❤ Glossy Tresses

The red hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), known as Jaswand in India is a sacred flower, known most prominently for its associations with Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha. But hibiscus is more than just a floral offering to the divine – it has numerous cosmetic properties and health benefits that have been used since ages to treat ailments and as vital ingredient in beauty products. Even science backs up the claims, asserting that: The oil from the red hibiscus petals creates a hydro-lipid film that gives a silky smoothness to even the most brittle strands.
It has hydroxy acids that restore the balance of cellular division, hence treating dandruff. It is rich in antioxidants that restore vitality and neutralise the effects of environmental pollutants.

Armed with this knowledge, I turned to a simple recipe that grandmom used to use with an almost religious fervour – take 8-10 flowers and mix them with coconut oil. Massage this concoction into the scalp once a day for at least a week – I did it at night, then washed it off in the morning since greasy locks are even worse than dry and brittle ones as a fashion statement. The results take 3-4 days to start showing but when they do – va va voom!!!! My hair has honestly never looked so glossy.

Hibiscus is also great for lowering blood pressure. It is safe and, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects. It has been used to treat high blood pressure in both African and Asian traditional medicine. In 1996, researchers in Nigeria confirmed this age-old wisdom by showing that hibiscus flowers reduced blood pressure in laboratory animals. Soon after, researchers in Iran showed the same benefit in people. After measuring the blood pressure of 54 hypertensive adults, the researchers gave them 10 ounces of either black tea or hibiscus tea for 12 days. Average blood pressure decreased slightly in the black tea group, but decreased a significant 10 percent in the hibiscus group. Since then, several additional studies have confirmed this effect, including two that tested hibiscus head-to-head against standard blood pressure medications:

Research suggests hibiscus lowers blood pressure through a combination of reasons: It has diuretic properties, it opens the arteries, and it appears to act as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which means it slows the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels. In addition, hibiscus boosts immune function and provides valuable antioxidants.

So its not only great for my hair but also wonderful for the body in general.