China Rose: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), known in Sanskrit as Japa (strengthening devotion in japa, repetition of the mantra), have an astringent and sweet rasa, cooling virya, and sweet vipaka. They act on blood, plasma, muscles, marrow and nerve, and reproductive tissues, influencing the circulatory, female reproductive, and nervous systems. They pacify Pitta and Kapha but may aggravate Vata in excess.

Hibiscus flowers are good for first and second chakra disorders, such as problems of the kidneys and reproductive systems due to heat, congestion, and contraction. They make a good summer beverage to reduce heat and fever — one ounce of flowers set in one pint of cool water. Their key actions include alterative, hemostatic, refrigerant, emmenagogue, demulcent, and antispasmodic.

They are sacred to Ganesh, the elephant god and the god of wisdom who destroys all obstacles. Hibiscus is indicated for dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, painful urination, cystitis, cough, fever, venereal diseases, and toxins in the blood. Precautions include severe chills and high Vata conditions. Prepared as infusion (cold or hot) or powder (250 mg to 1 g).

• Keshya (promotes hair growth)
• Garbhashaya Balya (uterine tonic)
• Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
• Varnya (complexion enhancer)