9 Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that’s made by steeping parts of the
hibiscus plant in boiling water.
It has a tart
flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
There are
several hundred species of hibiscus varying by the location and climate they
grow in, but Hibiscus sabdariffa is most commonly used to make
hibiscus tea.
Research has
uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, showing
that it may lower blood pressure, fight bacteria and even aid weight loss.
This article
reviews 8 benefits of drinking hibiscus tea.
1. Packed With Antioxidants
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Antioxidants
are molecules that help fight compounds called free radicals, which cause
damage to your cells.
Hibiscus tea
is rich in powerful antioxidants and may therefore help prevent damage and
disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.
In one study
in rats, hibiscus extract increased the number of antioxidant enzymes and
reduced the harmful effects of free radicals by up to 92%
Another rat
study had similar findings, showing that parts of the hibiscus plant, such as
the leaves, possess potent antioxidant properties
However, keep
in mind that these were animal studies that used concentrated doses of hibiscus
extract. More studies are needed to determine how antioxidants in hibiscus tea
may affect humans.
SUMMARY: Animal
studies have found that hibiscus extract has antioxidant properties. Additional
studies are needed to determine how this may translate to humans.
2. May Help Lower Blood
Pressure
One of the
most impressive and well-known benefits of hibiscus tea is that it may.
Over time,
high blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart and cause it to weaken.
High blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Several
studies have found that hibiscus tea may lower both systolic and diastolic
blood pressure.
In one study,
65 people with high blood pressure were given hibiscus tea or a placebo. After
six weeks, those who drank hibiscus tea had a significant decrease in systolic
blood pressure, compared to the placebo.
Similarly, a
2015 review of five studies found that hibiscus tea decreased both systolic and
diastolic blood pressure by an average of 7.58 mmHg and 3.53 mmHg, respectively.
While
hibiscus tea may be a safe and natural way to help lower blood pressure, it is
not recommended for those taking hydrochlorothiazide, a type of diuretic used
to treat high blood pressure, as it may interact with the drug.
SUMMARY: Some studies
have found that hibiscus tea may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However,
it should not be taken with hydrochlorothiazide to prevent an interaction.
3. May Help Lower Blood Fat
Levels
In addition
to lowering blood pressure, some studies have found that hibiscus tea may help
lower blood fat levels, which are another risk factor for heart disease.
In one study,
60 people with diabetes were given either hibiscus tea or black tea. After one
month, those who drank hibiscus tea experienced increased “good” HDL
cholesterol and decreased total, “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Another study
in those with metabolic syndrome showed that taking 100 mg of hibiscus extract
daily was associated with decreased total cholesterol and increased “good” HDL
cholesterol.
However,
other studies have produced conflicting results regarding hibiscus tea’s
effects on blood cholesterol.
In fact, a
review of six studies including 474 participants concluded that hibiscus tea
did not significantly reduce blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Furthermore,
most studies showing a benefit of hibiscus tea on blood fat levels have been
limited to patients with specific conditions like metabolic syndrome and
diabetes.
More
large-scale studies examining the effects of hibiscus tea on blood cholesterol
and triglyceride levels are needed to determine its potential effects on the
general population.
SUMMARY: Some studies
have shown that hibiscus tea may reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides in
those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, other studies have
produced conflicting results. More research is needed in the general
population.
4. May Boost Liver Health
From
producing proteins to secreting bile to breaking down fat, your liver is
essential to your overall health.
Interestingly,
studies have shown that hibiscus may promote liver health and help keep it
working efficiently.
One study in
19 overweight people found that taking hibiscus extract for 12 weeks improved
liver steatosis. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to liver
failure.
A study in
hamsters also demonstrated the liver-protecting properties of hibiscus extract,
showing that treatment with hibiscus extract decreased markers of liver damage.
Another
animal study reported that giving rats hibiscus extract increased the
concentration of several drug-detoxifying enzymes in the liver by up to 65%.
However,
these studies all assessed the effects of hibiscus extract, rather than
hibiscus tea. Further research is needed to know how hibiscus tea affects liver
health in humans.
SUMMARY: Human and
animal studies have found that hibiscus extract may benefit liver health by
increasing drug-detoxifying enzymes and reducing liver damage and fatty liver.
5. Could Promote Weight
Loss
Several
studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and
protect against obesity.
One study
gave 36 overweight participants either hibiscus extract or a placebo. After 12
weeks, hibiscus extract reduced body weight, body fat, body mass index and
hip-to-waist ratio.
An animal
study had similar findings, reporting that giving obese mice hibiscus extract
for 60 days led to a reduction in body weight.
