Food & Nutrition
Food & Nutrition
Roselle: 8 Groups to Avoid! TCM Explains Benefits, Taboos & Proper Use
Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-12-10
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Consuming Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) offers many benefits. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. In this article, Bowtie invites a TCM physician to break down Roselle’s benefits, side effects, proper consumption methods, and who should avoid it.
What is Roselle?
Roselle is a species of the Hibiscus genus in the Malvaceae family, containing anthocyanins, flavonoids, organic acids, dietary fiber, vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other components. It is mainly produced in India, Egypt, China, Thailand, Bulgaria, Argentina, Poland, Sudan, Mexico, Africa, and Jamaica.
Roselle Benefits and Effects
- Lowers blood lipids
- Lowers cholesterol
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-aging
- Protects the liver
- Inhibits cancer cell growth, prevents cancer, and aids cancer treatment
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relieves summer heat
- Aids digestion
- Promotes saliva production and quenches thirst
Who Should Consume Roselle?
- People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar
- Those with food stagnation (due to irregular eating or overeating)
Roselle Precautions and Taboos
What to Note When Consuming?
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Who or What Situations Are Not Suitable?
- Those with weak and cold constitution
- Women during menstruation
- Pregnant women
- Postpartum breastfeeding women
- Those with weak gastrointestinal function
- Those with excessive stomach acid
- Those with impaired kidney function
- People with low blood pressure
Proper Ways to Consume Roselle
Appropriate Consumption Amount?
The recommended drinking amount is about 200ml.
Recipe Suggestions
Roselle Jam
【Ingredients】 100g Roselle, 100g rock sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 200ml water
【Method】 First, cut off the base of the calyx, remove the seeds, then wash the calyces and seeds separately. Boil the seeds and water in a pot for about 2 minutes to release the pectin, then remove the seeds. Keep the seed water, add rock sugar and calyces, cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until soft and sugar dissolves, simmer until all calyces are mushy, then place in a sterilized glass jar to complete.
【Efficacy】 Stimulates appetite and promotes saliva, nourishes the skin.
Roselle Candied Preserves
【Ingredients】 200g Roselle, 200g rock sugar
【Method】 Take a glass container, sterilize with boiling water, then air dry. Lay a layer of rock sugar (or granulated sugar) at the bottom, then layer the Roselle flowers, adding a thin layer of rock sugar every few layers, and continue stacking the Roselle. Repeat this step several times until the Roselle is fully in the jar. You can press with a spoon to increase density, and finish with rock sugar. Seal the jar and place in a cool spot to cool, then move to the refrigerator. Let it sit for about 1 day until the Roselle is infused with sugar, then it is ready to eat.
【Efficacy】 Stimulates appetite and promotes saliva, nourishes the skin.
Roselle Hawthorn Tea
【Ingredients】 30g Roselle, 30g hawthorn, 50g rock sugar, 1000ml water
【Method】 Clean the Roselle and hawthorn, put them together in a pot, and bring to a boil. Turn to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat and drink at a suitable temperature.
【Efficacy】 Stimulates appetite and aids digestion, nourishes the skin.*You can reduce the sugar amount yourself, or add honey only at low temperature.
FAQs
Will brewing roselle tea for too long cause adverse effects?
Roselle flowers generally lose flavor after 2-3 brews. Drinking a maximum of 2 cups per day is sufficient; too much can increase stomach acid and cause discomfort.
What is the best way to brew roselle tea?
You can refer to the following brewing methods:
- First, boil water in a small pot, add roselle flowers, turn to low heat and cook for 1 minute, then pour into a teapot. Once the tea color becomes浓, it is ready to drink.
- Place roselle flowers in a teapot or filter, and pour boiling water directly. The roselle flowers will quickly unfold and release aroma.
- First, pour half a pot of hot water into the teapot, then add roselle flowers, and finally fill with hot water. This method makes the tea soup cleaner, but the color will be lighter.
- First, fill the teapot with hot water, then add roselle flowers to steep; the tea aroma will be milder.
Regardless of the brewing method, you can also add honey, mint leaves, or other preferred ingredients as supplements.
Does roselle wine have the same effects? Are there side effects?
Roselle wine also has effects like lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, drink in moderation; excessive alcohol consumption may have negative health impacts, such as liver damage and inducing heart disease.
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