Hibiscus ~ tropical goodness with a tang

Hibiscus sabdariffa, aka roselle, is a herb we can find dried easily in New Zealand. It is too cold to grow except indoors in Canterbury. My photo is from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hibiscus-sabdariffa-roselle-grow-care-guide as this is not something I have successfully grown in my garden.

The sepals from the flower are medicinal part used. They are a stunning ruby red colour and have a slight astringent tang. It's delicious! It has an affinity with the cardiovascular system. Mostly this is taken as a tea (infusion) but some practitioner only supplements also contain it. It is a cousin of marshmallow.

What can hibiscus be used for?
🌱In studies it has been shown to lower blood pressure.
🌱There is evidence to indicate it may lower blood sugar.
🌱It is commonly used for UTIs. This may be due to its antimicrobial actions.

All in all, it is a yummy herbal tea but it looks like, in general, it may be one that we need to watch this space and hope for more studies on.