Hibiscus

“It was then that I noticed the hibiscus tree. Its magenta flowers were in bloom, brilliant and full with fertile golden centers. The tree was incongruous with its surroundings- the dirt, the man weathered from the sun and life.”

-Alex Brunkhorst, The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine

The Rose of Sharon, most commonly known as the Hibiscus plant, is also called Rose Mallow and her true origin continues to perplex botanists today. There were eight species of Hibiscus that range in origin from Asia, China, North America, and India, but its seed has since spread throughout the world as one of the most beautiful edible blooms for meals and beverages. The blooms are most commonly used to make tea, known as bissap in Western Africa, aqua de jamaica in Central America, orhul in India, and karkade in Egypt. Dried flowers are used to give vegetable dishes a bit of sour tart-ness in the Philippines. These blooms are said to symbolize youth, passion, glory, and femininity.

The Rose of Sharon works as a diuretic, helping the body to rid itself of excess fluid build up and has shown to help treat cardiovascular and nerve disorders. It can help reduce the body’s temperature and has shown potential for treating the common cold, cancer, and constipation. Hibiscus helps your liver reduce the amount of fat that builds over time, which can help prevent long term weight gain and lower cholesterol levels when used regularly. Some parts of the world use it to treat head lice.

Hibiscus in magick works to boost the intentions and potential success outcomes of magickal works, particularly in areas of passion, love, and harmony. It’s considered an aphrodisiac, therefore is used in many love spells. You can burn hibiscus to boost the level of passion in the atmosphere, sleep with it under your pillow to invite precognitive dreams, burn or drink it before or during meditation to focus intent and balance energetic bodies, and use it to help embody a level of courage that will propel you through turbulent circumstances.

Hibiscus flowers are often intercropped with peanuts. Occasionally fragments of peanut shells are present. Caution for individuals with severe peanut allergies. 

It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

It is imperative that you know your own sensitivities or allergies before working with any herbs. Be sure to research your herbs prior to working with them. Also be aware of any sensitivities that may occur with your pets.

You can purchase Hibiscus products here.