Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a bushy, evergreen shrub or small
tree growing 2.5–5 m (8–16 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) wide, with glossy
leaves and solitary, brilliant red flowers in summer and autumn. The 5-petaled
flowers are 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, with prominent orange-tipped red anthers.
National symbol
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia,
called Bunga Raya in Malay. Introduced into the Malay Peninsula in the 12th
century, it was nominated as the national flower in the year 1958 by the
Ministry of Agriculture amongst a few other flowers, namely ylang ylang,
jasmine, lotus, rose, magnolia, and medlar. On 28 July 1960, it was declared by
the government of Malaysia that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis would be the national
flower.
The word bunga in Malay means "flower", while raya
in Malay means "celebratory" or "grand". The Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis is literally known as the "celebratory flower" in
Malay. The red of the petals symbolizes the courage, life, and rapid growth of
the Malaysian, and the five petals represent the five Rukun Negara of Malaysia.
The flower can be found imprinted on the notes and coins of the Malaysian
ringgit.
Uses
The flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are edible and are
used in salads in the Pacific Islands.[citation needed] The flower is
additionally used in hair care as a preparation. It is also used to shine shoes
in certain parts of India. It can also be used as a pH indicator. When used,
the flower turns acidic solutions to a dark pink or magenta color and basic
solutions to green. It is also used for the worship of Devi, and the red
variety is especially prominent, having an important part in tantra. In
Indonesia, these flowers are called "kembang sepatu", which literally
means "shoe flower".
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is considered to have a number of
medical uses in Chinese herbology. It may have some potential in cosmetic skin
care; for example, an extract from the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has
been shown to function as an anti-solar agent by absorbing ultraviolet
radiation.
Medicinal uses
The chemicals in hibiscus flower helps in growth of hair. It
reduces dandruff and makes the hair black.
The natural oil in this flower acts as a good conditioner
This flower can be used as natural dye for hair
The oil in this flower can be applied to the skin of
patients who are suffering from cellulite which makes the skin to glow
The ash obtained by burning the flower and leaves of this
flower can be applied to eyebrows which glazes them black
This flower can be used as shoe polish by rubbing it on the
shoe
Hibiscus flower can be used as contraceptive. The oil from
this flower is used for abortion in some tribes in Jamaica.
Jamaicans use this flower in herbal tea as it contains many
minerals and vitamins
The juice from these leaves and flowers can regularize the
menstrual cycle
Ayurveda says the medicine made from its roots can be used
as a prevention of venereal diseases.
According to traditional medicine if we eat the buds of
white hibiscus flowers early in the morning on empty stomach it should cure all
the diseases. We can mix sugar if we are unable to eat directly.
This flower improves digestion. Hence raw flowers are eaten
by Hawaiian people, and Chinese eat this flower by making pickle.
The fiber from this stem is qualitative. This can be used in
manufacturing of clothes, nets and paper.
The roots of hibiscus are boiled in oil until the water gets
evaporated. Then the oil can be applied to the wounds caused by cancer. This
can be very useful in initial stage of cancer.
According to the traditional medicine, the flowers of white
Hibiscus can be dried in the shade of neem tree. Then they can be powdered and
it can be used to fight all cancers.
According to Ayurveda
it is good for increasing blood count among anemic people. The bright Red
variety that is commonly found in tropical countries is supposed to be the best
. The flowers are boiled in a little water and blended in a mixer with roasted
cummin seeds and salt and consumed after diluting it to the required level ,for
increasing the quantity of hemoglobin .
The flower is also used for hair care. The leaves and
flowers are added to hot coconut oil and slowly heated for a few minutes ,
after which the oil is completely cooled and filtered. The Oil is then stored
in bottles and used to apply to the hair . The oil should be massaged into the
hair and left for an hour or two after which it can be washed with a shampoo.
This treatment when done regularly has been proved to be very helpful in stopping hair loss and
promoting new hair growth.
Hibiscus is famous for its ability to improve hair. Hibiscus
when applied to hair promotes hair growth and gives black color to hair. The
beautiful flower of the hibiscus plant should be rubbed against head and hair
and washed off after 15 minutes. Hibiscus would cool head and promotes hair
growth.
Hibiscus would also prevent hair graying. Applying hibiscus regularly
would ensure good health for hair. In Kerala women regularly apply hibiscus
flower (chembarathi poovu) and leaves on hair. Kerala women are traditionally
having long beautiful hair. Hibiscus is the secret behind the long beautiful
hair of Kerala women. Hibiscus flowers are used to prepare oil that promoted
hair growth.
Hibiscus flowers should be cut into small pieces and boiled with
oil. Boil till the flowers are cooked in oil. This oil has great medicinal
value. This oil would cool head and eliminate headache. It would prevent
graying and ensure hair growth. Hibiscus oil also fights off dandruff in hair.
If you experience hair loss, dandruff or baldness you can try hibiscus.
Hibiscus flowers should be applied on hair (paste of hibiscus flower). Hibiscus
can fight skin infections also. Allying hibiscus on hair would clear off any
skin infections. Rubbing hibiscus flower paste on skin infections would also be
good.
Hibiscus leaves is the best natural shampoo. In Kerala women
use hibiscus leaves as shampoo. Hibiscus leaves should be grind and applied on
hair. This would thoroughly clean your hair. Using hibiscus shampoo also
promotes hair growth.
Hibiscus for weight loss, mouth ulcer, heart problem,
constipation and hypertension
Hibiscus (chembarathi chaya in malayalam) decoction helps
lose weight. Regular usage is found to help shed weight. Hibiscus flowers is a
home remedy for canker sores or mouth ulcers. Apply paste of hibiscus flowers
on canker sores. It will be healed soon. Eating hibiscus flowers is found to be
strengthening body’s circulatory system. People with high cholesterol and heart
problems would be benefitted by hibiscus flowers. Boiling hibiscus flowers in
water and drinking this water would be beneficial. Hibiscus is rich in vitamin
C. Consuming hibiscus decoction would prevent cold and fever. Being rich with
vitamin C hibiscus would boost the immune system. Drinking hibiscus decoction
is found to be benefitting hypertension patients also. Hibiscus can refresh
people by lessening the feeling of stress.
In India certain varieties of Hibiscus flowers are used for
cooking. Hibiscus is supposed to contain some vital nutrients that are essential
for the body and in the southern parts of India it is regularly used in
cooking.
Text source: Various online sites including Wikipedia
Photo: Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
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