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Health benefits of hibiscus enormous — Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu
Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a distinguished nature path, professor of naturopathy, lawyer, legal academic, Chartered Health Economist, and Chartred Management Consultant. He is a passionate advocate for traditional and alternative medicine in Africa.
The outdated perception that practitioners of traditional and alternative medicine lack formal education is now a thing of the past, and Prof. Nyarkotey has played a crucial role in reshaping this narrative.
It is rare, if not unprecedented, for a lawyer to be at the forefront of promoting natural and herbal medicine in Ghana and Africa.
However, Prof. Nyarkotey has demonstrated beyond doubt that it is possible. His journey began as a naturopath before he pursued law in The Gambia, where he was later called to the Bar. This remarkable achievement made him the first naturopath in Africa to attain such a distinction.
Recognising his unique position, traditional healers in The Gambia urged him to use his legal expertise to advance the cause of traditional and alternative medicine, a mission he actively pursues.
As the President of Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology in Ghana, Prof. Nyarkotey has been instrumental in advancing naturopathy and holistic medicine education.
He played a key role in developing Ghana’s first National Occupational Standard in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine under the Commission for TVET (CTVET). His expertise spans naturopathic research, healthcare law and policy, law and development, theology, health economics, and the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems.
Globally recognised for his contributions, he has significantly influenced legal frameworks for naturopathy and alternative medicine in both Ghana and The Gambia.
In recent years, hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, has become a major public health concern in Ghana.
Health statistics indicate that a significant percentage of the adult population suffers from hypertension, exacerbated by poor dietary habits, stress, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition.
Other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are also prevalent. Prof. Nyarkotey has gained widespread recognition for his pioneering promotion of hibiscus as a natural remedy for managing high blood pressure, a topic that has recently gone viral.
As a distinguished columnist for the Ghanaian Times, his insights caught the attention of The Spectator, leading to an interview to discuss the health and economic benefits of hibiscus, commonly known as sobolo.
Interviewer (The Spectator): Prof. Nyarkotey, your research and articles on the health benefits of sobolo have been trending recently. Can you shed more light on its impact on hypertension?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Thank you for the opportunity. Yes, my recent studies and articles have focused on the effects of hibiscus, or sobolo, on high blood pressure. Several scientific studies, including my own research, have shown that hibiscus has antihypertensive properties.
It contains bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, improving circulation, and reducing oxidative stress.
Studies indicate that hibiscus tea can be as effective as some antihypertensive medications in mild to moderate hypertension cases. However, moderation is key, especially for those already on blood pressure medications.
The Spectator: How does hibiscus work to lower high blood pressure?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Hibiscus primarily acts as a natural ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, preventing blood vessel constriction, and thus lowering blood pressure.
Additionally, it has diuretic properties that help eliminate excess sodium and fluids from the body, contributing to better blood pressure regulation. Its antioxidants also combat oxidative stress, a major factor in hypertension.
The Spectator: Apart from hypertension, you also mentioned that hibiscus improves urine flow in men with prostate issues. Can you elaborate how this works?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Certainly. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men that leads to difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement. Hibiscus has diuretic properties that increase urine production and flow, alleviating symptoms such as frequent urination and urinary retention. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce prostate swelling and improve urinary health.
The Spectator: That’s interesting. What is the difference between consuming hibiscus cold versus hot?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: The temperature at which hibiscus is consumed affects its potency. Cold hibiscus tea retains more vitamin C and delicate antioxidants, making it ideal for boosting immunity and hydration. Hot hibiscus tea, however, releases more flavonoids and polyphenols, enhancing its cardiovascular benefits. Cold hibiscus is great for antioxidant effects, while hot hibiscus is better suited for hypertension and relaxation.
The Spectator: What about hibiscus powders, capsules, tablets, and decoctions? How do they compare in effectiveness?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Hibiscus is available in various forms. Powders retain most bioactive compounds and can be added to food or drinks. Capsules and tablets offer a convenient, standardised dosage, ideal for those who prefer not to drink tea. Decoctions, where hibiscus is boiled for extended periods, may extract additional medicinal compounds. Each form has its benefits, depending on individual needs.
The Spectator: Does hibiscus help regulate blood sugar levels?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Yes, hibiscus helps improve insulin sensitivity and slows carbohydrate absorption, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Drinking hibiscus tea after meals can moderate blood sugar spikes and enhance glucose metabolism.
The Spectator: Can individuals with low blood pressure and low blood sugar consume hibiscus?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Those with low blood pressure or low blood sugar should be cautious, as hibiscus can further lower both. It is advisable to consult a naturopathic doctor before incorporating it into their diet.
