Hibiscus is a tropical shrub with bright coloured flowers. The flowers are found in various colours including red, purple, yellow, pink and white. It grows primarily in south-east Asia. In Ayurveda, the Hibiscus flower or Japa Pushpa is dried, powdered and used for healing multiple ailments.
Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Powder
Hibiscus powder contains a lot of medicinal properties and specially used as an effective herb for numerous reasons. Some of the most noted benefits that are related to hibiscus powder are detailed below:
Improves Digestion
Hibiscus is a mild diuretic, which eases constipation and regulates bowel movement. It also prevents colorectal cancer by keeping the gastrointestinal system healthy.
Promotes Weight Loss
Hibiscus lowers the absorption of glucose and starch from carbohydrate rich foods. So, it helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
Prevents Anaemia
As hibiscus is high in iron, it increases the haemoglobin level in the body. This can prevent and even help in curing Anaemia.
Cures Menstrual Pain
Hibiscus powder can cure menstrual pain by balancing hormones within the body. Its anti-depressant nature can also control menstrual symptoms like mood-swings and anxiety.
Hibiscus Benefits For Skin
Using hibiscus powder benefits the skin in the following ways:
Anti-Ageing: Anti-ageing properties make skin firm and prevent wrinkles
Exfoliant: Regenerates skin cells by producing a mild exfoliating effect
Removes dead skin: Removes dead skin cells to reveal softer and lighter skin
Anti-oxidant: Anti-oxidant properties keep skin healthy and glowing
Anti-bacterial: Removes acne due to anti-bacterial properties and presence of Vitamin C
Benefits of Hibiscus Powder For Hair
Hibiscus powder is also very beneficial for enhancing the overall quality of your hair. Some of the best ways it helps to nourish your hair are discussed below:
Arrests hair fall: Reduces hair fall by strengthening roots. It can also help in curing alopecia
Rejuvenates hair: Prevents premature greying and promotes fresh growth
Offers Nourishment: Nourishes scalp and hair
Removes dandruff: Hibiscus helps the scalp in getting rid of the stubborn and flaky dandruff that can also lead to hairfall.
Also Read: Abhayarishta Benefits | Himalaya Confido Benefits
Uses of Hibiscus Powder
Hibiscus powder can be used for a number of reasons. Some of the best ones are explained below:
Hypoglycemic & Hypolipidemic
The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of hibiscus make it perfect for heart health. Lower the glycemic and lipid levels of the body, lower the chance of blockage, cholesterol disorders and circulation issues. It also helps manage blood sugar levels and control diabetes.
Anti -Tumor
The anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties of hibiscus powder prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Anti-bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory
Cold and flu symptoms can be reduced due to the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus. The cooling effect from hibiscus can also lower a fever.
Anti-Hypertensive
Due to its anti-hypertensive properties, the flower controls pre-hypertension and mild-hypertension. Being a diuretic, it increases urination which also contributes to lower blood pressure. Anti-inflammatory properties also cause blood pressure to decrease.
How to Use Hibiscus Powder
Hibiscus tea must be consumed to the tune of 500 milligrams in a day. One must consult a doctor before consuming any high dosage.
Q. Can it be consumed before or after meals?
Hibiscus tea works best when consumed before having your meals. One must exercise caution in consuming the prescribed amount and should not overdose.
Q. Can hibiscus powder be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, it can be consumed on an empty stomach. Doctors suggest to do so for one month to witness great improvements in one’s health.
Q. Can hibiscus powder be consumed with water?
Yes, hibiscus powder can be consumed with water or with tea.
Hibiscus Dosage
Safe Dosage
Age |
Dosage |
Timing |
Children |
As per doctor’s advice |
As per doctor’s advice |
Adults |
3 cups of hibiscus tea (500 milligrams) in a day |
Before meals and empty stomach |
Hibiscus Tea is considered as the best form to consume hibiscus. You can drain a number of health and beauty benefits by sipping the tea in the prescribed quantity.
Alternatively, it can also be consumed with water. One must seek the doctor’s advice for seeking better clarity.
Side Effects of Hibiscus Powder
There are downsides associated with consuming hibiscus. Some of them are described below:
1. Risk for liver: Hibiscus tea can be dangerous for liver if consumed in high dosage. However, consuming 400 mgs-500 mgs in a day is considered as a reasonable amount.
2. Blood pressure: It may cause blood pressure to drop to below normal level.
3. Expectant mothers: It can put pregnant women at risk for premature labour.
Harmful Interaction of Hibiscus Powder
Hibiscus powder can interact with some medicines. Hence, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you have been taking some medicines before you start using hibiscus powder.
