Monday, December 21, 2009

HIBISCUS



Common names: HIbiscus, Chinese Hibiscus, Rose of China, Bunga Raya

Scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Family: Malvaceae

Chinese name: 朱槿 , 扶桑 , 大红花
MEDICINAL USES
The hibiscus is one plant with a lot of uses.
THE ROOTS
  • The roots (especially of the white hibiscus flowers) when pounded and added to boiling water is said to be able to treat sexually transmitted diseases, has diuretic properties and is an antidote for poisons.
  • Drinking of the water of the boiled hibiscus roots is a traditional cure for coughs, swelling of the parotid glands, urinary infection, white discharge, cervical infection, irregular periods and conjunctivitis.
THE FLOWERS
  • When pounded finely, the flowers is pasted on to the skin to treat boils, cancer, mumps and other types of skin diseases in traditional medicine.
  • The flower is boiled and then the water is drunk to treat asthma, cough, swelling of the parotid glands, bronchitis, colds, phlegm and to stimulate the monthly period.
  • The flowers are boiled in oil along with other spices to make a medicated hair oil to prevent greying & hair loss.
  • Dieters or people with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic.
THE LEAVES
  • The leaves are ground into a paste and then applied to the skin to treat boils, cancer, mumps, swellings, fever, rashes, cuts, skin diseases and headaches.
  • In Southern India, the red flower and leaves, extracts of which can be applied on hair to tackle hair-fall, dandruff on the scalp and also for colouring the hair.
THE BARK
The water that is obtained from boiling the bark is used to stimulate the monthly period.
THE BRANCHES
Used for cleaning the teeth.
References:
Tanaman Hiasan: Khasiat Makanan & Ubatan oleh Ong Hean Chooi

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