Varil Jabba / वरिल जब्बा / Hibuscus / Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

  • Local Name: Varil Jabba / वरिल जब्बा
  • Common Name: Hibuscus
  • Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Status & Habitat

  • Status: Abundant

  • Habitat: Shrub

  • Occurrence: Moist soils

  • Season of Availability: Year-round

  • Geography: Tropics and subtropics; native to Vanuatu

  • Method of Propagation: Vegetative propogation. Natural regeneration

  • Part used for Propagation: Stem Cuttings

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Flowers

  • Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: Yes

  • Ripe: N/A

  • Both Raw & Ripe: N/A

  • Dangerous Form to Consume: Hibiscus tea in large amounts

  • As Food: Used as tea.

  • As Medicine: Overnight soaked hibiscus flower water is used to treat urinary tract infections. Ground hibiscus flowers eaten on empty stomach for a few days regularises menstrual cycle. Decoction of hibiscus flowers, milk, jaggery and carom seeds helps treat leucorrhoea

  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Yes

  • Boiling Before Cooking: Yes

  • Pickling: N/A

  • Brining: N/A

  • Fermenting: N/A

  • Drying for later Consumption: N/A

  • Overall Method: Can be boiled into a tea or eaten raw.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: Raw hibiscus contains carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

  • Medicinal Benefit: Treatment of urinary tract diseases, diarrhea, leucorrhea, diabetes, anti-inflammatory, emollient, hair-fall

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Hibiscus oil can be used for faster hair growth. Dry then rehydrate hibiscus flowrs, then infuse into coconut oil and strain. Apply onto scalp.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Hibiscus tea can be made by heating water to a boil, then adding dried hibiscus flowers to the water. Then steep the tea and serve.