Magical and Medicinal Uses of Hibiscus

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Change, Loyalty, Love, Lust, Protection, Resilience, Resistance

Magical Uses and History: Often viewed as synonymous with the tropics, the hibiscus has long been revered by tropical civilizations for its sweet scent and flavor. The name hibiscus comes from the Greek hibiskos meaning marsh mallow or white mallow, a reference to plants with pink flowers and a stem with fine hairs including cotton and okra. Native to Asia and Africa, the hibiscus made its way to the Caribbean via trade and quickly became a symbol of resilience and strength among slave communities. While not cultivated as a production crop in the Americas, hibiscus was often grown in subsistence gardens created by the enslaved to continue perpetuating their indigenous African knowledge where it was mainly consumed as an herbal beverage. Other species of hibiscus made their way to the Americas via indentured servants from across Asia who brought the flower with them for worship, animal fodder, and toothpaste. As such, the hibiscus became associated with the expression of identity for non-natives, appearing in art and literature, especially as an expression of human suffering, resilience, and resistance. In Kendel Hippolyte's poem "Abstract #1" the hibiscus symbolizes the blood of his ancestors and the suffering they faced due to colonial violence. As such, hibiscus can be used by marginalized groups in spells and rituals for resistance, strength, and resilience, especially regarding spiritual activism.

In India, the hibiscus has long been associated with Kali, the goddess of time, change, creation, destruction, and death. Kali is often depicted wearing a crown of hibiscus, a symbol of her femininity as well as her strength. The flower is frequently left as an offering to Kali as its bright, fiery color represents the intense passion and power embodied by the goddess. The hibiscus is also used to ward off negativity and protect those making the offering as it's believed the hibiscus invokes Kali's protection while simultaneously removing obstacles so transformation can occur. As such, the hibiscus can be used in spells and rituals for protection and change. Place around entryways to prevent negativity from entering, add to road opening spells, or burn as incense for the same purpose.

Other cultures and myths associated the hibiscus with love and lust. In some versions of the Greek myth, Adnois turns into a hibiscus flower to strop Aphrodite and Persephone from fighting and later reborn from Aphrodite's love. This version of the myth suggests the hibiscus is a symbol of love and lust with the power to attract lovers. In Hawaii, the hibiscus flower is used by women to attract or repel a lover. If worn behind the left ear, the woman is looking for a lover, while worn behind the right ear suggests she is already claimed. In China, the hibiscus is found in several myths about love and loyalty. The most famous of these is Song and Ming, which tells of a beautiful woman who enchanted everyone she met. Despite multiple attempts, no man could win her away from her husband, who she remained consistently loyal to, despite him being blind. One day a wealthy lord rode through town and was so enchanted with the woman he declared his love on the spot and asked her to marry him. Despite his sincerity, the woman refused and in a fit of anger, he kidnapped her. Day in and day out he tried to win the woman's love, but she remained steadfast in her loyalty to her husband. Eventually, he grew tired of her and killed her. Having heard of her death, the townspeople retrieved her body and buried her outside her home so she could be with her heartbroken husband upon which hibiscus flowers later sprouted. Like other red flowers, hibiscus can be used in spells and rituals for love and lust. Hibiscus petals can be added to teas to attract a lover, promote sexuality, or induce lust. Add to baths, face washes, or cleansers to attract love or wear for the same purpose. Hibiscus flowers can also be burned during love spells, added to love oils, or added to spell bags to attract love. To ensure loyalty and fidelity in marriage, add to wedding arrangements and bouquets.

Hibiscus can be used in a number of spells including:

    Love Spells

    Lust Magic

    Spiritual Activism

    Protection Spells

    Fidelity Magic

    Road Opener Spells

Medicinal Uses: The whole plant of hibiscus, from flower to roots to seeds, can be used to treat a variety of ailments. Some studies have shown hibiscus to have anti-insulin-resistant properties, decreasing blood sugar and insulin levels. Hibiscus also contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids which can decrease the accumulation of fat and thus aid in weight loss or maintenance in certain doses. Due to its antibacterial properties, hibiscus can be used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections and improve renal function. Most often, however, hibiscus is used to promote hair and skin health with high levels of antioxidants helping to protect against free radicals and glycerine acting as a moisturizer. 

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine 1 tablespoon of dried hibiscus with 1 cup of warm water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking. Drink up to three times a day. To create a hair rinse, boil 1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers with 1.5 cups of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. Once cooled pour the mixture directly onto the scalp or add to a spray bottle and work the mixture through your hair. To create a cleansing hibiscus conditioner, blend hibiscus flowers with a small amount of water until a fine paste forms. Smear the paste onto the scalp and leave for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. To create a face mask, combine 1 teaspoon of hibiscus flower powder with 1 teaspoon of kaolin clay or brown rice flour with a small amount of water or aloe vera to form a paste. Apply to your face, being sure to avoid your eyes and mouth. Allow the mask to dry for 10-15 minutes before removing with warm water.

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