HIBISCUS (BEAUTIFUL RED FLOWER)

Hibiscus is mostly identified and known for its bright red look. It may cause you to think that it is only a decorative plant for the home or garden, but it is enriched with vitamins and other properties that are used for medicinal and beauty purposes. Curious about what this beautiful herb is capable of? Continue reading to find out. 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HIBISCUS 

Hibiscus is named very differently worldwide, in Africa it is most known as Sobolo or Zobo. There are several species and colors of Hibiscus depending on the location in which it grows. It can come in colors like red, white, yellow, orange, purple, etc. But the most common and known color is the red which is referred to as ‘Hibiscus Sabdarriffa’. It is trumpet-shaped and has about 5 petals on each flower. Similar to cranberry juice, Hibiscus when juiced tastes tart and can be enjoyed cold or hot.

 NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES

Hibiscus is loaded with Calcium, Iron, Fiber, Antioxidants. Hibiscus is mostly known for its richness in Vitamin C, it also contains Flavonoids and has laxative properties also.

 HEALTH BENEFITS

It is mostly known for its beverage purposes, but it also has benefits to our health. Some of these benefits are:

• Boosting of the Immune System; in the era of corona virus, it is highly advisable that we all seek to boost and improve our immune system. Doing so is effective in helping to protect and also help our system fight the sniffles (cold & flu) and from other infections. The amount of Vitamin C in a serving of hibiscus is just right for essential roles like wound healing, iron absorption, tissue growth, and repair, etc. 
• Hibiscus is also popularly known for its lowering blood pressure benefit even though there is no actual research to back it, studies have shown that hibiscus offers heart-healthy benefits.
• The high dose of Antioxidants in the hibiscus aids in lowering inflammation in the body. It also protects and repairs cells.

• It is a natural diuretic and laxative that aids in flushing out toxins from the body.
• It promotes a balanced emotional state by calming the nervous system.
• For those looking to make a healthy cocktail, you will enjoy hibiscus as a base, mixed with vodka, juice, or anything that suits your taste. Hibiscus is low in calories and caffeine-free. 

And other benefits like helping with menstrual cramps, reducing sugar levels, aids keep the liver healthy, etc.

HIBISCUS DRINK (SOBOLO)

INGREDIENTS:

• 40 grams of Afrikinky Hibiscus powder / 1 cup Hibiscus leaves
• ½ medium-sized ripe Pineapple
• 2 tbsp. Pineapple syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar (more or less)
• Ginger
• 3 grains of (Negro pepper) Hwentia in my local dialect
• 1 piece (Tetrapleura tetraptera) Prekese in my local dialect

INSTRUCTIONS 

• In a saucepan, pour in Hibiscus leaves or powder and add enough water.
• Under high heat, put Hibiscus leaves or powder on fire.
• Wash and peel pineapples and ginger.
• Add the pineapple peels and Negro pepper (hwentia) to the Hibiscus mixture. Allow it to boil for 10-15min (Until water changes color)
• Using a sieve or colander, drain and separate the drink from the cooked leaves and peels.
• Blend pineapple and ginger until smooth. Pour into the (Hibiscus) sobolo drink and stir
• Allow the drink to cool down completely before you add your sugar and pineapple syrup (if preferred)

Store in the fridge before use or add ice to (Hibiscus) sobolo drink. Enjoy!!!

HAIR BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS

Hibiscus is used in some beauty products. Aside from its health benefits, the hair also benefits from this multipurpose flower. It is used to solve many hair woes, from dryness, split ends, and premature growth of grey hair, etc.

• Repairing of Damaged Hair: enriched with Amino acids, Hibiscus helps rebuild the surface of your hair, helping to prevent hair loss. 
• It promotes hair growth by stimulating even the most inactive hair follicles to ensure hair growth, increase hair volume.
• The antioxidants and some other properties can improve and increase the production of Melanin, which is responsible for the darkening of hair. This reduces premature grey hair and restores hair to its natural color.
•  Hibiscus also serves as a natural conditioner that prevents dryness and split ends as it is nutrient-dense.
• It protects the scalp by managing the PH balance of the scalp. It controls excess oil production, prevents dandruff, and other scalp infections.
• It can be used in the hair in a mask form (powder), oil, or by adding into shampoos or conditioners.

