Hibiscus, the plant has over 300 species all over the world. It has gained a lot of cultural importance in recent times across the globe, especially in the places where hibiscus is a native plant. While the flower has been known for various medicinal purposes, it is also considered an auspicious flower in India and is used for worshipping purposes. According to the Department of Pharmacognosy of the ISF College of Pharmacy report, fresh hibiscus leaves are made of 85% of moisture. The medicinal uses of this leaf are plenty, and the right utilization of it can help you lead a healthy life.
Nutritional Facts of Hibiscus Leaves
‘Red sorrel’ or ‘roselle,’ are the other common names of hibiscus, which is a great medicinal plant with several benefits. Its richness in Vitamins and Minerals are vital and beneficial for your body. While the seeds, flowers, and leaves all have nutritional benefits(1), let’s take a look at what hibiscus leaves edible part has to offer:
Every 100 gm of hibiscus leaves provides:
3.5 gms of protein
8.7 gms of carbohydrates
0.3 gms of fat
1000 IE Vitamin A
0.2 mg Thiamine
0.4 mg Riboflavin
1.4mg Niacin
2.3 mg Vitamin C
240 mg Calcium
5mg Iron
Hibiscus Leaves Health Benefits
These are the prominent health benefits of hibiscus leaves that you would not have known of.
Tuberculosis- It is known to help in treating tuberculosis. TB involves coughing and causes respiratory troubles in patients. Consuming these processed leaves helps in treating tuberculosis.
Colitis- Colitis or IBS(2) (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) is when an infection persists in the bowel. It causes a burning sensation in the stomach and leads to severe digestive problems. The leaves of the plant are useful to treat colitis.
Cure for tonsillitis- Tonsils are glands around the throat. Tonsil inflammation causes difficulty in swallowing and causes fever. The medicinal properties of the leaves can reduce symptoms of tonsillitis.
Helps in Coagulation- Coagulation is another term for clothing. Hibiscus leaves are rich in Vitamins that aid in clotting whether it is outside the body or internal.
Diabetes- If you are using hibiscus leaves for diabetes, be assured it lowers insulin levels, and also reduces inflammation in the body. These leaves have ferulic acid that belongs to the polyphenols and it helps in improving the blood sugar levels of the body.
Wash the leaves properly and keep them aside. Eat the bud of the leaves. This helps to cure colitis and IBS.
2. Hibiscus Leaves Concoction for Tonsillitis
Things you will need
Water and a few leaves
Method
Take a pan and heat it. Add water and put to boil and add the leaves. Strain and drink this concoction regularly to treat tonsillitis.
3. Hibiscus Leaf for Diabetes
Things you will need
Hibiscus leaf powder, water
Method
Take 1 tbsp hibiscus leaf powder and 350 ml of water. Mix them well and keep them overnight.
Drink the mixture, on an empty stomach the next morning
The thing to keep in mind is to avoid eating any meal or drinking anything within 2 hours of drinking this herbal mixture. Repeat this regularly for eight days.
There is nothing better than a holistic approach to living a healthy life. If you want to abstain from cosmetics or medicines to live your daily life, adding the leaves to your beauty regime will not only work wonders but also save you a lot of money. The properties of these leaves can also prevent you from several lifestyle diseases, mainly being diabetes. Make proper use of hibiscus leaves benefits, and you will never look back.