Hibiscus powder

Description

🌺 Hibiscus Powder – Full Information

🔬 Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

👄 Common Names:

• Roselle

• Karkadé (Arabic, North Africa)

• Bissap (West Africa)

• Zobo (Nigeria)

• Flor de Jamaica (Latin America)

• Sorrel (Caribbean)

• Imboga y’ikirungo (Rwanda – red hibiscus)

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🌍 Origin & Botanical Background

Hibiscus is a tropical flowering plant, widely grown in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The calyces (flower petals) are harvested, dried, and ground into a deep red hibiscus powder. It’s renowned for its bright colour, tangy flavour, and medicinal properties.

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🍽️ Nutritional Profile (per 100g of dried hibiscus)

• Calories: ~37 kcal

• Protein: ~0.4g

• Carbohydrates: ~7g

• Fibre: ~3g

• Vitamin C: Very rich (~18–20 mg)

• Calcium: ~215 mg

• Iron: ~8.6 mg

• Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium

• Antioxidants: Polyphenols (flavonoids, anthocyanins, hibiscetin)

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⚕️ Health Benefits

✅ 1. Rich in Antioxidants

• Contains powerful flavonoids and anthocyanins that fight oxidative stress.

• Supports cell repair and slows down ageing processes.

✅ 2. Regulates Blood Pressure

• Known for its natural antihypertensive effect.

• Clinical studies confirm hibiscus tea lowers systolic and diastolic pressure.

✅ 3. Supports Liver Health

• Helps detoxify the liver and improves liver enzyme function.

✅ 4. Aids in Weight Management

• May help reduce body fat and suppress appetite.

• Stimulates metabolism with minimal calories.

✅ 5. Improves Digestion

• Gently laxative and helps relieve constipation and bloating.

• Promotes bile production and gut motility.

✅ 6. Boosts Immunity

• High in Vitamin C — fights colds, flu, and infections.

✅ 7. Balances Cholesterol

• May reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol).

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💄 Beauty & Cosmetic Uses

💆‍♀️ For Hair:

• Strengthens roots and boosts hair growth.

• Reduces dandruff, hair fall, and greying.

• Conditions dry or frizzy hair when used as a mask or oil infusion.

🧖‍♀️ For Skin:

• Known as the “botox plant” for its anti-ageing properties.

• Brightens dull skin, exfoliates gently due to natural AHAs.

• Helps with acne, pigmentation, and skin firmness.

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🥗 Culinary & Herbal Uses

• Tea/infusion (Zobo/Bissap/Jamaica): Cooling, tart, red herbal tea.

• Natural food colouring for drinks, desserts, and sauces.

• Add to smoothies, syrups, jams, or fermented drinks.

• Can be blended with ginger, lemon, or mint for flavour and health synergy.

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⚠️ Precautions & Side Effects

• Pregnancy: High doses may stimulate the uterus — not recommended in early pregnancy.

• May lower blood pressure too much for people already on antihypertensives.

• May cause allergies in sensitive individuals (rare).

• Should be consumed in moderation (not more than 1–2 cups/day long-term).

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📦 Storage Tips

• Keep in an airtight container, in a cool, dry, dark place.

• Avoid exposure to moisture to preserve colour and potency.

• Use within 6–12 months for best benefits.

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🧪 INCI Name (for cosmetics)

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Powder