WAYS TO USE HIBISCUS FOR HAIR

Hibiscus Hair Mask

• Simply use 2-4 tablespoon of Afrikinky Hibiscus powder (depending on your hair volume and length) and mix with a little water, stir and add bits of water to get a paste texture.
• To this add about a cup of yogurt to make a smooth and consistent hair mask.
• Apply this mask to your hair and leave it on for an hour.
• Then wash off the mask with lukewarm water and shampoo your hair using a mild cleanser.

Apart from making hair roots strong, this hair mask also helps in preventing premature grey hair.

Hibiscus Hair Cleanser

• Add 2-4 tablespoon of Afrikinky Hibiscus powder(depending on your hair volume and length) and mix with steaming water.
• Stir till it’s dissolved and let it cool down for a while
• Now, spread this potion directly on your scalp, massaging it for about 5 minutes, and then give it a thorough rinse with clear water.

HIBISCUS FOR THE SKIN

• Hibiscus is a rich source of vitamin C which aids in the production of collagen for the skin. Collagen is the main substance that is needed for keeping the skin youthful and glowing.  
• It also contains natural acids that help to purify the skin by breaking down dead skin cells while helping control acne breakouts.
• Antioxidant properties in Hibiscus helps rejuvenate the skin, leaving it firm with fewer wrinkles.good for moisturizing the skin because of the fatty acids it contains.
• Hibiscus can also be good for moisturizing the skin because of the fatty acids it contains.

HIBISCUS MOISTURIZER RECIPE

• Add 3-4 tablespoon of Afrikinky Hibiscus powder
• Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, almond oil, or any other oil you prefer. 
• Blend or stir the mixture to fully combine.
• Put the mixture in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to a piece of cotton cloth and squeeze in the oil from the mixture in a small bowl. 
• Add some Saffron and Aloe Vera gel to the oil and mix it well. You will get a smooth paste. 
• Moisturize and nourish your hands, feet, and other areas of your body with this amazing D.I.Y Hibiscus moisturizer."

HIBISCUS FACE MASK

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon Afrikinky Hibiscus powder
• 1 tablespoon lavender powder
• 2 tablespoon French green clay/ any preferred ingredient (optional)
• Yogurt, water, or honey

DIRECTIONS:

• Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
• Then, start by adding a small amount of either yogurt, water, or honey to mix powders and mix until smooth paste forms.
• Yogurt is great for exfoliating and cleaning, while honey is antiseptic and antibacterial and works well for acne-prone skin.
• Apply all over the face and neck, making sure to avoid the eye area, and leave on for 15-20 minutes or just until the mask starts to dry.
• Remove with a soft, wet, and warm towel and rinse off any leftover residue.
• Pat dry and follow up with a moisturizer.
• Repeat twice a week for oily/acne-prone skin and once a week for normal skin.

Note; Please note that the clay may leave your skin red right away, but this will go away in a few minutes!

Vegan Ghanaian Waakye Recipe , Hibiscus Waakye , Vegan Shito , Vegan Fish.

SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS

However, despite its numerous abilities and benefits, and despite the fact that when consumed by mouth it is not likely to cause any harm. We should still be cautious when taking herbs. 

The side effects include;

• Taking it regularly can potentially reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills containing estrogen.

• It is possible for Hibiscus to set off menstruation and this may cause harm/miscarriage to pregnancy. Therefore not an ideal choice for expectant mothers.

• Digestive upset like gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

• The Hibiscus plant is effective in lowering high blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels, if the individual is currently on prescription medications to treat these conditions, it is unadvised to do so with Hibiscus as when taken with the medication it can drop levels too low, resulting in other complications.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. 

Now that you have read up on these amazing natural herbs, are you ready to delve in? The Afrikinky Hibiscus powder comes with endless possibilities. Visit www.AFRIKINKY.com to create your magic, while embracing Authentic African and all-Natural Premium Products.

Let us know how Hibiscus is known in your culture, and share your recipes, experiences, and testimonials with us in a comment below…