The Spectator: Can hibiscus be combined with pharmaceutical antihypertensive and diabetic medications?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Hibiscus may enhance the effects of these medications, leading to excessively low blood pressure or blood sugar. Individuals on these medications should consult their doctors before combining hibiscus with their treatment regimen.
The Spectator: Is hibiscus beneficial for liver and kidney health?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Yes, hibiscus has hepatoprotective properties that support liver health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting detoxification. Its diuretic effects also aid kidney health by flushing out toxins and reducing the risk of kidney stones. However, those with existing kidney conditions should seek medical advice before consuming it regularly.
The Spectator: What are your plans for the hibiscus industry?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: I see significant potential in the hibiscus industry and plan to promote large-scale cultivation, value addition, and further research. I aim to collaborate with stakeholders to develop hibiscus-based products and create more awareness of its health benefits. Establishing a structured hibiscus industry could provide economic opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and researchers.
The Spectator: You also mentioned that sobolo could replace communion wine. Can you elaborate on this?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Absolutely. I recently spoke with a pastor concerned about the rising cost of imported communion wine. Many churches struggle to afford these imports. I strongly propose Sobolo as an affordable, healthier, and locally sourced alternative.
The Spectator: How does Sobolo compare to traditional communion wine?
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Traditional communion wine is made from fermented grape juice and often contains alcohol. Sobolo, made from hibiscus flowers, ginger, and spices, is rich in antioxidants and alcohol-free, making it suitable for all church members, including children and abstainers.
The Spectator: Thank you, Prof. Nyarkotey, for sharing such valuable insights.
Prof. Nyarkotey Obu: Thank you as well. It’s always a pleasure to educate the public on naturopathic medicine and healthy living.
- By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu
All over the world, it has been recognised that nations who have developed, paid attention to education and continue to do so. If we pay lip service to the development of our educational system, we might as well forget about our development in the foreseeable future.
In order for effective teaching and learning to happen, the teacher who is the centre of it all, must be well motivated. Every person working in an office, every parliamentarian, every minister or deputy minister, all the way up to the first gentleman of the land, owes his or her status to a teacher.
Unfortunately, for some strange reason, our leaders who are the decision makers, do not seem to care very much about the welfare of teachers. The leadership of the various teacher unions, also appear not to be doing their job as is expected of them, leaving the teacher who had worked for over a year without being paid, frustrated.
The lack of seriousness that is attached to teachers’ issues is very worrying. My parents were teachers so I am very passionate about teachers’ issues. Gone are the days that we used to say that teachers will get their reward in Heaven.
Now those in the teaching profession are mostly youthful and they have a different mindset from that of our parents. They do not want their reward in Heaven, they want it here on this very earth.
A teacher sees his colleague who he was academically better than in school, from the same background socially, becomes a Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), an Member of Parliament (MP) or a Government Appointee and overnight, this guy becomes wealthy and you say he the teacher, should wait for his reward in Heaven?
His going there is not guaranteed anyway, so if he or she does not make it to Heaven, then what? Promises of government after government to teachers, remain unfulfilled and so they become disillusioned and demotivated to ensure effective teaching and learning.
I read a story of a lady, who as a child was suffering from Dyslexia but her teacher gave her the needed attention to help her and this even led her teacher to run into problems with the school authorities, resulting in the loss of her job. This lady grew up and became a famous actress and won an Oscar.
She then gave the prize money attached to the award, which was three million dollars, to her teacher who put her career on the line to help her out of her dyslexia challenge as a child.
There are many such teachers in our educational system because teaching is a calling, like medicine, like nursing etc. and therefore teachers who are the first point of call before we can climb the ladder to become the engineers, the lawyers, accountants and the rest, deserve special attention.
What is even important is the crucial role they play in shaping the moral character of future leaders which is invaluable.
Let us all, especially our leaders, place a high premium on the teacher who is at the centre of our educational system and who can make or unmake our future as a nation. How do you ask a teacher to go to a place, far removed from his or her parents and for a year and above not pay any salary to him or her?
How is the teacher to survive? If the same thing was done to any of our leaders, especially the leaders of the various teacher unions, will they be happy? How do they expect the teachers to survive and also be motivated to deliver quality teaching? Funds must be found to immediately resolve their unpaid salaries do they can be in the right frame of mind to do their very precious job. The teaching profession, in my view, is number one, when ranking professions because as an advert displays “If you can read this, thank a teacher”. Let us give our teachers their due. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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GREETINGS from Korkorti and from Kofi Owuo, alias Death-By-Poverty. When this column took a short break, the two friends summoned me. They wanted to know whether the column had gone on pension or was just on strike. I explained that the column was not on retirement and neither was it on a hunger strike. Rather, the column was of the habit of falling into coma for four weeks or thereabout every year.
