No other flower emits tropical magic like this beautiful, versatile flower. In fact, I would guarantee that if someone says name a tropical flower, you’d say the hibiscus. The yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and makes its presence known throughout the subtropics of the Americas, as well as the Caribbean and even in Florida. But this bright beauty is much more than meets the eye. It lends itself to our culinary endeavors, as well as our magical needs. Let’s learn all of the hibiscus magical properties and 10 amazing witchy uses.

First, What is the Hibiscus?

The hibiscus is a tropical flower in the mallow family that grows well in the tropics and subtropics including in Polynesia, the Caribbean, regions in West Africa, and the swampy areas of the South East United States. It is a perennial with large, bright blossoms ranging from white to red, from pink to blue, and other colors in between. They are truly beautiful flowerrs to behold and easy to recognize. The rarest color of hibiscus is the Blue Bird, with bluish-purple blooms that feature a deep red center.

The species of Hibiscus mostly used by herbalists include the Hibiscus sabdariffa and Hibiscus rosanensis. With Hibiscus sabdariffa being the common plant used for tea. The name Hibiscus comes from the Greek Latin Hibiscos which Dioscorides assigned to this plant because of its link to the marsh mallow. As you might gather, hibiscus grows well in swampy areas and requires moist soil and full sun to bloom at its best.

Hibiscus Magical Properties

• Name: Hibiscus: Hibiscus sabdariffa, H. rosanensis
• Parts Used: flowers
• Form: Fresh, dried
• Uses: Magical, medicinal, culinary, landscape
• Folk Names: Graxa, Karkady, Gumamela, Shoeflower, Tulipan
• Planet: Venus
• Energy: Feminine
• Chakra: Sacral
• Day of the Week: Friday
• Element: Water
• Hibiscus Magical Properties: Lust, Love, Divination, Calming, Health
• Symbolic Meaning: in certain cultures, the Hibiscus represents love and passion. In others in the East, it represents power, respect, and beauty.

The Underrated Medicinal Power of Hibiscus Flowers

While you won’t find a ton of information on the Hibiscus in many herbal books, I believe you will come to find the Hibiscus as a powerful plant ally. Once you begin working with it. Most of the books I own on herbalism reserve only a sentence or two for this beautiful, bold flower. Which is a shame. Here are some ways in which the Hibiscus aids one’s health and wellbeing:

First, Hibiscus is high in Vitamin C and can be taken as a daily tonic to ensure you’re getting enough of this vital vitamin. It also contains bioflavinoids, which are powerful antioxidants sometimes used to treat conditions with inflammation like osteoarthritis. And, according to famous herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, Hibiscus is slightly astringent. This means it binds to certain tissues, causing them to shrink, and reducing secretions.

10 Amazingly Potent Magical Uses for Hibiscus Flower

These hibiscus magical properties are amazing but how do we put them to good use? Below we provide you with amazingly potent ways to harness the power of this plant.

1. To Flavor Mugwort Tea for Dreams

Hibiscus flowers are frequently used to enhance the flavor of teas and can be used magically to enhance or cut the bitterness of mugwort. Mugwort tea is frequently drank by witches and occultists when looking to induce prophetic dreams or lucid dreams. WARNING: if you are pregnant or nursing, DO NOT CONSUME MUGWORT. As it could hurt the baby.

2. Drink as a Tea for Colds and Flus

Hibiscus is fairly safe for children and adults to consume, as long as no allergy exists. It can be drank while having colds or mild flus to soothe symptoms and enhance one’s immune system.

3. Add Hibiscus Magical Properties to Spell Bags

If you’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, try this simple spell. Place dried hibiscus petals in a small bag along with a teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt, a few rose petals, and a rose quartz. Tie it up and carry it on you until you meet a new lover.

4. To Induce Lust, Drink Hibiscus Tea

In the Ancient World, hibiscus was known to be a powerful inducer of passion and lust. So much so that the women in Egypt are forbidden to drink it. I guess the men can’t handle their ravenous sexual appetites? Nevertheless, if you want to induce a fiery passion, drink a bit of this tea and watch the fireworks!

5. Plant Hibiscus in the Garden

Planting hibiscus in the garden will bring joy, love, and passion. Just make sure you’ve chosen the right spot for full sun and well-drained moist soil. If you live up North, it might be best to grow in a large pot and bring in during the Winter. This plant truly grows best in warm, moist climates.

6. Wear Hibiscus Blooms at Litha

By simply picking a bloom and tucking it in your hair or behind your ear, you are harnessing the power of Hibiscus magical properties. This is a fun tradition at Summer Solstice, especially. The blooms can also be woven into necklaces and flower crowns.

7. Divination with Hibiscus

Because the Hibiscus blooms are large, they make for great magical tools. In Dobu, sorcerers use hibiscus blooms in their divination practice by floating the blooms on top of water and reading the patterns and movement.

8. Beautiful Spell Jars and Bottles for Joy and Love

Hibiscus magical properties are powerful and can be accessed in many different ways. One of my favorite ways to make magick with this tropical flower is to add the dried petals to spell jars and witch bottles. When added with other ingredients like salt, sugar, alcohol, sand, etc. it makes for a beautiful witchy display. Plus doubles as a magical working to bring joy, love, or whatever your intention is into your life.

9. Ruby Red Ritual Baths

Some witches enjoy adding hibiscus to their ritual baths. As it turns the water a deep ruby red color. Just keep in mind, it could potentially stain a white tub if not cleaned up in a timely manner!

10. Hibiscus as Offering to Goddesses and Tropical Spirits

As with any beautiful flower or potent herb, the Hibiscus can be offered to certain deities, particularly goddesses associated with beauty and love. Venus, Aphrodite, and Freya come to mind. But truly any spirit or god you feel drawn to offer this flower to will likely appreciate the thought and effort.

Sources Used:

• Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
• 20,000 Secrets of Tea by Viktoria Zak
• Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
• Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs