Hibiscus
Hibiscus or “gumamela” as we call it is the favorite flower in the Philippines even in Okinawa and Hawaii. They are used extensively in landscaping. They are easy to grow and the flower colors are so varied, if you’re a collector, you will have fun. The petals of the flowers have also several types, single or double, plain or ruffled. The only thing is the flower lasts only for a day so enjoy it while you can.
Hibiscus belongs to the Mallow family of plants and so is the okra. You will notice the okra flowers look like hibiscus flowers. They both have same slimy qualities in them.
The gumamela flower was used in the Philippines as medicine too. Recent studies show that hibiscus flowers have healthful qualities you can benefit from. The Hibiscus Tea is becoming popular as an herbal drink and good for lowering high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This type of hibiscus, botanical name Sabdariffa, is also known as Roselle. Good things from this tea is it is rich in Vitamin C and also caffeine free.
I just recently found out about my high blood cholesterol so I am going to try and drink hibiscus tea in my daily regimen of fighting high blood cholesterol. I started by eating oatmeal with flax meal for breakfast and nibbling on “cholesterol spinach” every chance I get direct from the garden. I would rather do that than take any kind of drugs. Hope it works for me.