Each month one of our staff members will pick an herb that they are drawn to, and will share some experiences, thoughts, medicinal uses and a bit of traditional lore about their selected plant. As each plant is unique, each Herbalist and point of view is unique. We hope you enjoy this tradition.

By Ashlee Bodo, certified clinical herbalist

Family: Malvaceae
Parts used: Calyces of the flowers

Medicinal Properties
There are many species of Hibiscus. We are going to focus on Hibiscus sabdariffa. Originally native to tropical Africa, Hibiscus is grown in the subtopics and tropics worldwide and has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in tropical America and Asia. It is a robust, many-branched shrub-like plant that can grow to about 4-7ft tall. At the bottom of each flower, enclosing the bases of the five petals, is a fleshy, bright red cup-like structure called a calyx. The calyx is about 1 inch in diameter. These are harvested while they are still tender and juicy, about 10 days after the flowers appear. The calyces are what you will find in commerce (including Rebecca's).

Hibiscus is very high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids (which are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity). It has been shown to have mild diuretic and choleretic (stimulates bile production in the liver) effects, decreasing the viscosity of the blood, reducing blood pressure and stimulating intestinal peristalsis. The plant is also reported to be antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, and digestive. Wow!

It is used as a folk remedy to treat cough, stop heavy post-partum bleeding, lower fever, hangover, and is often used as a tonic tea for digestive and kidney functions.

One of Hibiscus' most popular uses is to add a beautiful ruby-red color to tea blends. It has a delicious flavor (somewhat tart, with a slightly sweet aftertaste), and blends nicely with lots of other herbs. It is cooling, and therefore lends itself well to iced teas. In Jamaica, you will find iced "sorrel tea" (a sweetened hibiscus and lemongrass teas) just about everywhere.

The calyx is rich in citric acid and pectin, so it is useful for making jams, jellies, etc.

Preparations & Applications:
Infusion: usually combined with other herbs (the percentage of Hibiscus in your formula depends on your preference). Use about 1 tablespoon of herb blend per 1 cup of water.

Recipe
High-C Tea
2 parts Hibiscus
2 parts Rose Hips
1 part Lemongrass
2 parts Lemon Balm
1 part Cinnamon
1/4 part Licorice
Parts are by volume. You can make a part as much or as little as you like (teaspoon, tablespoon, cup, etc...). This sweet-tart tea can be used as a daily tonic (especially useful during cold season).

Sources
Family Herbal by Rosemary Gladstar
Herbal Vade Mecum by Gazmend Skenderi

We are offering 10% off bulk Hibiscus (Herb of the Month) during the month of May.

As always, we will have a beautiful array of Mother's Day Gift Baskets & Bags ranging from $15 - $65.

We are excited to introduce our new Sore Muscle Oil. This is a blend we have been formulating for some time, and now we are ready to bring it to you. We really like it and hope you do too. Great for athletes or anyone with aching muscles!

We are also bringing back our new and improved No-Bug Oil (an infused sesame oil with leaves of sage and neem and a traditional blend of bug repellent essential oils).

Come check out our latest edition to our book section — Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice

Medicinal Plants of North America Coloring Book by Beth Judy
Fun for children and kits-at-heart alike! This herbal coloring books tells the folklore, current uses and fun facts about 14 different herbs. Get to know some medicinal plants by using your creativity!

Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman
A very thorough review of the science and practice of herbal medicine. In this indispensable reference Hoffman covers pharmacology, constituents, herbal actions, formulation and preparation and 12 chapters on treatment approaches for specific body systems. When I am looking for reliable formulas and well-researched safety protocols, I reach for this book.

Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel
An indispensable guide to user friendly plant identification! This book truly lives up to its name as it presents each plant family and subfamily in layman's terms using detailed sketched and keywords. A bonus at the back of the book is an excellent section on the medicinal constituents of the plants. Also includes a great index of both scientific and common names.