different species with varying colours of flowers.
|
Properties
|
Contains
vitamin C, minerals, anti-oxidants and hydroxy-acids among others.
It is a
diuretic.
|
Medicinal
Uses
|
Taken
internally, it can lower blood pressure (3 cups of tea a day).
Applied
externally on skin it can help with eczema by improving skin elasticity and
creating higher moisture levels.
Used as a
hair conditioner it can make hair shiny, silky and repair split ends.
It can colour
your grey hairs.
Hibiscus used
with henna can darken hair colour to a deeper red.
|
Taste
|
Tart and
tangy due to natural plant acids.
|
Methods of
using:
|
Tea:
Rinse the
loose petals. Then pour boiling water over a tablespoon of hibiscus petals in
a mug. Cover and leave to infuse for about 5-10 minutes. Strain the liquid
and drink hot or cold. Add honey, sugar or natural sweetener according to
individual taste.
Or, dab/spray
the liquid onto skin to help with eczema.
Hair rinse
for conditioning hair and colouring grey hairs (use once a week):
Boil about
half a litre (500ml) of water and add about 5 tablespoons dried hibiscus
flowers. Let it infuse for about 15 minutes then strain off the liquid. Store
the cooled liquid overnight in an airtight jar. Rinse your hair with the
liquid but DO NOT RINSE OUT. Leave in your hair and wrap with a shower cap or
cling film for about an hour. Then rinse out thoroughly.
Hair dye with
henna:
Use the same
recipe as above and add the liquid to your henna paste. It will result in
deeper reddish tones rather than orangey tones of henna alone.
Note:
Hibiscus can stain clothes so use dark/old clothes.
|
Customers are advised to do a test patch on the skin and a strand test before applying any products. We will not be held responsible for undesired results from products that we sell. Our website provides information only and does not replace the need to consult with your health care professional for specific relevant advice on using products.
