The Powwow Guy

Hibiscus flowers have special properties that are believed to help reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol. As we age, these things are more important for us to worry about, so no time like the present to get started on using home remedies!

Hibiscus flowers are, generally speaking, rather sour. So to make a syrup with them that involves lemon is perfect because the sourness is complimentary to the lemon and it all tastes wonderful!

INGREDIENTS

Petals from 10 large hibiscus flowers (color doesn't matter)

1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1 cup boiling water

Directions:

Cover petals with lemon juice in a deep glass bowl. Microwave for two minutes on HIGH. Mix sugar and boiling water in a saucepan, heat over high heat on stove top until boiling and sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Add the petals and lemon juice mixture to the sugar water. Stir well. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by 1/3 volume (approximately one hour). Strain to remove petals, then store in a covered jar in refrigerator. Syrup keeps for a year and is delicious over fresh fruit, ice-cream, custard, pound cake, etc.

You can also take a teaspoon of the syrup each morning to help keep your blood pressure and bad cholesterol down!