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Hibiscus

Hibiscus spp.

Rose Mallow, Kharkady (Arabic)

Native to

Southeast Asia, Polynesia, North Africa

A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake we include it's nativity.


Parts Used

  • Calyces/Sepals or the pokey bit in the middle of the flower are harvested when the petals fall off

Medicinal Actions

Note: This information is for historical and ceremonial use only, this information is not FDA-regulated or approved. When considering the Medicinal properties, do not forget that the species, application, and parts used are critical. And please read all warnings.

  • Antibacterial: Stops or slows the spread of bacteria

  • Anti-Catarrhal: Helps to remove excess mucous from the body

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation/swelling

  • Antimicrobial: Slows or stops the spread of microorganisms, particularly those that spread pathogens

  • Antioxidant: Removes, prevents potentially harmful oxidising within the body

  • Astringent: causes skin cells and bodily tissues to contract

  • Cardiotonic: Strengthens cardiovascular muscles and encourages oxygen flow to the heart

  • Diuretic: Makes you pee

  • Hepatic: Interacts with the liver

  • Hormonal Stabalizer: Aids in the regulation of hormone secretion

  • Hypocholesterolemic: Reduces cholestral

  • Immunostimulant: Activates the immune system

  • Reproductive Tonic: Supports the female reproductive system

Divinities & Mythos

  • Kali (sp. Red, Hinduism)

Plant Energies

Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:

Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.

  • Planet(s): Venus, Mars

  • Element(s): Water, Fire

  • Gender: Feminine

  • Sign(s): Scorpio

  • Chakra: Sacral

  • Taste: Astringent, Sour

  • Energy: Cooling, Drying

Warning: Pregnancy and Liver Toxicity

Liver toxicity is typically only in high doses but anyone who may have liver issues should avoid hibiscus depending on severity (talk to your medical professional if this is a concern.


As a reproductive tonic, hibiscus is not recommended to women who are pregnant or nursing.

Magical Properties

  • Beauty

  • Chakra Balancing

  • Courage

  • Divination

  • Dreams

  • Freedom

  • Harmony

  • Independence

  • Love

  • Lust

  • Passion

  • Peace

  • Personal Glory

  • Psychic Enhancement

  • Sensuality

  • Relaxation

Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any Supplements, herbal teas, Infusions, etc.

Part of the reason that we list medical jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have. 

When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere 
with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantageous. Too much of a good thing, eh?

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