The root is edible however thought of as fibrous and distasteful. Contrary to similar species such as the "Hibiscus sabdariffa", the calyx or sepals of "Hibiscus acetosella" is non-fleshy and not eaten. In Angola a tea made from the leaves of cranberry hibiscus are used as a post-fever tonic and to treat anemia. The plant is also utilized to treat myalgias by crushing leaves into cold water to bathe children. The plant is thought to contain polyphenols, a compound that may combat inflammation and is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases.