Hibiscus Flower & Chia Seed Infusion

Product Description

Infusion of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) is a very popular drink in many parts of the world. Its phytochemical composition is associated with antioxidant, hypotensive, and antiatherosclerotic effects. There are also gynecological uses. (More info below)* Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense superfood rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of chia seeds may help to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. (Do not ingest chia seeds if you have diverticulitis.)

Hibiscus flower and Chia Seed Infusion Recipe Take a large mason jar full of room temperature, pure water (preferably structured). Add 2 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers. Let sit for 4 hours. Strain. Add 2 tbsp chia seeds and STIR, STIR, STIR, or else you will get a big mat of gel. Let sit another 20-30 minutes, add ice, and enjoy! Chew some of the seeds for better protein availability. Make a few jars at a time to store in the fridge so you always have some available. With the nutrient component, it is a full and balanced meal. Bonus: Add 1 cup kombucha and 1/2 fresh lemon squeezed into it and drink it all day! After 2 weeks change it to peppermint leaves or another botanical herb for a week and then bring back the hibiscus again. Give your body that diversity. Pro tip: rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking this infusion recipe, or add a few pinches of baking soda to the preparation, as it is slightly acidic and drinking often can affect tooth enamel (much like drinking lemon juice can)

​Use in local and traditional food and medicine: Hibiscus has been widely used in local medicines. In India, Africa and Mexico, infusions of the leaves or calyces are traditionally used for their diuretic, cholerectic, febrifugal and hypotensive effects, decreasing the viscosity of the blood and stimulating intestinal peristalsis. It is also recommended as a hypotensive in Senegal (Morton, 1987). In Egypt, preparations from the calyces have been used to treat cardiac and nerve diseases and also to increase the production of urine (diuresis). In Egypt and Sudan, an infusion of “Karkade” calyces is also used to help lower body temperature (Leung, 1996). In Guatemala it is used for treating drunkenness (Morton, 1987). In North Africa, calyces preparations are used to treat sore throats and coughs, as well as genital problems, while the emollient leaf pulp is used for treating external wounds and abscesses (Neuwinger, 2000). In India, a decoction from the seeds is used to relieve pain in urination and indigestion. In Brazil, the roots are believed to have stomachic and emollient properties. In Chinese folk medicine, it is used to treat liver disorders and high blood pressure (Morton, 1987). In Iran, sour hibiscus tea is reportedly a traditional treatment for hypertension (Burnham, Wickersham, & Novak, 2002), while in Nigeria the decoction of the seeds is traditionally used to enhance or induce lactation in cases of poor milk production, poor letdown and maternal mortality (Gaya, Mohammad, Suleiman, Maje, & Adekunle, 2009).

Master’s Thesis: THE EFFECT OF Hibiscus.Sabdariffa ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN HUMANS