Herbs - Hibiscus

🌺 Hibiscus – Tart, Vibrant, and Full of Tradition

Hibiscus – A Bold Red Infusion from the Tropics
Latin Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Also Known As: Roselle, Red Sorrel, Flor de Jamaica, Karkade

🌿 Botanical Source

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a tropical shrub native to West Africa but widely cultivated across Central America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and parts of the southern U.S. The plant produces pale yellow or pinkish flowers with a deep red center, but the part most often used is the calyx — the fleshy red cup that encases the seed pod after flowering.

At Foothills Naturals, we offer dried whole, cut and powdered  hibiscus —intensely red, tart, and perfect for tea, culinary, and cosmetic use.

📖 History & Traditional Uses

Hibiscus has been steeped, cooked, and celebrated for centuries in cultures around the globe:

• In Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus tea (karkade) is served cold as a tangy refreshment and hot as a daily ritual.

• In the Caribbean, it’s a key ingredient in sorrel punch, spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus peel during holidays.

• In Mexico, agua de jamaica is a hibiscus iced tea sold in markets, homes, and restaurants.

• In Ayurvedic and Unani systems, it’s traditionally used for supporting circulation and cooling the body.

Historical notes and ethnobotanical references available via:
The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Spices, Grieve’s Modern Herbal, and FAO plant monographs.

✨ Modern Applications

Hibiscus remains wildly popular today due to its bold color, tangy flavor, and versatility.

• In Beverages

Brewed as a tea, steeped into syrups, blended into cocktails and kombuchas — hibiscus is the star of many caffeine-free infusions.

• In Culinary Recipes

Its tart-sour flavor is similar to cranberry, making it excellent for sauces, chutneys, jams, and fruit leathers.

• In Skincare

Infused into masks, toners, and soaps for its vivid color and anthocyanin content.

🧪 Nutritional & Functional Snapshot

Hibiscus calyces are rich in:

• Anthocyanins – antioxidants responsible for their deep red color

• Vitamin C

• Organic acids like hibiscus acid, citric, and malic acid

• Polysaccharides and flavonoids

⚠️ While research has explored potential benefits (such as supporting healthy blood pressure), no health claims may be made under Canadian regulations unless licensed as an NHP.

🔧 How to Use Hibiscus

Simple Hibiscus Tea

• 1–2 tsp dried hibiscus calyces

• 1 cup boiling water

• Steep 5–10 minutes (longer = more tart)

• Sweeten if desired with honey or maple syrup

Classic Agua de Jamaica (Mexican Hibiscus Iced Tea)

• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus

• 4 cups water

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• Simmer 10 minutes, strain, sweeten and serve over ice

Sorrel Punch (Caribbean Style)

• 1 cup dried hibiscus

• 6 cups water

• Clove, ginger, orange peel, cinnamon

• Simmer, then sweeten and chill. Serve with a splash of rum (optional)

🧴 Other DIY Uses

Hibiscus Hair Rinse

• Steep 1 tbsp hibiscus in 1 cup hot water

• Cool, strain, and pour over clean hair as a final rinse

Hibiscus Face Toner

• Brew a strong tea, cool, add 1 tsp witch hazel

• Store in fridge up to 5 days and apply with cotton pad

Natural Food Dye

• Simmer calyces with a bit of lemon juice to make a ruby-red coloring for frostings or gummies

⚠️ Cautions & Considerations

• Taste Warning: Strongly tart — blend or sweeten to suit your preference

• Pregnancy: Best used in moderation; high doses not advised without consultation

• Medication Interactions: Hibiscus tea may interact with antihypertensive drugs. Always check with your practitioner

• Staining: It stains fabric (and porous surfaces), so use with care!

🌺 Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• In ancient Egypt, hibiscus was reserved for Pharaohs and rituals

• In Mexico, it's the second most consumed herbal drink after chamomile

• The name Roselle comes from its resemblance to a small rose when the calyces are fresh

📚 Suggested Pairings

• Tea Blends: Combine with lemongrass, rose hips, ginger, or cinnamon

• Smoothies: Steeped and cooled hibiscus can be blended into tropical smoothies

• Baking: Use as a vibrant addition to muffins, glazes, and jellies