Kwame Korkorti and Kofi Owuo (who is addicted to poverty and has sworn not to prosper) are two of my former classmates I cherish so much. And it was great fun to be a Nino in those days. In fact, on the first day on campus, Korkorti was bold enough to bully his own mates who tragically mistook him for a senior.
In fact, when the first-years arrived, Korkorti was one of them but quickly pretended he was in Form 2. So he began pulling the noses of his mates and brushing their faces when the real seniors were not quite in sight. It was when classes began that his victims realised the so-called nose-pulling senior was in fact their own classmate.
So Korkorti got famous for that gimmick. But his English was poor.
The English master was a tall, bombastic young man who claimed he was a former soccer star. In fact, he swore he had a magical left foot that was comparable to that of the legendary Pele. And his grandiloquence par excellence clearly distinguished him from other members of staff.
He did not quite like Korkorti because although the boy was stubborn and his head did not have a nice shape, the girls adored him. Moreover he never did his English Language assignments.
Stand up, you tall fool, the English master often ordered. Korkorti wouldn’t stand up but would just smile broadly.
“I say stand up” the teacher would bark now like a dog suffering from rabies “Get up and let me measure your stupidity.”
Korkorti would stand up this time round and yawn.
Certainly, lunchtime has been long in coming and a good yawn often relieved the young student’s stomach of gastronomic stress.
Invariably, the English guru did not like it when Korkorti yawned. For one thing, the boy opened his mouth too widely. For another, he yawned a bit too audibly and that caused laughter among his mates.
Certainly, the master must have figured out that the boy’s height was proportional to his stupidity. But there were no school rules against yawning
Merari Alomele’s
• A female student walking away from some male students
or wide mouth. In fact, there was freedom of yawning and snoring and Korkorti exercised both freedoms judiciously and democratically.
“Do you know when you yawn you look like a hungry crocodile,” the master once asked him.
“Yes sir, I am aware sir,” Korkorti confirmed and yawned again. This time he nearly swallowed the whole class. There was an uproar and the whole class reverberated in good laughter.
The English master shook his head and then nodded it like an agama lizard. This Korkorti boy was a real character, a phenomenon, a one-man thousand. Meanwhile lessons had to continue.
It was in those days when school was exciting and we often gathered and talked about girls. I had often dreamt of having a girl from Holy Child School because I had heard very saintly and curious things about them, I had learnt from a guy from Saint Augustine’s College that Holy Child girls were of a special breed, in fact a hybrid between the cultured home-bred variety and those of inner holiness. They were born of the Holy Spirit. The only thing was that they didn’t suffer under Pontius Pilate.
In short, they were angels in human form, spoke in a special way, walked with a unique and danced with heavenly steps. They were taught by Holy Nuns and so were quite different from us who had no hope of making any spirito-culturo-scholastic progress.
I confessed to Korkorti that I wanted a girl from Holy Child, not for immoral purposes but to partake of their saintly ways so that when it was time for going to heaven, Kwame Alomele could also be considered.
During vacations we met girls from Mawuli, Ola, Accra Girls, St. Roses, Wesley Girls but none from Holy Child. Then one day, Kwame Korkorti whispered into my ear that a Holy Child babe was in town and that he was sure my dreams had come true.
Korkorti organised it and we positioned at a spot, knowing the girl would traverse en route to the library or the market. After a boring period of waiting, Korkorti suddenly espied the child coming. I looked at her face and saw of an angel. What! This was the kind I always wanted. God bless my soul! This was really my chance and Korkorti had prophesied it.
“Hello Sister,” Korkorti called her when about to leave us.
The girl slowed down and looked at us. My heartbeat increased in tempo. What really was I going to tell this angel? Wouldn’t she think Korkorti was Satan and me a common red-eyed demon? I gathered courage.
“What do you want?” she asked in a sweet voice. My heart melted instantly. Spotless beauty with voice that did something to me. Good gracious!
“Eh-h, my friend says he likes you,” Korkorti to her bluntly.
At that very moment I felt as if a sledge-hammer had hit my chest with the force of a dynamite. What a blunder! What a shock! I felt dizzy instantly. My bosom friend had balked the whole agenda. Before I could recover from the shock, the girl had walked away. From that day. I never met another holy child.
In January, this year, I miraculously received a letter from an 18-year old Holy Child student who said she was my fan.
It was a nicely written letter and I enjoyed reading it. I then relived the Korkorti incident and laughed aloud to myself.
So when Korkorti and Kofi Owuo summoned me, I reminded them of the day my heart melted at the sight of the angel; that angel which disappeared before my eyes and made me go back home not crying and yet not laughing.
Proofread
Searching for the Holy Child
GREETINGS from Korkorti and from Kofi Owuo, alias Death-By-Poverty. When this column took a short break, the two friends summoned me. They wanted to know whether the column had gone on pension or was just on strike.
