Flower-of-an-hour | Evergreen Health

Other names : Hibiscus trionum, Bladder weed, Venice Mallow, Puarangi

Part of the Malvaceae family, genus Hibiscus, Flower-of-an-hour is native to Levant. Sometimes considered a weed, Flower-of-an-hour is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in Southeastern Europe and US. The name of the plant is given by its white or yellow flowers lasting for a few hours and refusing to open on cloudy days.

Very efficient remedy in gravel, urinary tract infections and fluid retention, Flower-of-an-hour was used in ancient times for stomach pains and skin disease. Samoa women use Flower-of-an-hour for menstrual cramps and to ease childbirth. Combined with Dandelion, the Flower-of-an-hour is beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure, having powerful diuretic properties. In respiratory conditions, Flower-of-an-hour has an emollient action and can be combined with Eryngo to relieve a dry cough.

Used externally, a decoction obtained from 2 tablespoons of powdered plant to 250 ml of water, boiled for 30 minutes helps treat eczema, boils, sunburns and hemorrhoids and is a natural solution to remove dandruff. In Columbia, Flower-of-an-hour is used in hair loss treatments. Poultices with Flower-of-an-hour infusion or decoction are used for sore and inflamed ganglia.

Fitopharmaceutical products obtained from Flower-of-an-hour, either infusion, decoction, tincture or wine are most efficient if the plant is cropped during the months of July and August, with stem, leaves and flowers and let to dry in shadow for 10-15 days, after carefully removing its fruits.