Hibiscus is a plant that has big colorful flowers. People in different parts of the world have used different kinds of hibiscus as medicine. Scientists have been studying hibiscus and the stuff inside it to see if it’s good for our health.
What is hibiscus?
Hibiscus, also called Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle is a type of plant that grows in India and Malaysia. There are many kinds of hibiscus like herbs, bushes and trees. The most common one is Hibiscus sabdariffa. It has red stems and big yellow flowers that turn pink and red. Hibiscus grows in warm places like China, Thailand, Sudan, Nigeria and Mexico. People use its flowers, seeds, leaves and stems for cooking, beauty and medicine.
One popular way to use hibiscus is making tea from its flowers. The tea is deep red and tastes tart like cranberries. People like to drink it hot or cold. You can also find hibiscus in powders, capsules and liquid extracts. These might be made from different parts of the plant.
In traditional medicine hibiscus is used to help lower blood pressure, make you pee more, lower cholesterol and more. It’s thought to have health benefits because it’s full of special compounds.
Benefits and Uses
Hibiscus is said to have some good effects like helping with diabetes and fighting cancer. It might also lower blood pressure, protect the liver and lower blood sugar levels.
1. Blood Pressure
Studies with people have shown that drinking hibiscus tea or taking supplements can help to lower blood pressure. For example, one study found that drinking two cups of hibiscus tea every day for a month along with some lifestyle changes lowered blood pressure more than just changing lifestyle alone.
2. Obesity
Hibiscus might also help with losing weight and stopping obesity. Tests on animals suggest that hibiscus extracts could stop fat cells from building up. This could help avoid problems linked to obesity like fatty liver and insulin resistance.
3. Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is when you have a few health risks like high blood sugar and extra body fat. Hibiscus might help with this too. In one study older women with metabolic syndrome who drank hibiscus tea twice a day for three weeks had lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
4. Liver Damage
Hibiscus could protect your liver from damage caused by things like obesity, diabetes or certain medicines. Tests on animals show that hibiscus can increase liver antioxidants which protect against stress and stop fat from building up in the liver.
5. Cancer
The antioxidants in hibiscus might also fight cancer. Tests in labs show that hibiscus extract could stop enzymes linked to prostate cancer and kill breast cancer and melanoma cells. It might even make chemotherapy work better against breast cancer.
But these studies are just the beginning and we need more research especially in humans to be sure about all these benefits.
How to Smoke Hibiscus?
1. Getting the Hibiscus Ready
First pick out some good-quality dried hibiscus flowers making sure they’re clean with no added stuff. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to get rid of any dirt or bits and then gently dry them with a kitchen towel. Spread the hibiscus flowers out on a baking sheet and let them air dry for an hour or two. This helps make sure they’re not too damp which is important for smoking them just right.
2. Choosing the Right Wood
The kind of wood we use for smoking is super important because it adds its own flavors to the hibiscus. While strong woods like hickory or mesquite can be too much for the delicate taste of hibiscus. Lighter ones like apple, cherry or cedar work better. They give a subtle smoky flavor that lets the natural hibiscus taste shine.
3. Getting the Smoker Ready
Whether you’ve got a fancy smoker or just a basic one the idea is the same. Start by heating it up to around 200°F to 225°F (about 93°C to 107°C). This low heat helps the hibiscus soak up the smoky goodness slowly.
4. Smoking the Hibiscus
Lay out your dried hibiscus flowers on a rack or tray inside the smoker making sure there’s space between each one for the smoke to swirl around. Close the lid and let the smoker do its thing. Depending on how strong you want the smoky flavor to be. You can leave them in there for 20 minutes to an hour. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too smoky.
What are the risks of smoking hibiscus?
Smoking hibiscus might sound harmless but it carries risks just like any other form of smoking. Here’s a simple breakdown of those risks.
- Respiratory Problems: Inhaling smoke whether from hibiscus or tobacco can harm your lungs. It can lead to coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing over time.
- Cancer Risk: Smoking any substance exposes you to harmful chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer including lung cancer, throat cancer and mouth cancer.
- Heart Health: Smoking hibiscus can affect your heart health by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to serious cardiovascular issues like heart disease or stroke.
- Addiction: Just like tobacco smoking hibiscus can be addictive. You might find yourself craving it and needing more to feel satisfied which can make it hard to quit.
- Damage to Oral Health: Smoking hibiscus can stain your teeth cause bad breath and irritate your gums. It can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Pregnancy Risks: For pregnant individuals smoking hibiscus can harm the developing baby. It can lead to low birth weight, premature birth and other complications.
- Interactions with Medications: Smoking hibiscus may interact with certain medications reducing their effectiveness or causing harmful side effects.
- Secondhand Smoke: Smoking hibiscus can also harm those around you through secondhand smoke exposure increasing their risk of respiratory problems and other health issues.
Alternatives of Smoking Hibiscus
There are lots of other ways to enjoy this plant. One great option is to make hibiscus tea. It’s super easy and tastes really good. Hibiscus tea has a tangy flavor that lots of people love. It’s full of antioxidants which help keep your body healthy and it might even be good for your heart. So instead of lighting up hibiscus brew yourself a nice cup of tea and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
Read more…Wild herbs and there uses
FAQs
Can you smoke hibiscus flowers?
No, it’s not a good idea. Smoking hibiscus won’t make you feel high and it could harm your lungs.
Are there any benefits to smoking hibiscus?
There are no known benefits to smoking hibiscus. It’s usually used in teas or skincare because it’s good for you but smoking it won’t help.
Is it safe to smoke dried hibiscus petals?
It’s not safe. Burning and breathing in hibiscus smoke can hurt your lungs even though hibiscus itself is safe to eat or drink when prepared right.
Does smoking hibiscus produce a high?
Hibiscus doesn’t have the stuff in it that makes you feel high like cannabis does.
Can smoking hibiscus help with anxiety or stress?
Smoking anything isn’t a good way to deal with anxiety or stress and could make it worse. If you’re feeling stressed there are better ways to cope like talking to someone or doing things you enjoy.
