Hibiscus Sabdariffa, also known as roselle, is a tropical plant that is native to Caribbean and African countries but is now being grown in some other regions of the world.
This plant is commonly known for its therapeutic benefits, which include relief for toothaches, treatment for cold, and remedy for hangovers.
Roselle is not only useful for medicinal purposes. It can also be used as food in salads, ornament in outdoor decoration, and ingredient in skincare products.
In this article, we explain up to 10 benefits of the roselle plant.
Let’s take a plant safari into these benefits.
10 Benefits of Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Here are some of the benefits of the roselle plant:
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Boosts immune system
Roselle is rich in Vitamin C which helps the immune system. So, it helps prevent cases of flu and the common cold.
The Vitamin C in it also lends it its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent certain diseases.
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Relief for menstrual pain
Do you have painful menstrual periods? Then roselle is one natural pain reliving option that you may want to consider.
It also helps to restore the hormonal imbalance and reduce other menstrual symptoms like overeating and mood swings.
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Helps with weight loss
Nutritionists and dieticians have proven that carbohydrate-rich foods contribute to weight gain.
However, some studies show that Hibiscus can reduce the absorption of sugars and carbohydrates which will in turn help with weight loss.
So, if you are considering starting a weight loss journey, then you may want to consider starting with roselle. Visit https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/roselle/ to learn more.
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Supports Digestion
Roselle capsules are known to contain tonic and diuretic properties. So they have the potential to increase bowel movement and aid urination. Roselle is also known to treat constipation.
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Acts as an antidepressant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa also has antidepressant properties and contains flavonoids. So, it has the potential to boost the nervous system and reduce anxiety by creating a calming effect on you.
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Helps to treat common colds
The high Vitamin C-content in roselle makes it suitable for managing colds and flu symptoms.
This anti-inflammatory property also makes it useful for treating cough.
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Helps to manage blood pressure
At least 1 in 3 persons living in the United States is hypertensive. But some studies show that hibiscus tea can help to reduce blood pressure in adults who are mildly hypertensive.
Another study shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of roselle can reduce a person’s blood pressure significantly when they consume a significant amount of hibiscus tea.
What’s more? Its diuretic properties which aid urination and bowel movement can contribute to lowering blood pressure.
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Can lower fat levels in the blood
Not only does the hibiscus have the potential to lower blood pressure, but it can also protect the heart by lowering fat levels in the blood.
For instance, this study showed that people who had diabetes or metabolic syndrome had an increase in good cholesterol and a decrease in bad cholesterol.
However, more research is being conducted to further establish this theory.
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May contain cancer-preventing properties
Hibiscus contains a significant amount of polyphenols. Polyphenols are known for their cancer–preventing properties.
Some test tube research shows that hibiscus extracts can have positive results on cancer cells.
Several studies have also shown that the extract can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In one study, the extract was able to stop the spread of cancer cells in the prostate.
Nonetheless, further research is required to ascertain the same results in humans.
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Supports liver health
Some studies show that roselle can improve liver health so that the liver can produce proteins and break down fats as it should; to improve your overall wellbeing.
One study on overweight people showed that hibiscus extract can reduce fats in the liver which may lead to heart failure, while another one on hamsters showed that extracts can reduce the chances of liver damage.
However, these studies were carried out with hibiscus extracts; not the tea. Further research is required to assess the impact of the tea on liver health.
Click here to learn more about the nutritional benefits of Hibiscus Sabdariffa.
Conclusion
Hibiscus Sabdariffa has numerous benefits to human health. And while more research is required to determine the effectiveness of this plant on human health in some cases, there are pieces of evidence that show how useful it is in some other areas.
Meanwhile, ensure that you speak with your doctor before you take hibiscus teas and supplements for health purposes.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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