Hibiscus sabdariffa is a herbaceous, perennial plant, located in the tropical and subtropical zones of both hemispheres.
The species is exploited for its fiber and mainly for its calyxes which are of three types: green, red and dark red.

The uses of the different parts of Hibiscus sabdariffa are numerous and varied both in food and in traditional African medicine and cosmetics.

The calyxes, due to their high concentration of acids, vitamin C and especially anthocyanins, constitute the most valued part of the plant. They are mainly used for the production of non-alcoholic thirst-quenching and invigorating drinks.
The seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa due to their richness in protein (26%), lipids (20%) and total sugars (40%) are widely used in food in many African countries. The leaves are a good source of nutrients and are used in Africa to prepare sauces.
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Hibiscus is grown either in open fields or on the edge of fields.
In Senegal, it is a crop often carried out by women. The seeds are often thrown away or given to animals during the "lean period" (intermediate period, before production and harvest) while the calyx is used to make an infusion drunk hot or cold.
Today, thanks to the sale of seeds for the production of hibiscus oil, farmers can buy livestock feed and properly maintain their herds.
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In cosmetic use, hibiscus oil is sought after for its nutritional, softening, antioxidant, and anti-radical qualities thanks to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids (around 70%), which help to strengthen the skin's hydrolipidic film. This wonderful precious oil is rich in vitamin E, phytosterols, anthocyanins, tannins, known to maintain the cell membrane, soften, soothe the skin, slow down skin aging and promote hair growth.
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It constitutes in itself, a cosmetic treatment of choice for the skin from 30 years old, and for dry hair and damaged hair.
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It is cold extracted from the seeds of hibiscus flowers, to preserve its active properties.

WARNING: the properties of the plants are communicated for information purposes based on information from reference books and websites and cannot be considered as therapeutic prescriptions.
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Sources: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44208290_Le_bissap_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_L_composition_et_principales_utilisations
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JL Pousset: African medicinal plants Editions Edisud, 2004, p.145-146
https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/4211