Fun Facts About Hibiscus
For the Love of Hibiscus
Gardening brings me immense joy as I witness the captivating transformation of colors throughout the seasons. Among my cherished late summer delights is a stunning hibiscus plant that gracefully drapes over the walkway in my backyard. Its presence creates a picturesque scene that never fails to enchant me.
The global appreciation for hibiscus spans across numerous cultures. Within the Hibiscus genus, there exist over two hundred species of shrubs and trees. While only the petals are typically steeped, it is worth noting that the entire plant is edible. Steeping the petals yields a vibrant red and tangy tea, rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanin—a type of antioxidant also found in berries. Anthocyanin is responsible for the appealing red color of berries and has been associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases.
Remarkably, studies focusing on hibiscus tea and its effects on blood pressure have predominantly involved human subjects. Consistently, the results indicate that this plant can effectively aid in reducing high blood pressure. However, caution should be exercised by individuals with already low blood pressure, as hibiscus tea may pose potential risks. It is advisable to remain vigilant and regularly monitor blood pressure levels.
Another remarkable attribute of hibiscus tea is its resemblance, both in taste and appearance, to cranberry juice, along with similar healing properties. Like cranberry juice, hibiscus tea is believed to be highly beneficial in alleviating and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). While this overview provides a glimpse into the remarkable characteristics of this plant, it is reasonable to speculate that there is much more to discover regarding the extensive range of health benefits offered by this magnificent flower.
There is nothing like finding out that the flowers or plants in your yard have a long history, not only as a beautiful creation but also in the culinary and medicinal world. Keep a look out for more blogs about the power of plants!
At our tea house, we not only offer dried hibiscus 
flowers for sale but also have an extensive list of teas featuring hibiscus as a key ingredient. Among my personal favorites are “Happy Hibiscus” and “Current Affair.” These blends showcase the delightful flavors and unique qualities that hibiscus brings to our teas. The bright and cheerful notes of “Happy Hibiscus” and the intriguing blend of flavors in “Current Affair” make them truly enjoyable choices. Exploring the diverse range of hibiscus-infused teas is a delightful adventure that adds an extra layer of excitement to our tea offerings.
In 2015 Sally moved into a new homestead in Helvetia, Oregon, with a vision to grow chemical and toxin free medicinal herbs and vegetables. She had grown up eating herbs and drinking tea, two things that brought back good memories of her Grandmother and her in England.
I am happy to report that Sally’s daughter is now doing well and less than a year after treatment stopped, a true miracle arrived that shocked everyone including her medical team, a beautiful, healthy grandson. Everyone is doing great and George is now helping his Grandma in the garden with the hope that he will pass on all this knowledge to the next generation!
I am thrilled to introduce the incredibly talented Aki Ruiz. Desert cryptid “Aki Ruiz” is a multi-disciplined animator, illustrator, and comic artist whose vibrant work tells stories of worlds in-between. He grew up in the eternal summertime of San Jose, California, and currently resides in rainy Portland, Oregon. He has a BFA degree in animation/illustration from San Jose State University, where he graduated magna cum laude.
