A Bit of Background - Hibiscus and Sorrel Across Cultures
The taste of the red drink, Sorrel, instantly brings me back home to my childhood in NYC, and the memories always make me feel giddy and nostalgic inside. We owe the uniquely nourishing and refreshing taste of Sorrel to the sacred and iconic plant known as…Hibiscus!
[For clarification, we're talking about Roselle Sorrel, a species of flowering plant in the genus Hibiscus that is thought to be native to Africa or Asia (most likely West Africa,) and is found in various parts of the world. (1) This is not the similarly named plant, Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) which produces buttery, lettuce-like leaves often used for salad.]
In fact, there are many names for the popular tea made from Hibiscus, depending on whether you are in Ghana, Hawaii, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, Morocco, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico and many other countries that brew the big red beauty. All have a fondness for her, and a unique way of imbibing her essence.
Hibiscus is a sacred plant in many cultures and I share more about Hibiscus as a symbol of cultural resistance, spiritual transformation, and resilience, in my blog post, Hibiscus Across Cultures: Sacred Beauty, Resistance, and Resilience, coming to you soon.
When I began researching Hibiscus for a project a few years ago, I had no idea just what an amazing botanical ally the Hibiscus plant really is! It's been humbling getting to know this plant, and appreciating all that it has to offer the world.
Let’s learn a bit more about the incredible health and beauty benefits of Hibiscus!
Health Benefits of Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) - The Regulator
Did you know that the beautiful Hibiscus “flower” is actually a 3 to 5-petalled fruit, which encapsulates the seeds, called a calyx? These calyces (they look like flower petals) have strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, as they are rich in Vitamin C and resveratrol. These properties work to reduce our risk of chronic diseases. (1) (You may know resveratrol as the power polyphenol in red grapes.)
- In clinical trials, Hibiscus tea has been shown to lower high blood pressure, which affects nearly half of all US adults at the time of writing this blog. However, that should not replace medications, and the results were most successful with those with less severe high blood pressure. (2)
- Studies have also been done with Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract to support weight loss, and it was found that the extract had metabolic-regulating and liver-protecting potential. Hibiscus extract reduced obesity, particularly abdominal fat. (3)
- My personal experience of Hibiscus, is that it is incredibly useful in regulating body temperature, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Consumed in the form of tea, and spritzed on the face as a cooling toner, hibiscus helps to cool down and beat the heat and discomfort of hot flashes.
To access many of these healthful properties, an infusion can be made from the calyces and drunk as a refreshing and nourishing drink. I recommend asking your Medical or Naturopathic doctor about consuming the more concentrated extract form, to further support your health.
[You can jump over to Ceiba Root Wellness to get my Hibiscus Sorrel Sun Tea Recipe (no cook)]
Skin Benefits of Hibiscus - The Gentle Protector
Scientists have also recognized the unique emollience and penetrating properties of the oil that can be extracted from the seeds of the Hibiscus plant!
- Hibiscus Seed Oil contains a naturally gentle form of naturally-derived alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and a high concentration of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid which helps to keep the skin moisturized and is ideal for soothing dry skin, flaky, and acne-prone skin.
- Natural acids in Hibiscus calyces help to reduce the signs of aging, such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, due to ultraviolet radiation exposure and excess melanin production.
- Hibiscus is also very helpful for oil and acne prone skin, if used on a regular basis.
- The seed oil is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and tannins which make it an effective antioxidant that protects the skin against environmental elements like pollution. It also penetrates skin deeply and thwarts trans epidermal water loss.
- I have found it to be one of the most soothing and moisturizing, non-comedogenic oils out there for aging skin, along with Moringa Oil, Plum Oil, and Shea Butter. Hibiscus Seed Oil won’t clog pores!
Hair Benefits of Hibiscus - The Strengthening Conditioner
Hibiscus oil is a unique in that both the seed oil and the calyx (petal) extract are beneficial to hair for growth and scalp health.
- Vitamin C, amino acids (building blocks of protein) and antioxidants work to strengthen the hair shaft, resulting in less breakage and less frizz.
- Fatty acids Omega 6 and 9 penetrate the scalp and nourish hair follicles, which may result in healthier hair.
- Deep moisturization with both the calyx extract and seed oil, leaves hair soft, conditioned and shiny.
- Scalp massage with Hibiscus oil can stimulate the scalp and bring fresh blood to follicles, reducing hair fall and encouraging hair growth.
In light of all the amazing properties mentioned above, Hibiscus plant is the anchor, the heroine, the muse, of most of the skin and haircare formulas in REIMI Botanicals products!
Hibiscus extract and seed oil run through our entire skincare product line, nourishing skin and hair from head to toe (or from Root to Crown, depending on how you look at it.)
You can experience Hibiscus doing her magic in our Foot Exfoliating Polish, Intense Cuticle Balm Lip Nourishing Stick, Lip Exfoliating Polish…all the way up to your crown, in our NOURISH Botanical Hair + Scalp Oil for dry/damaged hair, and more to come!
Final Thoughts - A Love Supreme
Coming full circle, I am still drinking the beloved Sorrel of my childhood and I'm even more in love!
This summer, we planted 4 hibiscus plants in the garden, and I have been enamored by the bounty of beauty and nourishment they provide. Applying Hibiscus infusion, oil and extract in my daily routine, has nourished my skin and hair with much needed moisture.
As a bonus, drinking spiced Hibiscus sun tea and spritzing with our Cooling Facial Mist with Hibiscus + Cucumber, has brought much needed relief in the hottest time of year (late summer) and the hottest phase of life (menopause).
It is with honor and humility that I ask for the blessings of my ancestors to use this sacred plant to support my health and wellness and to share the bounty of my exploration with you through REIMI Botanicals.
To learn more about Hibiscus from a unique cultural and spiritual perspective, stay tuned for my next blogpost, Hibiscus Across Cultures: Sacred Beauty, Resistance, and Resilience, coming soon!
Botanically yours,
Rei
Pink Hibiscus luna Image ©REIMI Botanicals