Monday, February 3, 2014

HEALTH: How to Make Tea from Hibiscus or Gumamela Flowers


I've been recommending hibiscus tea to lower high blood pressure.

In the Philippines, hibiscus is known as gumamela. Many Filipinos are not aware that you can make tea from gumamela flowers.



There are different varieties of hibiscus or gumamela and the kind generally used for medicinal tea is hibiscus sabdariffa - see pictures above.  The calyx is used for tea.

However, the common gumamela that abounds in the Philippines can also be used for tea - see this youtube link. I'm not sure if the benefits are the same as the hibiscus sabdariff.  My guess is that the gumamela flower has many benefits as well.
 
To summarize: the hibiscus sabdariffa is the one used for medicinal tea, which can lower blood pressure. The common gumamela flower can still be used for tea, although I'm not sure about the medicinal value.




I got this info from the net:

"Karkade is made from the dried petals of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), this tart bright red drink can be served either hot or cold. It is said to lower blood pressure. 

It's very simple to make: 1 cup karkadeh (Hibiscus Flower Petals) and water and sugar. 

* In a jug, pour boiling water. 
* Add karkadeh and sugar. 
* Stir till sugar dissolves. 
* Leave for a couple of hours till water becomes dark red. 
* Drain karkadeh in a fine hole sieve to leave out karkadeh leaves. 
* Cool in refrigerator until serving, or serve hot. "

http://egyptian-cuisine-recipes.com/reci... 

More information on wikipedia.
"Hibiscus is a bushy annual plant. Parts of the flower are used to make a popular drink in Egypt called Karkade. Various parts of the plant are also used to make jams, spices, soups, and sauces. The flowers are used to make medicine.

Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

In foods and beverages, hibiscus is used as a flavoring. It is also used to improve the odor, flavor, or appearance of tea mixtures.

How does it work?

The fruit acids in hibiscus may work like a laxative. Some researchers think that other chemicals in hibiscus might be able to lower blood pressure; decrease spasms in the stomach, intestines, and uterus; and work like antibiotics to kill bacteria and worms."
Read also
How to Make Gugo or Gogo Shampoo
The Sugarcane Plantations of the Philippines and Muscovado
Herbs as Natural Remedies
Can Hibiscus Tea be made from any Hibisus Plant.
How to make Hibiscus tea from petals - you tube
Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdriffa)
Roselle: Plant Now for hibiscus flowers later
Health Benefits of Hibiscus tea 
Herb to know: Hibiscus 

All for now,
Cecilia

No comments: