HERB INFOSHEET
JAMAICAN HIBISCIS (ROSELLE)
Hibiscis sabdariffa
HEALTH CONDITIONS SUPPORT
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
DISTURBED DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
IMMUNE SYSTEM
ANTI INFLAMMATORY
LIVER
CANCER RISK REDUCTION
METABOLISM
ANTIOXIDANT
HYPERTENSION
HERPES ZOSTER
(topical and oral treatment for herpes zoster and was found to be very effective.)
ANXIETY
IMPROVE VISION
HEART HEALTH
KIDNEY HEALTH
(WHEN INGESTED DAILY..read contraindications))
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Anthocyanin properties are also found in sorrel, which are known to inhibit the development of cancer
According to the Scientific Research Council (SRC), sorrel contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. But it is a group of compounds called Flavonoids which not only give its deep red colour but acts as a powerful antioxidant which scavenges the body of free radicals that can cause deadly diseases.
Research at Jamaica’s Northern Caribbean University has revealed that sorrel could kill certain types of cancer cells. Proposed mechanisms of action focus on antioxidant activity and the ability to induce apoptosis. Again, this is due to the high levels of Flavonoids that work as a deterrent against certain kinds of cancer.
Sorrel also has significant levels of iron which helps improve circulation throughout the body by boosting red blood cell production and oxygen levels in vital organs.
As a plant with significant amounts of Vitamin A, sorrel can help to improve poor eyesight and prevent age-related ocular degeneration.
PARTS OF THE PLANT USED
LEAVES AND CALYX
the red calyx of the sorrel is used to relieve coughs, while the leaves are made into a poultice to relieve boils and abscesses.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
In trials investigating the hypotensive effect of hibiscus, daily dosages of dry calyx 10 g (approximately anthocyanin 9.6 mg) as an infusion in water, and total anthocyanin 250 mg per dose have been used for 4 weeks.
FORMS FOR USE
AS A TEA, IN COOKING, OR AS A POULTICE.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Sorrel in combination with other herbs can cause upset stomach and occasionally an allergic skin rash. In larger doses, sorrel can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive organs. Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts, since it might increase the risk of developing kidney stones. JAMAICAN HIBISCIS has been reported to act as a diuretic and a uricosuric substance (one that increases the amount of uric acid in the urine) in patients with urologic disorders. According to Thai traditional medicine, it is used for the treatment and prevention of urinary stones. The authors suggest that the intake of hibiscus tea could be a risk leading to urinary stone formation. Yet, they also suggest that the uricosuric effects may be useful as a treatment for hyperuricemia in gout disease, though no lowering of serum uric acid was demonstrated at this dose. This potential stone-inducing effect must be weighed against the positive uricosuric effect that may offer a benefit for subjects with gout.