no. 73: über-beauty: purple hibiscus

photo: pinterest

Have you ever had hibiscus tea?

The first time I'd ever heard of it was from a beautiful Trinidadian man, but he called it "sorrel" and that it was popular to drink during the Christmas holiday season, a good detoxifier and blood cleanser (which is key for beautiful skin). After some research, I found out it's also known as hibiscus and that West Africans (Senegalese) call it bissap, Persians call it Gul e Khatmi, Mexicans call it agua de jamaica, Hondurans flor de jamaica, Indians orhul, Ghana soobolo, Egypt & Sudan karkadé (كركديه) and in Jamaica and Trinidad sorrel.

Over the New Moon/Chinese New Year weekend I had some of my superhero friends over for dinner. Mastermind vegan Chef Tsadakeeyah of Majani Catering and his partner Naysa not only brought soulful black-eye pea fritters and hummus but a vat of gorgeous purple hibiscus tea. Yummm...

So as I write this, I'm sipping on a glass of purple hibiscus like wine this morning. I haven't had a cup of sorrel in a while and am reminded of the laundry list of über-beauty and health benefits (gorgeous skin, hair growth, weight release, boosted energy) of this powerful plant used in various ways: tea, paste, dried herb, blossoms in salads. Check it.

Great Source of Potassium + Great For The Heart
Potassium is an essential mineral as a vasodilator.

A Diuretic + Beneficial For The Kidneys 
a bit of a kidney flush as your urine takes toxins, fats, salts, water with it.

Soothes Dry Itchy Skin
Perfect during the cold winter months.

Vitamin C-Rich Immune System & Collagen-Building
Vitamin C is a vital molecule for skin health.

High Iron i.e. Energy + Hair Grower
If you suffer from anemia, iron's been known to resuscitate the oxygen in your blood as well as boost your energy and hair growth.

High Antioxidant + Anti-Cancer Properties
Skin protecting and regenerating while known to kick the butt of those cancerous mutant cells.

Rich in The Beauty Vitamin: A
A godsend for keeping the eyes healthy and the skin beautiful. 

Calcium-Rich and Bone-Fortifying
Strong bones, teeth and joint health anyone?

Weight-Release Inspiring & Fiberous
If you know me, I always speak of keeping that colon clean for beautiful skin. This fiber-rich flower will keep it movin'.

DON'T OVER-DO-IT WARNING: Consume in moderation, sorrel/hibiscus contains the toxin, oxalic acid. I would use in conjunction with a cleanse every now and then. 

How To Prepare Jamaican Sorrel Tea

• Bring water to a boil.
• Place sorrel, ginger and cloves into boiled water.
• Boil for 2 minutes, turn heat off.
• Cover and allow to steep for 12 to 24 hours.
• Strain and sweeten to taste.
• Add rum or wine if desired.
• Serve cold, on ice.

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There's so much to learn and so many recipes to be had. Enjoy researching yourself. Here are a few links to get started with:
Loop Jamaica
Organic Facts
Wikipedia

Thanks for reading. Here's to our über-beauty and health! 

♡ ☆ ♀
Akua

​Day 5 of 1/12 Moons 
Waxing Crescent