Hibiscus, especially the species Syrian hibiscusAlso known as marshmallow, it is a popular ornamental plant that blooms from July to late September. In addition to its decorative function, hibiscus also offers interesting applications in natural and health cosmetics. Skin care can be particularly highlighted. In this article we will show you how to prepare a great ointment, but also which hibiscus is suitable for tea.
How to recognize and distinguish Hibiscus syriacus and other hibiscus species
Hibiscus plants belong to the Malvaceae family (Malvaceae) and are known for their large, showy flowers. However, different hibiscus species have specific characteristics that differentiate them from each other. Here are the main identifying characteristics Syrian hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis AND Hibiscus sabdariffa to identify:
1. Hibiscus syriacus (marshmallow)
- flowering time: Syrian hibiscus It blooms in temperate climates from July to September.
- Flower color: The flowers are usually blue, purple or white with a striking red center.
- Blattform: The leaves are three-lobed, toothed and dark green in color. They are smaller and tougher than other types of hibiscus.
- Measure: These shrubs can grow up to 3 meters in height and have an erect and branched habit.
- Winter hardiness: Syrian hibiscus it is one of the most frost-resistant hibiscus species and is suitable for gardens in cooler regions.
2. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese hibiscus)
- flowering time: In tropical and subtropical regions, this species blooms all year round.
- Flower color: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis it is known for its bright red, pink, orange or yellow flowers. The flowers are generally solitary and large, sometimes up to 20 cm in diameter.
- Blattform: The leaves are shiny, intense green in color and slightly serrated. They are larger and softer than those of Syrian hibiscus.
- Measure: This species of hibiscus grows as a shrub or small tree and can grow up to 4 meters tall.
- Requirements: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis It is sensitive to frost and is often grown as a houseplant or in containers in colder climates.
Discover the world of wild herbs and medicinal plants in autumn
In ours Seasonal calendar of wild herbs (available here) you will find a selection of the most important wild herbs and medicinal plants every month. We designed the seasonal calendar so that you can reuse it every year. Accompanying this is our guide “With wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round“(available here), which allows you to easily enter the world of wild herbs, not only in autumn but throughout the year. As the title suggests, you can discover, collect and use wild plants all year round. You can also get the calendar and our books in our Starter set for autumn (available here) at a discounted price. The starter set also includes our new autumn edition of the Kräuterkeller magazine, a set of seeds and cards and our book “Conserving Wild Herbs”.
3. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Rosella)
- flowering time: This species usually flowers in the warmer months.
- Flower color: The flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa they are smaller than other hibiscus species, usually yellow with a deep red center. They are less flashy and more functional for collection.
- Blattform: The leaves are elongated and deeply incised, with a slightly serrated margin.
- Measure: This type of hibiscus grows as a herbaceous plant and reaches a height of about 1.5-2 meters.
- Special feature: Hibiscus sabdariffa it is known for its edible sepals, which are harvested after flowering and used to make hibiscus tea or as an ingredient in jams.
Main differentiators:
- Flower color and size: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has the largest and most colorful flowers, while Hibiscus sabdariffa it has smaller and inconspicuous flowers.
- Blattform: The leaves of Syrian hibiscus they are hard and toothed, while the leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis AND Hibiscus sabdariffa they are softer and often larger.
- Climate zone: Syrian hibiscus it is frost resistant while Hibiscus rosa-sinensis AND Hibiscus sabdariffa thrive better in warmer climates.
Preserving wild herbs in September
Now at the end of summer it is especially important to conserve wild herbs and think about winter. In the new book we show you how which herbs can best be preserved. Because there are definitely differences. You can find out more methods and interesting facts about preserving wild herbs and medicinal plants in our new book
Hibiscus in skin care
Hibiscus flowers, including those of Syrian hibiscusthey are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. These flowers also contain organic acids (e.g. citric and malic) which act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, promoting skin renewal. In creams and ointments, hibiscus can help revitalize the skin, hydrate and soothe irritated skin, especially if eczema or irritation is present.
Make your own hibiscus ointment
For a hibiscus ointment, you can make an oily macerate from hibiscus flowers to use as a base for the ointment. The following recipe uses dried or fresh hibiscus flowers in combination with nourishing oils:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 fresh hibiscus flowers or 2 tablespoons dried
- 100 ml of almond or jojoba oil
- 20 g of beeswax
- 10 g of shea butter
- Optional: lavender essential oil
Preparation:
- Hibiscus tea: Add the flowers to the oil and leave them to macerate in a warm place for 2-4 weeks.
- Filter: After maceration, filter the oil and add it to the melted beeswax and shea butter.
- Mix: Mix everything well and pour into glasses until the ointment solidifies.
Wild herbs and medicinal plants in autumn
In our new autumn edition of you will find an overview of the most important wild herbs and medicinal plants of autumn Magazine of the Cantina delle Erbe (available here). In addition to recipes and home remedies you will also find many inspirations from the world of wild herbs. Our magazines are available in paper and digital formats in our herbalist’s shop www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de available.
Hibiscus as tea
In addition to skin care, hibiscus also offers health benefits when used as a tea. Especially the guy Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) is known for that. Hibiscus flowers contain high amounts of antioxidants and Vitamin Cwhich makes tea a beneficial drink for health. Studies suggest that hibiscus tea has antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties. A typical preparation for hibiscus tea is to pour 200 ml of hot water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers and let them steep for about 5-10 minutes. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis it can also be used as a herbal tea, but is more commonly used in cosmetics. Syrian hibiscus It is instead used less often for tea, but it is edible and, in small quantities, also suitable for culinary purposes.
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