“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." -Shakespeare
Juliet’s plight and subsequent citing was most likely bereft of any connection to this multi-known-as herb. Nevertheless, my musing isn’t void of circumstance.
I often find myself doing a cha cha (at times on the same day) between bynames of Hibiscus in my daily adventures, depending on culture, occasion and location (and type of Hibiscus).
A quick stop at Starbucks has me ordering Hibiscus tea. A trip to the local Mexican markets or eateries offering the treat of agua fresca calls for an order of Jamaica (pronounced ha-MY-kuh).
Which are made from the calyx of the Hibiscus (sabdariffa type) giving them their recognized exquisite burgundy hue.
And visiting the local Asian markets requires shopping for China Rose (rosa-sinensis)! A local nursery? Try Rose of Sharon. Though technically this beauty is not a rose.
Hibiscus is also known as Sorrel, Roselle, Shoeblack Plant (shoe plant or shoe flower), Bissap, Mugunghwa and the list goes on.
A considerable list of pseudonyms isn’t all Hibiscus has to offer.
It offers benefits for medicinal purposes, home remedies and culinary treats too!
Hibiscus is a multi-variety flowering plant of the mallow family (Malvaceae). The same family inclusive of okra and cotton!
Varieties span from Asia to Africa to Hawaii and types vary from the warmer loving annual to the perennial to the cooler temp-resistant hardy.
Medicinal wise, Hibiscus contains vitamin C, beta carotene, antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties making it a suitable choice for known uses in helping the immune system. It shows the possible exceeding of green tea! Uses for Hibiscus also include possibly helping improve mood, calm nerves, reduce phlegm, assist in areas of the liver, kidneys,
cleansing of the blood, and as a mild diuretic.
Containing calcium, Hibiscus is used for teeth and bones too! No guess why it was a drink (known in Egypt as Karkade) of the Pharaohs or that countries such as Malaysia and South Korea have chosen it as a national flower.
In home remedy, Hibiscus makes an incredible addition to spa day! It’s shown for use in potentially helping anti-aging, toning
and firming skin, reducing oily skin. Alongside use as a natural shampoo for hair strengthening, loss and gray!
Culinary treasures come from the edible flowers, leaves, calyx and seeds.
Eat the flower directly or try Hibiscus as a spice or a recipe component! Freeze the flowers in cubes of water to doll up refreshers! Boil into a tea. Make it into a sweet jelly or syrup or sprinkle on pancakes! Use it in baked goods to make heavenly cakes and breads (or whip into the icing)! Toss into a salad, soup or salsa, put in quesadillas or make Hibiscus tacos!
Try my Hibiscus alternative to traditional holiday jellied-cranberry sauce!!
No matter.. Any culinary treat would taste as sweet.
What’s in a name anyway?!
- Elise’s Adventures In Herbaland
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