Vinegar is a medicinal plant of the species Hibiscus sabdariffaindicated to help treat high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal spasms, constipation or skin infections, for example.
The used parts of the vinegar plant are the leaves and the calyx, from which active substances are extracted, such as vitamins A and C, iron, phosphorus and potassium, flavonoids, organic acids, anthocyanidins and phenolic compounds, with antioxidant, antiseptic, tonic and vasodilators, for the preparation of teas, juices or use in cooking.
Vinegar, also known as Guinea cress, sorrel, Guinea pigweed, student grease, gooseberry, hibiscus or poppy, can be found in health food stores, compounding pharmacies and some street markets, and It must be used under medical or herbalist advice.
What is it for
In this way, the vinegar maker can be used for different situations, the main ones being:
- Uterine cramps;
- High pressure;
- Constipation;
- Skin infections, such as boils;
- Gastrointestinal spasms;
- Indigestion;
- Gastroenteritis;
- Loss of appetite;
- Varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
The benefits of vinegar are due to the presence of vitamins A and C, iron, phosphorus, iron, proteins, malic acid, tartaric acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins and phenolic compounds in its composition, which give it diuretic, digestive, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, laxative, tonic, vasodilator and sedative.
Although it has many health benefits, vinegar does not replace treatment recommended by a doctor, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
What is the difference between vinegar and hibiscus?
Both the vinegar plant and the hibiscus are the same species of plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, with very similar medicinal properties.
However, while vinegar uses the leaves and calyx of this medicinal plant, hibiscus, it uses the flowers. Learn more about hibiscus.
How to use
Both the leaves and the calyx of the vinegar plant can be used in cooking or to prepare teas or juices, for example.
The vinegar cup is normally used in cooking to prepare juices and teas, as well as the leaves, which can also be used to prepare cuxá rice, or plasters.
1. Vinegar tea
Vinegar tea must be prepared using the dried or fresh leaves of this medicinal plant.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or macerated fresh vinegar leaves;
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation mode
Bring the water to a boil, and when it reaches boiling point, turn off the heat. Add the boiling water to the cup with the fresh macerated vinegar leaves or the dried leaves (which do not need to be macerated), cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to cool and drink 1 cup up to 2 times a day.
2. Vinegar infusion
The vinegar infusion must be made using the young calyxes of this plant.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of young cups of vinegar;
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation mode
Boil the water and then add it to the cup containing the young calyces in the vinegar jug.
2. Vinegar plaster
Vinegar poultice can be used for skin infections, and must be prepared with its leaves.
Ingredients
- Fresh vinegar leaves.
Preparation mode
Place the fresh vinegar leaves in a pan with a little water to heat. Then turn off the heat, wait for it to cool and apply the warm leaves to the affected skin.
It is important that the leaves are not too hot to avoid burning your skin.
Possible side effects
Vinegar is considered safe when consumed in food. However, when consumed in excess or used in the form of teas or infusions, it can cause side effects such as pain or discomfort in the stomach, excess intestinal gas or constipation.
Furthermore, vinegar can greatly reduce blood pressure, especially in people who use medication for high blood pressure. Know how to identify the symptoms of low blood pressure.
Who shouldn’t use
The vinegar plant should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to this medicinal plant.
Furthermore, vinegar should be used with caution by people taking medication for high blood pressure, as it can cause hypotension.
