Hibiscus is a flowering plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. The flowers and other parts of the plant are used to make different medicines since ancient times.  Hibiscus flower is widely known for its powerful anti-oxidant property and the ability to destroy free radicals and maintain good cell health.

People use hibiscus to lower blood sugar in diabetes and other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased production of breast milk, infections, and many others.

• Abnormal cholesterol levels. Some early research shows that drinking hibiscus tea or taking hibiscus extract by mouth can lower levels of cholesterol and other blood fats in people with metabolic disorders such as diabetes. However, other research shows that hibiscus does not improve cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
• Bladder infections (urinary tract infections). Early research has found that people with urinary catheters living in long-term care facilities who drink hibiscus tea have a 36% lower chance of having a urinary tract infection compared to those not drinking tea.
• Weight loss. Early research shows that taking a product containing lemon verbena and hibiscus might help overweight and obese women feel less hungry and lose weight.
• Colds.
• Constipation.
• Fluid retention.
• Heart disease.
• Irritated stomach.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nerve disease.
• Improves sleep quality
• Other conditions.

These claims have however not been verified by the FDA.

Dried Red Hibiscus is used as everyday tea (cold or hot). It is also used as a natural food colorant.