Edible Flowers: The Marvelous Hibiscus

By Melissa in Panama.

I grew up in places blessed with magical gardens, an unimaginable rainbow of colors and fragrances that would connect you directly to the heart of mother and father nature.

I have memories of walking in ecstasy through my great grandmother's garden: oh, she had so many plants, flowers and fruit trees! It was heaven to me. Even thou I was just a little girl exploring the world, I remember how good flowers tasted! Yes! My favorite were the miniature white roses and the pink hibiscus. There were some yellow and  also white wild berries that were delicious too: sweet and little bitter at the end.

Yesterday I woke up to find some beautiful hibiscus in my garden! Oh, they were so big and colorful! The good thing is that this variety lasts 2-3 days open. Regular hibiscus only stays open one day.

So, facing this kind of beauty I have been seduced to share with you the picture and some information about this wonderful plant. During my last visit to Belize rain forest I found an article about hibiscus in the local -Visitors Guide- from June 30, 2005, page 12. An excerpt of the article follows:

"Traditional uses: only the red flowered hibiscus is considered of medicinal value. For post partum hemorrhages, the staunching of excessive menstrual flow, and to prevent miscarriage, boil nine leaves with one open and one closed flower in three cups of water for ten minutes; drink warm. A cool bath of leaves and flowers is useful to treat  various skin conditions. For headaches and fevers mash leaves and apply to the head. The flowers are edible and rich in iron, they can be eaten to treat painful menstruation."

I love the -bush doctors- culture that prevails in countries like Belize, Mexico and in Central America.I suggest you read the book: "My apprenticeship with a Maya Healer. SASTUN. by Rosita Arvigo with Nadine Epstein". It is a great book, result of the research Rosita Arvigo did in Belize, sponsored by the New York Botanical Garden and the National Cancer Institute. It was an attempt to collect plants in the tropics of the hemisphere to use as a cure for many different health conditions, including cancer and aids.

Hugs,

Melissa

Comments

[Stephen Jack]

Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle, Sorrel) flowers make a great ice tea. Just boil up the flowers (dried), add sugar, and serve cold.Really fruity.

[Melissa]

Hola Stephen! hmm...it sounds delicious! thanks for the idea :)

[beau]

Melissa - a question:
Are there any flowers that look similar to Hibiscus, but are, well, poisonous?

[sandy]

Sounds delicious! I've been eating the orchids from the table arrangements in Thai restaurants for years (usually just to freak someone out, although they are yummy), but had no idea that hibiscus were edible. We can grow them here in Canada during the summer, although they're considered a bit exotic.

[Melissa]

I just posted another article about hibiscus :)