Wonjo (hibiscus sabdariffa) from the Malvaceae family grows as a green shrub with dark red flowers

in the tropics of West Africa.

The flowery tips of the plant are dried and have a taste similar to that of the cranberry.

Die Verwendung der Hibiskusblüte ist in vielen Gesellschaften, insbesondere in Afrika, traditionell und wird seit Jahrhunderten als Heilpflanze verwendet. Es wird am häufigsten als Getränk bei häuslichen und öffentlichen Versammlungen verwendet. Je nach Vorliebe wird das Getränk heiß oder kalt zubereitet. In einigen Ländern, in denen das Ernährungswissen in der Bevölkerung hoch ist, ist Wonjo-Getränk aufgrund seines Vitamin C und seiner natürlichen Herkunft teurer als andere inländische Getränke wie Cola, Pepsi und andere.

Wonjo is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants like vitamin C, contains minerals like flavonoids, and has laxative properties.

Traditionally, Wonjo is used to treat toothache, urinary tract infections, colds and even hangovers. In Senegal, wonjo juice extracted from leaves is used to treat conjunctivitis and, if pulverized, soothes wounds and ulcers.

Menstrual cramps

• Relieves cramps and menstrual cramps.
• Helps restore hormonal balance (which may reduce other menstrual symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and overeating).

Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

Hibiscus tea is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our body needs to strengthen and stimulate the activity of your immune system. Fresh or dried wonjob flowers contain high amounts of vitamin C.

• Strengthens the immune system (prevents colds and flu)
• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
• Helps in the treatment of febrile symptoms (due to its cooling effect)

Helps with digestion

The seed pod in the hibiscus fruit is known for its diuretic and toning properties. It is therefore used for the following purposes:

• Increases both urination and bowel movements (due to its diuretic properties).
• Treats constipation.
• Prevents colon cancer

Weight loss

Hibiscus herbal tea is also beneficial for weight loss. If you consume foods high in carbohydrates, it means they contain sugar and starch, so you are likely to gain weight. However, research studies have shown that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and can help with weight loss.

Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which aids in the absorption of carbohydrates and starches. Drinking hibiscus tea prevents this absorption. Therefore, hibiscus tea is found in many weight loss products.

Antidepressant properties

• Contains antidepressant properties such as flavonoids and has a mood-enhancing effect
• Helps calm the nervous system.
• Helps in reducing anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed feeling in the body and mind.

Anti-cancer properties

Hibiscus Herbal Tea contains hibiscus protocatechic acid with anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. A study conducted by the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taichung, Taiwan suggests that hibiscus slows cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.

Help with coughs, colds and fevers

According to the book "Healing Herbal Teas", fresh hibiscus flowers contain about 6.7 mg of ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, one of the most important nutrients the body needs.

Along with this significantly beneficial substance, hibiscus is known to have anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties. Hence, hibiscus tea is widely used as a supplement to treat coughs and colds. Because of its cooling effect, it is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of fever that can accompany such ailments.

Blood pressure management

An AHA (American Heart Association) report published in November 2008 said that consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in adults with both pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive blood pressure. It is also said that 1/3 of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, also known as high blood pressure.

A study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has antihypertensive and cardio-protective properties that may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure and people at high risk for various cardiovascular diseases.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research from Tufts University in Boston. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to consume three cups a day for a few weeks. Hibiscus tea also has diuretic properties that increase urination while lowering blood pressure.

Protects the liver

Antioxidant properties help treat liver disease (antioxidants protect your body from disease by neutralizing the free radicals present in body tissues and cells).

Maintains healthy teeth and gums

This is due to the significant calcium content in the red wonjob flower

Healthy pregnancy

Wonjo is high in iron, and pregnant women should consume more iron-rich foods

Blood sugar

Through its ability to lower blood sugar levels, Wonjo can help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar.

Known for its anti-aging properties, the plant is very popular in the beauty and skin care world. It has been used to make face / body scrubs, face vapors, clay masks, etc. The flowers are beneficial for their antioxidants - these help neutralize the effects of free radicals and leave you glowing with health.

Wonjo is usually served as a cold drink (chilled drink). This juice can be refined by adding fresh mint leaves or pieces of ginger during the brief simmering.

Because of its nutritional use as a source of vitamin C, Wonjo is particularly valued by parents of their children. In Gambia, market women pack the drink in small plastic bags and freeze them. The bags are then bitten open at one corner and the cool water sucked out. Popsicles could be a variant.

Europeans who like to drink a punch in the winter months could use the dried flowers to make "mulled wonjo" with the usual ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and orange slices.

Other delicacies are jam or as an addition to cakes and deserts. To do this, the dried flowers are crushed into powder.