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Classification and varities of Hibiscus

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Hibiscus

Varieties

Several varieties of the Hibiscus flower provide different health benefits. There are over 100 known varieties of Hibiscus, the most commonly used of which are:

1.Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

It is commonly known as the Chinese Hibiscus or gurhal and is the most abundantly found variety. The plant usually has bright red flowers and grows as a shrub or a small tree. The leaves of the variety are glossy in appearance. The flowers are edible and thus, used for garnishing salads. The extract from the flower is utilized in many hair care and skin products. This variety has been known to impart lustre (shine), a quality which is employed while preparing shoe polishes.

2.Hibiscus syriacus

This variety of Hibiscus is native to China and is mostly found in the southwestern parts of the country. The plant grows as a bushy shrub, and the flowers are usually white, blue or light purple in colour. The variety has been used as an infusion in herbal tea by indigenous people. It has been found that Hibiscus syriacus can be used to increased appetite and treat cough.

3.Hibiscus tiliaceus
This variety of Hibiscus is found to mainly grow in the coastal regions of the tropical countries in Asia and Africa. The flower of this variety is usually bright orange in colour and changes to red when mature. The plant usually grows as a tree and thus produces valuable wood that is utilized to make durable ropes and fix cracks in boats. The roots and barks are usually boiled down to use as an infusion to treat fevers.

4.Hibiscus sabdariffa
This variety is commonly called Roselle and majorly found in West Africa. The effects of this variety have been most widely studied. The flowers of this variety are used in the preparation of Hibiscus tea which has a wide range of applications. Flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa and mint are mixed together and used in the preparation of other refreshing beverages as The leaves are used as vegetables in many cultures. The fibres from the stem of the plant are used along with jute fibres to produce products that are more durable.
&_Medicinal_Value-----—

¬Gurhal in North India is a flower having medicinal value and is used in Ayurveda for the same.

¬The flower is edible and is consumed in many forms. Although the flower is not yet very popular among the masses but has effective results on skin and hair care.

¬The flower has remedial effects on spilt ends, dry hair and is good for people who color their hair frequently.

¬It given smooth and shiny hair if applied with egg.

¬The flower also cures hair fall when used with coconut oil and treats dandruff problems when used with fenugreek paste. ¬It leaves the scalp nourished and healthy. It strengthens the roots, darkens hair color and reduces hair fall.

¬Gudhal leaves contain antioxidants which help in preventing ageing symptoms and cancer.

¬Hibiscus is consumed in form of tea extracts and is helpful in maintaining good health.

¬The flower if consumed with buttermilk in summer, protects from heat.
¬The antioxidant in gudhal leaves prevent the body from developing ulcers when consumed with water.

¬It also helps in curing leucorrhea and increases immunity in the body.

¬The flower is rich in vitamin C and thus is effecting in curing cold, sore throat, cough and headache.
¬It is used by females for soothing the hot flashes in times of menopause.

¬The anti-inflammatory substances together with vitamin C in the flower and gudhal plant help cure acne and soothe the skin making it healthier.

¬It regulates fluid balance in the body and is used in ¬Ayurveda to cure oedema and excess water retention in the body.

¬Consuming the flower helps in improving digestive system and maintaining healthy metabolism.

¬It also maintain body temperature.

¬The antioxidants regulate blood cholesterol making it a healthy choice for heart patients.