hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Common Name(s): Chinese Hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a large shrub that is a member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family. It is native to Asia. It grows 4 to 10 feet high and 5 to 8 feet wide, so consider its space requirements when determining its planting location. This is a tropical, evergreen plant known for its bold flowers that can be up to 6 inches across with a showy central tube. The genus name Hibiscus is Latin for mallow and the species names rosa sinensis are Latin for rose and Chinese.

Traditional Uses of the Hibiscus Plant for Health

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia and Africa. Originally from Angola, it's cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical climates, especially in Sudan, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico, and China.

In Egypt and Sudan, Hibiscus is used to help maintain a normal body temperature, support heart health, and encourage fluid balance.*

North Africans have used Hibiscus internally to support upper respiratory health, including the throat, and topically to support skin health.

Europeans have employed Hibiscus to support upper respiratory health, alleviate occasional constipation, and promote proper circulation.* It is commonly combined with lemon balm and St John’s Wort to alleviate restlessness and occasional difficulty falling asleep.*

In Iran, people traditionally use Hibiscus to support regular blood pressure maintenance, and several recent studies validated its use.

What is the Nutritional Value of Hibiscus?

Hibiscus is also a source of different compounds that can support overall wellness. These include amino acids, fatty acids, plant sugars, organic acids, and antioxidants.

However, the nutritional composition of hibiscus varies depending on which part of the plant you consume. While the whole plant is edible, certain parts of the plant have higher concentrations of nutrients than others.

For instance, hibiscus petals are higher in amino acids, plant sugars, and organic acids, while the leaves are higher in antioxidants.

Hibiscus is caffeine-free and contains various antioxidants which can help fight free radicals, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

The antioxidant activity of Hibiscus may help support long-term health and wellness.

Overall Health Benefits of Hibiscus

Thanks to a small burst of published research studies — especially regarding cholesterol and blood pressure maintenance, scientific interest in Hibiscus has grown in the last several years.

Plant in your butterfly garden or naturalized area. It can also be grown in a container and as a houseplant. Plant multiples for use as a screen or hedge, or plant singularly as an accent plant. Its large funnel-shaped flowers bloom in summer and are an attractant for specialized bees and pollinators.