Hibiscus as a Beauty Aid: 7 Tips & Tricks

Hibiscus (Gudhal or Japa) is a commonly found flower in India. It is rich in antioxidants, and hence purifies blood and slows ageing. Secured from Ayurvedic practices here are 7 beauty tips and tricks that use hibiscus and help maintain eternal youth.

1. Add five petals of the flower in 50ml of hot water and leave for an hour. Strain the water, add a teaspoon of honey, and drink it. If taken on regular basis, this enhances complexion and skin tone.

2. For radiant skin, mash 10-12 petals of the flower and apply to your face. Leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing. Hibiscus, rich in vitamin C, boosts collagen production and cleanses the pores, giving you a youthful look.

3. Hibiscus works miracles for hair growth. Add crushed flowers and leaves of hibiscus to mildly heated hair oil and apply it to your scalp before going to sleep at night. Wash your hair next morning. This results in thick hair growth.

4. Mix henna powder with lime tea and crushed red hibiscus flower to make a paste. Leave it overnight in an iron pot. Thicken the paste with curd and apply it to your hair, allowing it rest for 3-4 hours before rinsing. This will prevent premature greying of hair.

5. Crush the juice out the leaves and roots of the hibiscus plant. Mix this juice with amla extract. This mixture can be used as a mild shampoo and conditioner to provide nourishment to your hair.

6. The juice of the hibiscus flower can also be used as a mascara.

7. Crushed hibiscus flowers can be used as a lip balm. Make a paste of 6-8 petals of the hibiscus flower and add a teaspoon of coconut oil to it. Apply the mixture on your lips as and when required to get pink and plump lips.