Herb library

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Hibiscus, the familiar tart calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a bright, cooling herb kept in many kitchens as a sweet-tart tea or syrup. It is a home staple for making cooling teas, fruity syrups, and simple compresses, used in folk practice for digestion and as a refreshing beverage.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a refreshing, cooling infusion to sip for general digestive comfort and to settle the stomach after a heavy meal.
• •Traditionally made into a sweetened syrup or cordial to enjoy cold as a cooling household drink during warm weather.
• •Long-standing household use as a throat rinse or gargle, made mild and slightly astringent, for temporary soothing of a sore or scratchy throat.

Simple preparations.

• •Hibiscus tea: steep 1 heaping tablespoon dried hibiscus calyces in 1 cup just-off-boil water, cover, steep 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink warm or chilled. Sweeten with honey if desired (do not give honey to children under one year).
• •Hibiscus syrup or cordial: simmer 2 cups water with 1 cup dried hibiscus and optional cinnamon stick for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, return liquid to pan, add 1 cup sugar or honey alternative and simmer until slightly thickened, cool and refrigerate. Use diluted with water or sparkling water, or as a drizzle over fruit.
• •Hibiscus compress: steep 2 heaping tablespoons dried hibiscus in 2 cups boiling water, cover and cool to warm, strain, soak a clean cloth and apply as a cool or warm compress to the forehead or over the chest for comfort; refresh the cloth every 10 to 15 minutes.

Cautions.

• !Hibiscus has a tart, astringent quality that can sometimes cause stomach upset or nausea in sensitive people, start with small amounts to see how you react.
• !Because hibiscus can lower blood pressure in some people, use caution if you have low blood pressure or feel lightheaded after drinking it.
• !Hibiscus may interact with certain medications, especially blood pressure or diabetes medicines; if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with your doctor.

Often kept beside.