hibiscus

[Guest guest]

This just came across my screen from another list.

No hibiscus in Michigan, never less the information is intriguing...

C-M

 

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Hibiscus rosa sinensis:

Bunga Raya [E], Bussoge [E], Cayena [E], Ch'Ih Chin [E], China Rose [E],

Chinese Hibiscus [H], Chu Chin [E], Cin Gulu [E], Feuilles Choublak [E],

Fu Sang [E], Gumamela [E], Jih Chi [E], Khatmah Siniyah [E], Rose Of

China [H,E], Ru Sang [E], Shoe-Black [E], Shoe-back-plant ,

Shoebackplant [P], Woro-wari [E],

Physical Characteristics

An evergreen shrub growing to 2.5m by 2.5m . It is hardy to zone 9 and

is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The flowers are hermaphrodite

(have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. We

rate it 2 out of 5 for usefulness.

Edible Uses

Colouring; Flowers; Leaves; Root.

Young leaves are sometimes used as a spinach substitute[177, 183]. A

nutritional analysis is available[218].

Flowers - raw or cooked[240]. They can also be made into a kind of

pickle or used as a purple dye for colouring foods such as preserved

fruits and cooked vegetables[177, 183]. A nutritional analysis is

available[218].

Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very

much flavour[144].

Flowers (Fresh weight)

In grammes per 100g weight of food:

Water: 89.8 Protein: 0.06 Fat: 0.4 Fibre: 1.56

In milligrammes per 100g weight of food:

Calcium: 4 Phosphorus: 27 Iron: 1.7 Thiamine: 0.03 Riboflavin: 0.05

Niacin: 0.6 VitaminC: 4.2

Source: [218]

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne; Antispasmodic; Aperient; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Demulcent;

Emmenagogue; Emollient; Poultice; Refrigerant.

Chinese hibiscus is a sweet, astringent, cooling herb that checks

bleeding, soothes irritated tissues and relaxes spasms[238].

The flowers are aphrodisiac, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient and

refrigerant[240]. They are used internally in the treatment of excessive

and painful menstruation, cystitis, venereal diseases, feverish

illnesses, bronchial catarrh, coughs and to promote hair growth[238,

240].

The leaves are anodyne, aperient, emollient and laxative[240]. A

decoction is used as a lotion in the treatment of fevers[240].

The leaves and flowers are beaten into a paste and poulticed onto

cancerous swellings and mumps[218]. The flowers are used in the

treatment of carbuncles, mumps, fever and sores[218].

The root is a good source of mucilage and is used as a substitute for

marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in the treatment of coughs[240].

Other Uses

Cosmetic; Fibre; Hedge; Polish.

The juice from the petals is used in China as shoe-blacking and

mascara[238].

A good quality fibre is obtained from the stems[74]. In warm

sub-tropical areas the fibres can be up to 3 metres long, but in Britain

they are likely to be much shorter. The fibre is used for coarse

fabrics, nets and paper[74].

Plants are often used for hedges and screens, though since they are not

very cold hardy they are not suitable for this use in Britain[200].

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>From another source:

In Ayurvedic medicine, hibiscus petal is Used to stimulate thicker hair

growth and to prevent premature graying, hair loss and scalp disorders.

It acts as a natural emollient hair conditioner and can be used in hair

washes, treatments and vinegar rinses for the hair.

[Guest guest]

I am looking for the Traditional Functions of Hibiscus. Either the flower,

the calyx, or other parts used in TCM.

I have some references to Hibiscus and Mei Gui Qie, in Blue Poppy, Plum

Flower, KT, but not the TCM references.

Bensky/Gamble lists Flos Rosae Rugosae (Mei Gui Hua)

Yeung does not list any that I found.

 

Mei Gui Qie hibiscus sabdariffa l

Hibiscus sabdariffa roselle calyx

 

any help is appreciated.

Any one know if they make a Chinese Wine out of the plant?

 

Peace

 

Ed Kasper LAc. & family

Santa Cruz, CA

[Guest guest]

I am looking for the Traditional Functions of Hibiscus. Either the flower,

the calyx, or other parts used in TCM.

I have some references to Hibiscus and Mei Gui Qie, in Blue Poppy, Plum

Flower, KT, but not the TCM references.

Bensky/Gamble lists Flos Rosae Rugosae (Mei Gui Hua)

Yeung does not list any that I found.

 

Mei Gui Qie hibiscus sabdariffa l

Hibiscus sabdariffa roselle calyx

 

any help is appreciated.

Any one know if they make a Chinese Wine out of the plant?

 

Peace

 

Ed Kasper LAc. & family

Santa Cruz, CA