Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hibiscus that is native to Africa, most likely West Africa. In the 16th and early 17th centuries it was spread to Asia and the West Indies, where it has since become naturalized in many places. The stems are used for the production of bast fibre and the dried cranberry-tasting calyces are commonly steeped to make a popular infusion known by many names, including carcade.
Overview
The fruit acids in Hibiscus sabdariffa might work like a laxative. Other chemicals in Hibiscus sabdariffa might be able to lower blood pressure, reduce levels of sugar and fats in the blood, reduce swelling, and work like antibiotics.
People use Hibiscus sabdariffa for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Effective for
- High blood pressure. Drinking Hibiscus sabdariffa tea or taking Hibiscus sabdariffa extract by mouth seems to lower blood pressure by a small amount in people with normal or high blood pressure.
There is interest in using Hibiscus sabdariffa for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