Precautions & Warnings of Hibiscus Powder
Q.Can hibiscus powder be consumed before driving?
Yes, it is safe to consume hibiscus powder before driving.
Q. Can it be consumed with alcohol?
No, hibiscus powder must only be consumed with either water or tea. It will have adverse effects if it is consumed with alcohol.
Q.Can it be addictive?
Hibiscus powder is a herbal medicine and is free from any intoxications. However, one must not self medicate and increase the dependence on this medicine without seeking doctor’s consultation.
Q. Can it make you drowsy?
Hibiscus powder is free from any sedatives. Thus, it will not make you drowsy.
Q. Can you overdose on hibiscus powder?
No, you must not increase your consumption beyond 500 milligrams in a day. Overdosing may lead to side effects like temporary stomach upset, gas, nausea or headache.
15 Important Questions About Hibiscus Powder Answered
What is it made of?
Hibiscus tea is a herbal medicine which is made up of citrus fruits, berries, mint, lemon, petals of flower, sugar etc. All these ingredients combinedly make it useful for fighting against problems related to skin, digestion, nausea, cold etc.
What are hibiscus powder’s storage requirements?
Hibiscus powder must be stored at a cool and dry place. It must be kept away from the reach of children.
How long do I need to use hibiscus powder till I see improvement in my condition?
Consuming hibiscus powder for a period of 1-2 months on a daily basis can improve your health substantially.
How many times in a day do I need to use hibiscus powder?
You can consume hibiscus tea upto maximum 3 cups (500 milligrams) in a day.
Does it have any effect on breast feeding?
Yes, it is not advisable for lactating mothers to consume Hibiscus powder.
Is it safe for kids?
Hibiscus is considered a great way to cure diseases like cancer. However, research is underway to determine its consumption for kids.
Does it have any effect on pregnancy?
Yes, it is not advisable for pregnant or lactating women to consume hibiscus as it may lead to stomach pain or restlessness.
Does it contain sugar?
Yes, one of the components of hibiscus tea is sugar. Therefore, diabetic patients must consume it only after seeking doctor’s advice.
Is Hibiscus Powder toxic?
No, it is not toxic to consume.
What can Hibiscus Powder be good for?
Hibiscus powder is good for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, for increasing the amount of milk during breast feeding.
Can Hibiscus Powder be used for curing kidney stones?
Yes, consuming Hibiscus powder can help in curing Kidney stones.
Is Hibiscus powder used for the removal of gallstone?
Hibiscus powder is considered an effective remedy for the treatment of gall bladder stone. You must use organic Hibiscus powder for curing the problem.
How much Hibiscus powder should be consumed for removing gallstone?
You can consume 3 cups of Hibiscus tea (500 milligrams) per day for the treatment of gallstone.
Is Hibiscus powder good for your skin?
Yes, Hibiscus powder consists of gentle acids which help to make the skin firm. This herb evens the skin tone and purifies the skin complexion. Moreover, it is rich in antioxidants that helps to fight the skin-damaging free radicals and is highly effective in the removal of acne.
Can I use the mixture of Hibiscus powder and Amla powder for hair?
Hibiscus powder and Amla powder are components of Shikakai. While the former can be used as a shampoo, the latter is used as a conditioner in order to attain effective results. Both the powders are rich in Vitamin C and help in curing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.
What are the side effects of hibiscus?
Some of the side effects include affecting liver, lowering the sugar and blood pressure level, premature labour for expectant mothers etc.
Does hibiscus help in hair growth?
Yes, hibiscus is very useful in improving the hair quality. It helps to strengthen the roots, remove dandruff, nourish the scalp and stop premature greying of hair.
Does hibiscus powder colour the hair?
Yes, it is an excellent source to colour your hair. When mixed with mehendi or fenugreek, it helps to attain a dark colour for your hair. This is the most natural remedy for colouring your hair.
How do I use hibiscus on my face?
Add dried hibiscus in a grinder and grind well. Make a paste by mixing it with apple cider vinegar and honey. Apply over the face to get a rejuvenated skin.
Buyers Guide – Price and Where to Buy Hibiscus Powder
Natural Healthcare Hibiscus Powder (Sabdariffa 100g)
Best Price
Rs. 199
Indus Valley Organic Hibiscus Powder – 100 grams
Best Price
Rs. 179
Research about Hibiscus Powder
A research titled ‘Hibiscus Sabdariffa: A Research Review of Its Uses and Safety’ by Tori Hudson, ND claims that the herb is a boon for multiple health related worries. It is anti oxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic in nature and provides several benefits to health, hair and skin. Studies further found out that hibiscus extract might have an effect on metabolism, which in turn prevents obesity and fat deposit in the liver.