Current
research is limited to studies using concentrated doses of hibiscus extract.
More studies are needed to determine how hibiscus tea may influence weight loss
in humans.
SUMMARY: A few human
and animal studies have associated the consumption of hibiscus extract with
decreased body weight and body fat, but more research is needed.
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6. Contains Compounds That
May Help Prevent Cancer
Hibiscus is
high in, which are compounds that have been shown to possess powerful
anti-cancer properties.
Test-tube
studies have found impressive results regarding the potential effect of
hibiscus extract on cancer cells.
In one
test-tube study, hibiscus extract impaired cell growth and reduced the
invasiveness of mouth and plasma cell cancers.
Another
test-tube study reported that hibiscus leaf extract prevented human prostate
cancer cells from spreading.
Hibiscus
extract has also been shown to inhibit stomach cancer cells by up to 52% in
other test-tube studies
Keep in mind
that these were test-tube studies using high amounts of hibiscus extract.
Research in humans is needed to evaluate the effect of hibiscus tea on cancer.
SUMMARY: Test-tube
studies have found that hibiscus extract reduces the growth and spread of plasma,
mouth, prostate and stomach cancer cells. Human studies are needed to evaluate
the effect of hibiscus tea.
7. Could Help Fight
Bacteria
Bacteria are
single-celled microorganisms that can cause a variety of infections, ranging
from bronchitis to pneumonia to urinary tract infections.
In addition
to having antioxidant and anticancer properties, some test-tube studies have
found that hibiscus could help fight bacterial infections.
In fact, one
test-tube study found that hibiscus extract inhibited the activity of E.
coli, a strain of bacteria that can cause symptoms like cramping, gas and
diarrhea.
Another
test-tube study showed that the extract fought eight strains of bacteria and
was as effective as some medications used to treat bacterial infections.
However, no
human studies have looked at the antibacterial effects of hibiscus tea, so it
is still unclear how these results may translate to humans.
SUMMARY: Test-tube
studies have found that hibiscus extract could fight certain strains of
bacteria. More research is needed to determine how hibiscus tea may affect
bacterial infections in humans.
8. Flavorful and Easy to
Make
Aside from
its multitude of possible health benefits, hibiscus tea is delicious and easy
to prepare at home.
Simply add
dried hibiscus flowers to a teapot and pour boiling water over them. Let it
steep for five minutes, then strain, sweeten it if desired and enjoy.
Hibiscus tea
can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste similar to that of
cranberries.
For this
reason, it is often sweetened with honey or flavored with a squeeze of lime
juice to balance the tartness.
Dried
hibiscus can be purchased at your local health food store or online. Hibiscus
tea is also available in pre-made tea bags, which can simply be steeped in hot
water, removed and enjoyed.
SUMMARY: Hibiscus tea
can be made by steeping hibiscus flowers in boiling water for five minutes. It
can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste that is often sweetened with
honey or flavored with lime.
The
Bottom Line
Hibiscus tea
is a type of herbal tea associated with many health benefits.
It also has a
delicious, tart flavor and can be made and enjoyed from the comfort of your own
kitchen.
Animal and
test-tube studies have indicated that hibiscus may aid weight loss, improve
heart and liver health and even help fight cancer and bacteria.
However, most
of the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies using high
amounts of hibiscus extract. More studies are needed to determine how these
benefits may apply to humans who drink hibiscus tea.
What are the risks of taking hibiscus tea?
Side
effects. Hibiscus may cause blood pressure to
drop. It has also been linked to dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear.
Risks. Avoid hibiscus if you are allergic or sensitive to it or
members of the Malvaceae plant family. Use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure.
Interactions. Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some
anti-malaria drugs. It can also interact with many other drugs including
some for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea While Pregnant
Hibiscus
tea is very rich in antioxidants and is therefore attached to many health
benefits. The same applies to pregnant women also. But the traditional approach
towards pregnancy says that you should avoid it during the first
trimester, and even after that, you should seek a doctor’s prescription
before consuming it.
The
conventional approach towards pregnancy states that hibiscus tea is good for
pregnancy, and the following benefits derive from consuming hibiscus tea after
the first trimester once pregnancy is established:
·
t is believed by some
universities that hibiscus has high flavonoids in it.
·
It can protect you
from any damage due to radical toxic elements causing diseases and degeneration
of cells.
·
It is beneficial in
building immunity and strengthens the body systems of
mother and baby as well.
·
Blood pressure
often shoots up in pregnancy, and hibiscus tea may regulate the same.
·
It may fight
infectious organisms, cleanse lymph and blood, and tone the digestive tract.
