Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Hibiscus
The Herbs

(Hibiscus spp. sabdariffa; H. rosanensis)

Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers: G

Folk Names: Kharkady (Arabic), Graxa, Gumamela, Shoeflower, Tulipan

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Lust, Love, Divination

Magical Uses: The flowers of a red hibiscus are brewed into a strong red tea which is drunk for its lust-inducing powers. This drink is forbidden to women in Egypt for this very reason.

The blossoms have also been used in love incenses and sachets. They are placed in wreaths in marriage ceremonies in the tropics. Sorcerers in Dobu in the Western Pacific divine in a wooden bowl of water onto which are placed a few hibiscus flowers.