Hibiscus flowers can be eaten from the plant or used to make jams, relishes, and teas. They are also known to have vitamins and nutritional value.
There are times, however, when you should not eat hibiscus flowers. For example, if you are pregnant or allergic to the Malvaceae plant family, you should not eat or consume hibiscus flowers.
However, they generally help lower high blood pressure and can even have anti-cancer benefits.
Hibiscus Flower Health Benefits
The flowers of Hibiscus trees have a number of health benefits. For example, research suggests that hibiscus flowers aid those who suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
A research study also found that hibiscus flowers are effective with:
- Lowering blood sugar
- Lowering cholesterol
- Improving insulin resistance
- Heightening healthy cholesterol
More research still needs to be done for hibiscus flowers to be prescribed by doctors. However, the health benefits in research studies are enough for some people to try it and see results.
It has also been found that hibiscus flower aid has antioxidants that help cancer patients and people with liver damage.
The antioxidants found in flowers can help protect the liver from stress and drugs associated with liver damage, like chemotherapy.
The antioxidants have also been found to kill breast cancer cells and release enzymes to prevent prostate cancer.
How To Eat Hibiscus Flowers
There are a handful of ways to eat hibiscus flowers. You can do the following:
- Eat the flowers raw.
- Dry out the flowers and make them into tea.
- Dry them out and make them into a jam or relish.
When Not To Eat Hibiscus Flowers
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to avoid eating or consuming hibiscus flowers. This is mostly because there is a lack of research and evidence on these flowers’ side effects on pregnant women.
Hibiscus flowers may even interact negatively with the medication that you may be on. This may be antibiotics or birth control medicines.
If you are allergic to the Malvaceae plant family, it is crucial to avoid consuming any hibiscus flowers.
These flowers should only be consumed in moderation. If you consume too many hibiscus flowers, you may injure your liver.
What Hibiscus Flowers Are Edible?
There are many hibiscus species. Most are edible, but some are not. It is important to research any hibiscus species before you eat it.
The following hibiscus flowers are confirmed to be edible.
Hawaiian Hibiscus
The Hawaiian hibiscus is the bright big yellow blooming hibiscus. There are seven types of these hibiscus plants, all edible.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa
The hibiscus sabdariffa or the Rosa de Jamaica has various colors. This species is known for being tart. It is also known as the Florida cranberry.
Hibiscus Acetosella
The Hibiscus acetosella is edible but is mostly seen as a decorative plant. Their red flowers are usually overlooked as they are not normally seen.
Hibiscus Rosa – Sinensis
The Hibiscus Rosa – Sinesis is also known as the Chinese hibiscus. They can be used in salads or teas. The tea is notably fragrant.
The Chinese hibiscus is sometimes known as a shoeblack plant and has a dark-colored center in the flower and a bright-colored edge.
Hibiscus Sinosyriacus
The Hibiscus sinosyriacus is also known as the rose of Sharon. It is an Asian blooming hibiscus plant and a perennial that can grow well in most climates.
They are multi-colored, and flowers can bloom in blue, purple, white, red, or pink.