Hibiscus

Hibiscus, or Karkadè or Abyssinia rose tea, is used in Egypt, India, the West Indies, Sub-Saharan Africa especially as a drink and as a legume. It possesses a refreshing action, diuretic, vitaminising, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. The presence of anthocyanins gives the flower angioprotective properties and has a positive effect on the health of the urinary tract. The beautiful red colour is due to the flavonoid and anthocyanin pigments. However it is mainly used as a refreshing caffeine-free drink. "It is a truly healthy tea". Extremely rich in vitamin C, it also boasts many organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric), but the presence of mucilage, in large quantities in the flower, tempers the irritant action of the organic acids (laxative). Externally, in the presence of polyphenols and mucilages, it can have a soothing effect on inflamed skin. It can be beneficially combined with butcher's broom, horse chestnut, calendula, blueberry, malva etc.