Hibiscus (Leaves) - Gudhal (Patta) - Jaswand - Japa Pushpa - China Rose - Javakusum - Rosa Sinesis by IndianJadiBooti

Hibiscus, commonly called Roselle, belongs to the family Malvaceae. Hibiscus has over 300 species of flowering plants, and one of them is Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne. It is considered a multipurpose plant that may have various health benefits. Hibiscus is a perennial flowering plant grown throughout the seasons. The shrub originated in Africa and is planted worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Sudan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and many other countries.

Hibiscus is cultivated for flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, and roots. Hibiscus flowers and seed oils are widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Hibiscus has medicinal value, which has been referenced in Ayurveda and the Chinese medicine system. It is commonly called Lalambari or Gudhal in Hindi and Jaswandh in Marathi.

Jaswand for cancer:

Hibiscus calyx juice might be beneficial for cancer. It may show an antiproliferative (reducing cancer cell spread) effect and has antioxidants that may perform free radical scavenging activities. It might be considered that hibiscus may have potential uses in cancer-related diseases. 

Gudhal for blood sugar:

The efficacy of hibiscus in the management of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2 was studied in an animal model.  The results revealed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. It also showed that the hibiscus extract might have anti-insulin resistance properties (shows an insulin-like response), decreasing high blood sugar and insulin levels. These studies are insufficient as these studies are not done on humans. However, more studies on humans are required to back this claim. Therefore, it is essential to first speak to your concerned doctors and only have hibiscus as a herb.

Hibiscus for hair health:

Hibiscus leaves and flowers may have beneficial properties for hair health. It might help circulate the blood to hair follicles. The leaves and flowers of hibiscus contain natural pigments, antioxidants, and vitamins that might be useful for hair health.

Japa Pushpa for skin health:

Hibiscus plants are rich sources of mucilages, which are complex polysaccharides. The plant’s leaves were traditionally used to manage burning sensations and skin diseases.   It may have a skin-soothing and moisturizing effect. The hibiscus mucilage extract contains glycerine, which may show the highest skin moisturizing effect.

Hibiscus for weight management:

Hibiscus may have potential uses in weight management. Hibiscus tea showed blocking of sugars and starch absorption, which might benefit weight loss. The ability of hibiscus extract to maintain weight might be due to its polyphenols and flavonoids, which might decrease the accumulation of fat and, thus, maintain body weight.

Potential Uses of hibiscus for kidneys:

The hibiscus extract may have a beneficial effect on the kidneys. It might reduce serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipids. hibiscus may be beneficial in lowering oxidative damage to kidneys. Consumption of hibiscus tea might produce a uricosuric effect that might be helpful in the excretion of uric acid through urine. This may benefit the deposition of calcium crystals in kidneys and thus, managing kidney stones.

Gudhal (Patta) or Hibiscus (Leaves) is known by various names in different states of India, reflecting the diversity of languages and cultures. Here are some regional names for Hibiscus in India:

Hindi: Gudhal

Bengali: Joba

Gujarati: Jasud

Kannada: Dasavala

Malayalam: Chemparathi

Marathi: Jasvand

Odia: Mandara

Punjabi: Jasun

Tamil: Sembaruthi

Telugu: Mandaram

Urdu: Gul-e-Khatmi

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