However,
there is no clinical evidence supporting these benefits, so it is always
advisable to consult your doctor before consuming hibiscus tea during pregnancy.
Side
Effects of Drinking Hibiscus Tea When Pregnant
Hibiscus
tea is not recommended to be consumed during pregnancy, especially in the first
trimester. It is believed to be a reason for miscarriage and delayed puberty.
Some other side effects that may occur due to drinking hibiscus tea are
mentioned below:
·
Shaking
·
Ringing in the ears
·
Headache
·
Painful urination
·
Nausea
·
Constipation
·
Gas
·
Upset stomach or stomach
pain
Does Hibiscus Tea Cause
Miscarriage?
You
should generally avoid hibiscus tea during pregnancy as it has specific harmful
effects on the body, including miscarriage and delayed puberty. So, even if you
need to drink tea while pregnant, it is always necessary to be cautious about
the possible side effects.
How Does Hibiscus Tea Cause a Miscarriage?
Hibiscus
tea is known for regulating hormones and delayed periods. But during pregnancy
messing up with hormones is not a good thing since it may have the following
effects:
·
Consuming the tea
may cause uterine contraction that may lead to miscarriage.
·
Spontaneous
abortions have also been reported at times due to the consumption of tea.
·
The emmenagogue
effect of hibiscus tea may lead to blood flow towards the uterus and
cause some harmful effects.
However,
the quantity of hibiscus tea is not specified. But it is always better to be
safe, especially in the first trimester.
How Much
Hibiscus Tea to Consume in Pregnancy
You
should strictly avoid hibiscus tea during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Even after that, you should consult the doctors before consuming the same. The
reasoning is that tests on pregnant animals returned less-than-desirable
results.
So,
if you ask your physician, “is hibiscus tea bad during pregnancy?” you would
probably get an answer confirming the same. However, with the professional’s
advice, you should consume no more than 2 cups a day. Simply boil 1.25 grams of
the tea in water for around 5 to 10 minutes.
Which Other
Herbal Teas Are Safe and Unsafe in Pregnancy
Hibiscus and
pregnancy do not go along. Like hibiscus, some other herbal teas should not be
consumed in pregnancy or a particular trimester. Many of them do not come in
the category of forbidden ones, but a doctor’s consultation is a must,
especially the trimester-wise consumption chart.
Some of the
herbal teas that are not advisable to be consumed entirely or during the
particular trimester are mentioned below:
·
o
Entire Pregnancy Fenugreek
o
Rosemary
o
Rhubarb
o
Oregano and Basil (however, can be consumed as
condiments)
o
St. John’s Wort
o
Fennel
o
Cinnamon
o
Shepherd’s purse
o
Wormwood
o
Angelica
o
Dong Quai
o
Ginseng
o
Licorice
o
First Trimester Chamomile
o
Peppermint
o
Third Trimester Red raspberry leaf (only in the
third trimester to ease labor)
Hibiscus tea
is full of antioxidants which
are highly beneficial for many health issues. It regulates hormones, reduces
blood pressure, and is suitable for many other body systems. But it is
essential to keep all the facts clear before you consume the same in pregnancy.
A doctor’s prescription and confirmation are highly recommended for consuming
hibiscus tea in any trimester during your pregnancy.
FAQs
1. Can I Drink Hibiscus Blend With Rosehip or Raspberry?
A
blend of hibiscus with raspberry or rosehip provides a sweet floral fragrance
and light tangy taste. It makes a perfect flavor to enjoy the delicacy. All
these ingredients offer anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties that are beneficial for many health issues. The presence
of Vitamin C content also adds healing properties. So,
this flavourful drink also provides you with a soothing effect when you are
stressed out. You must try a perfect blend of hibiscus with rosehip or
raspberry and serve it as you please, hot or cold.
2. Can I Drink Hibiscus Tea at Night, and Is It Okay to
Have It Daily?
Drinking
hibiscus tea at a specific limit usually is safe. There are some other products
added to it as a supplement that may cause some side effects. But after having
appropriate knowledge about all the products, having a cup daily may not cause
harm but prove to give certain health benefits such as weight loss, improvement
in liver health, and others.
However, as reiterated and explained above, do
not do so without the doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
The
tart cherry extract has melatonin that is highly beneficial for getting sound
sleep at night. Also, the tangy, tart, sweet deep red elixir provides delicious
flavor when served cold or hot. Every ingredient has health benefits attached
to it. So drinking it as a nightcap is a big thumbs up.
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Ingredients: hibiscus, cinnamon, ginger, red rose petals.Premium Tangy
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