Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Ayurveda recognizes specific species of Hibiscus for therapeutic use distinct from the common ornamental variety. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India identifies Ambasthaki scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa and Bharadwaji known as Hibiscus cancellatus as key medicinal plants. Ambasthaki primarily utilizing the root is classified under Sandhaniya or union promoting herbs indicating its effectiveness in healing fractures and uniting tissues. Bharadwaji is noted for its Brimhaniya or bulk promoting properties helping to restore body mass and vigor. Another variety Kasturilatika or Hibiscus abelmoschus utilizes the seeds for medicinal purposes. These herbs are generally valued for their restorative capabilities treating conditions like debility emaciation and tissue injury. The recommended usage and dosage depend on the specific variety and formulation prescribed by a physician.
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants used in various traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda and Tibbe Nabawi (Prophet's Medicine). While commonly known for the ornamental Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the authoritative Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India specifically lists Ambasthakī (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and Bharadwājī (Hibiscus cancellatus) as medicinal species. These are valued for their restorative, bulk-promoting, and healing properties.
Hibiscus species in Ayurveda are primarily recognized for their role in nourishment and structural support of the body. Unlike the common garden hibiscus often used for hair, the species Hibiscus cancellatus (Bharadwājī) is categorized as a Brimhaniya drug, meaning it promotes body bulk and acts as a tonic. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Ambasthakī) is recognized for its Sandhaniya (union-promoting/healing) properties.
While specific Rasa (taste) and Guna (qualities) monographs for Hibiscus are not detailed in the provided snippets, its properties are inferred from its classification in the Great Extractives (Mahakashaya) groups:
Hibiscus species are indicated in Ayurveda for the following:
Hibiscus (Ambasthakī and Bharadwājī) is included in standard Ayurvedic pharmacological groups, suggesting it is generally safe when used as part of traditional formulations. It is considered a restorative tonic.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Hibiscus sabdariffa (Herbal Substances Overview)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal
FAO Ecocrop Database – Hibiscus sabdariffa
https://ecocrop.fao.org
PubMed – Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hibiscus+rosa-sinensis
PubMed – Hibiscus sabdariffa Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hibiscus+sabdariffa
ScienceDirect – Hibiscus Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hibiscus
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Hibiscus
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Hibiscus Medicinal Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Hibiscus Species
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
Q. Can it be taken daily?
As a Brimhaniya (tonic) herb, it is generally designed for restorative use over a period, but should be taken under guidance.
Q. When should it be taken?
Tonics are often taken with milk or nutritive carriers to enhance their bulk-promoting effects.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, milk is a common vehicle (Anupana) for nourishing and bulk-promoting herbs in Ayurveda.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Ayurveda recognizes specific species of Hibiscus for therapeutic use distinct from the common ornamental variety. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India identifies Ambasthaki scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa and Bharadwaji known as Hibiscus cancellatus as key medicinal plants. Ambasthaki primarily utilizing the root is classified under Sandhaniya or union promoting herbs indicating its effectiveness in healing fractures and uniting tissues. Bharadwaji is noted for its Brimhaniya or bulk promoting properties helping to restore body mass and vigor. Another variety Kasturilatika or Hibiscus abelmoschus utilizes the seeds for medicinal purposes. These herbs are generally valued for their restorative capabilities treating conditions like debility emaciation and tissue injury. The recommended usage and dosage depend on the specific variety and formulation prescribed by a physician.
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants used in various traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda and Tibbe Nabawi (Prophet's Medicine). While commonly known for the ornamental Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the authoritative Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India specifically lists Ambasthakī (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and Bharadwājī (Hibiscus cancellatus) as medicinal species. These are valued for their restorative, bulk-promoting, and healing properties.
Hibiscus species in Ayurveda are primarily recognized for their role in nourishment and structural support of the body. Unlike the common garden hibiscus often used for hair, the species Hibiscus cancellatus (Bharadwājī) is categorized as a Brimhaniya drug, meaning it promotes body bulk and acts as a tonic. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Ambasthakī) is recognized for its Sandhaniya (union-promoting/healing) properties.
While specific Rasa (taste) and Guna (qualities) monographs for Hibiscus are not detailed in the provided snippets, its properties are inferred from its classification in the Great Extractives (Mahakashaya) groups:
Hibiscus species are indicated in Ayurveda for the following:
Hibiscus (Ambasthakī and Bharadwājī) is included in standard Ayurvedic pharmacological groups, suggesting it is generally safe when used as part of traditional formulations. It is considered a restorative tonic.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Hibiscus sabdariffa (Herbal Substances Overview)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal
FAO Ecocrop Database – Hibiscus sabdariffa
https://ecocrop.fao.org
PubMed – Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hibiscus+rosa-sinensis
PubMed – Hibiscus sabdariffa Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hibiscus+sabdariffa
ScienceDirect – Hibiscus Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hibiscus
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Hibiscus
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Hibiscus Medicinal Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Hibiscus Species
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
Q. Can it be taken daily?
As a Brimhaniya (tonic) herb, it is generally designed for restorative use over a period, but should be taken under guidance.
Q. When should it be taken?
Tonics are often taken with milk or nutritive carriers to enhance their bulk-promoting effects.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, milk is a common vehicle (Anupana) for nourishing and bulk-promoting herbs in Ayurveda.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem