What is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea is naturally calorie and caffeine-free and is often used worldwide as a medicinal tea. Various names know Hibiscus flowers and are called “roses” in some places. It can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Hibiscus Tea Nutritional Value

Hibiscus flower tea is a naturally low-calorie, caffeine-free health drink. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, it is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins, like niacin and folic acid, that help improve your overall health. This tea is rich in anthocyanins, which help control elevated Blood Pressure, colds, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

7 Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

The various benefits of hibiscus flower herbal tea, which will help to keep the body healthy, are as follows:

Manage Blood Pressure
A November 2008 report by the American Heart Association found that drinking this tea can reduce blood pressure in adults with prehypertension and mild hypertension. [1]

A study at Tufts University (Boston) showed that hibiscus tea could lower blood pressure by 10 points due to its anti-inflammatory properties. [2] To achieve this significant improvement, you must drink three cups of this tea regularly every day for several weeks. In addition, it has diuretic properties, increasing urination while lowering blood pressure.

Lose Weight
If you eat carbohydrate-rich foods, you are likely to gain weight. However, research suggests that hibiscus extract reduces starch and glucose absorption and may aid in weight loss.

Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, an enzyme that contributes to the absorption of carbohydrates and starches, so drinking hibiscus may prevent absorption. For this reason, many weight loss products contain hibiscus.

Protect the Liver
Studies have also shown that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea can also help treat liver disease. [3] Antioxidants can help your body fight disease because they neutralize free radicals in the body’s tissues and cells. Therefore, drinking caffeine-free hibiscus tea may extend your life by keeping your body healthy.

Anti-inflammatory and Bacteriostatic Agent
Hibiscus tea is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It is a nutrient essential for the body to strengthen and stimulate the activity of the immune system. Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. As such, it can protect you from colds and flu. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever due to its cooling effect.

Relieve Menstrual Pain
The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It also helps restore hormonal balance, reducing menstrual symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and overeating.

Antidepressant Effects
Hibiscus tea contains minerals with antidepressant properties, such as vitamins and flavonoids. [4] Hibiscus tea helps to calm the nervous system, and it reduces anxiety and depression by creating a feeling of relaxation in the mind and body.

Improve Digestion
Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion because it regulates urination and bowel movements. Due to its diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which can help you lose weight, improve the health of your gastrointestinal system, and stave off colorectal cancer.

Helps with Exercise
Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink to quench thirst. To achieve this, people usually drink hibiscus iced tea. Many people include it in their diet because of the tea’s ability to cool the body down quickly.

4 Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea

Drinking hibiscus herbal tea in moderation is generally considered safe. However, there are still a few possible side effects.

Allergies
If you are allergic to hibiscus plants, avoid drinking Hibiscus flower tea. Some people may experience allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, sinusitis, or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea. 

Diabetes and Surgery
Hibiscus may lower blood sugar levels, so it is best to consult your doctor if you have diabetes or are planning surgery.

Blood Pressure
The health benefits of hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure (anti-hypertension). Therefore, according to the Daily Telegraph, it is not recommended for people who already suffer from low blood pressure. [5] If people with low blood pressure take it, they may become dizzy and damage their hearts or brain.

Pregnant & Breastfeeding 
Hibiscus tea may have harmful side effects for pregnant women or nursing. Some side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and painful urination. It is advisable to consult your health professional before drinking any herbal teas.

Hibiscus Tea Brewing Guide

Ingredients:
5-6 petals of dried hibiscus flowers
500ml of boiling water
Honey or sugar

Directions:
1. Put the hibiscus flower in a pot, pour hot water, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
2. Strain the brewed tea, and add honey or sugar per taste.

FAQ

What does hibiscus tea taste like?
It tastes slightly floral, with a little tart flavor, like a mild cranberry.

Is there caffeine?
No, there is no caffeine in hibiscus tea.