I explained that the column was not on retirement and neither was it on a hunger strike. Rather, the column was of the habit of falling into coma for four weeks or thereabout every year.
Kwame Korkorti and Kofi Owuo (who is addicted to poverty and has sworn not to prosper) are two of my former classmates I cherish so much. And it was great fun to be a Nino in those days. In fact, on the first day on campus, Korkorti was bold enough to bully his own mates who tragically mistook him for a senior.
In fact, when the first-years arrived, Korkorti was one of them but quickly pretended he was in Form 2. So he began pulling the noses of his mates and brushing their faces when the real seniors were not quite in sight. It was when classes began that his victims realised the so-called nose-pulling senior was in fact their own classmate
So Korkorti got famous for that gimmick. But his English was poor.
The English master was a tall, bombastic young man who claimed he was a former soccer star. In fact, he swore he had a magical left foot that was comparable to that of the legendary Pele. And his grandiloquence par excellence clearly distinguished him from other members of staff.
He did not quite like Korkorti because although the boy was stubborn and his head did not have a nice shape, the girls adored him. Moreover he never did his English Language assignments.
Stand up, you tall fool, the English master often ordered. Korkorti wouldn’t stand up but would just smile broadly.
“I say stand up” the teacher would bark now like a dog suffering from rabies “Get up and let me measure your stupidity.”
Korkorti would stand up this time round and yawn.
Certainly, lunchtime has been long in coming and a good yawn often relieved the young student’s stomach of gastronomic stress.
Invariably, the English guru did not like it when Korkorti yawned. For one thing, the boy opened his mouth too widely. For another, he yawned a bit too audibly and that caused laughter among his mates.
Certainly, the master must have figured out that the boy’s height was proportional to his stupidity. But there were no school rules against yawning or wide mouth. In fact, there was freedom of yawning and snoring and Korkorti exercised both freedoms judiciously and democratically.
“Do you know when you yawn you look like a hungry crocodile,” the master once asked him.
“Yes sir, I am aware sir,” Korkorti confirmed and yawned again. This time he nearly swallowed the whole class. There was an uproar and the whole class reverberated in good laughter.
The English master shook his head and then nodded it like an agama lizard. This Korkorti boy was a real character, a phenomenon, a one-man-thousand. Meanwhile lessons had to continue.
It was in those days when school was exciting and we often gathered and talked about girls. I had often dreamt of having a girl from Holy Child School because I had heard very saintly and curious things about them,
I had learnt from a guy from Saint Augustine’s College that Holy Child girls were of a special breed, in fact a hybrid between the cultured home-bred variety and those of inner holiness. They were born of the Holy Spirit. The only thing was that they didn’t suffer under Pontius Pilate.
In short, they were angels in human form, spoke in a special way, walked with a unique and danced with heavenly steps. They were taught by Holy Nuns and so were quite different from us who had no hope of making any spirito-culturo-scholastic progress.
I confessed to Korkorti that I wanted a girl from Holy Child, not for immoral purposes but to partake of their saintly ways so that when it was time for going to heaven, Kwame Alomele could also be considered.
During vacations we met girls from Mawuli, Ola, Accra Girls, St. Roses, Wesley Girls but none from Holy Child. Then one day, Kwame Korkorti whispered into my ear that a Holy Child babe was in town and that he was sure my dreams had come true.
Korkorti organised it and we positioned at a spot, knowing the girl would traverse en route to the library or the market. After a boring period of waiting, Korkorti suddenly espied the child coming. I looked at her face and saw of an angel. What! This was the kind I always wanted. God bless my soul! This was really my chance and Korkorti had prophesied it.
“Hello Sister,” Korkorti called her when about to leave us.
The girl slowed down and looked at us. My heartbeat increased in tempo. What really was I going to tell this angel? Wouldn’t she think Korkorti was Satan and me a common red-eyed demon? I gathered courage.
“What do you want?” she asked in a sweet voice. My heart melted instantly. Spotless beauty with voice that did something to me. Good gracious!
“Eh-h, my friend says he likes you,” Korkorti to her bluntly.
At that very moment I felt as if a sledge-hammer had hit my chest with the force of a dynamite. What a blunder! What a shock! I felt dizzy instantly. My bosom friend had balked the whole agenda. Before I could recover from the shock, the girl had walked away. From that day. I never met another holy child.
In January, this year, I miraculously received a letter from an 18-year old Holy Child student who said she was my fan. It was a nicely written letter and I enjoyed reading it. I then relived the Korkorti incident and laughed aloud to myself.
So when Korkorti and Kofi Owuo summoned me, I reminded them of the day my heart melted at the sight of the angel; that angel which disappeared before my eyes and made me go back home not crying and yet not laughing.
This article was first published on Saturday, March 18, 1996
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