Hibiscus plants are known for their large, colorful flowers. These blossoms can make a decorative addition to a home or garden, but they also have medicinal uses. The flowers and leaves can be made into teas and liquid extracts that can help treat a variety of conditions. Hibiscus flowers come in many colors. They can be red, yellow, white, or peach-colored, and can be as big as 6 inches wide. The most popular variety is Hibiscus sabdariffa. The red flowers of this variety are most commonly cultivated for medical purposes.

Hibiscus Tea can help with weight loss and cancer, it can also relieve conditions that include: high blood pressure, upset stomach, bacterial infections, fever.

Hibiscus tea, also called sour tea because of its tart taste, is made from a mixture of dried hibiscus flowers, leaves, and dark red calyces (the cup-shaped centers of the flowers). After the flower finishes blooming, the petals fall off and the calyces turn into pods. These hold the plant’s seeds. Calyces are often the main ingredients in herbal drinks containing hibiscus.

Hibiscus has been used by different cultures as a remedy for several conditions. Egyptians used hibiscus tea to lower body temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a diuretic to increase urine production.

In Africa, tea was used to treat constipation, cancer, liver disease, and cold symptoms. Pulp made from the leaves was applied to the skin to heal wounds.

Not many people are aware that almost 15-30% of hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids are malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. They are commonly found in fruits such as grapes and wine. They help in boosting the immunity, promoting better skin, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, managing inflammation, and improving digestive issues. Hibiscus tea has diuretic and choleretic effects, thus controlling blood viscosity by reducing blood pressure and enhancing digestion.

Not many people are aware that almost 15-30% of hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids are malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. They are commonly found in fruits such as grapes and wine. They help in boosting the immunity, promoting better skin, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, managing inflammation, and improving digestive issues. Hibiscus tea has diuretic and choleretic effects, thus controlling blood viscosity by reducing blood pressure and enhancing digestion.

The health benefits of hibiscus tea, also known as Agua De Jamaica, include its ability to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, disturbed digestive and immune system, and inflammatory problems as well. It helps to cure liver diseases and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants and helps in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety.

Hibiscus tea is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant, known by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa, particularly the flower. It is a very popular beverage throughout the world. Hibiscus tea is ruby red in color and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference. This tea is low in calories and is caffeine-free.

The various benefits of hibiscus tea which would help in keeping the human body healthy and fit are given below. Find them out and get healthier!

Some of the confirmed health benefits include:

1.It Manages Blood Pressure

A report from the AHA (American Heart Association), published in November 2008, states that consuming this tea lowers the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. A study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties that can be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.

According to some studies , hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure by up to 10 points.. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to regularly consume three cups of this tea every day for a few weeks. Also, it has diuretic properties that increase urination, simultaneously lower blood pressure.

2.It Lowers Cholesterol

It helps to lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea can be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes. A research studyconducted on patients with type II diabetes suggests that consumption of hibiscus sour tea lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which helps to manage this unpredictable disease.

3. It Protects Liver

Antioxidants help to protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Therefore, we can confidently say that drinking hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.

4.It has Anti-cancer Properties

Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. A study conducted by the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College, in Taichung, Taiwan suggests that hibiscus slows down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death. It reduces risk of colorectal cancer.

5.Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent

It is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It is an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it prevents you from catching a cold and flu. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.

6.Relieves Menstrual Cramps               

The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It helps in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

7.Acts as Antidepressant Agent

Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which have antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea can help to calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body.

8.Improves Digestion

Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion.It helps with nausea and vomiting. It regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight and improve the health of your gastrointestinal system and avoid colorectal cancer.

9. It helps with weight loss

Hibiscus tea is beneficial for losing weight. If you consume food that is rich in carbohydrates, which means that it contains sugar and starch, you are likely to gain weight. However, studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help in weight loss. Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking hibiscus tea prevents the absorption from occurring. Therefore, hibiscus tea is found in many weight loss products.

10. It is a drink for all seasons and it tastes great

You can drink hibiscus tea either as a hot tea or an iced tea. If you want to keep yourself warm in the winter, brew it and drink it straight away. It only takes few minutes to make. In case you do not want to drink it hot, perhaps in the summer, you have the option to drink hibiscus iced tea. It takes about 20 minutes for preparation, and then you can cool yourself off in a healthy, refreshing way. Hibiscus tea has a taste that is very similar to cranberry juice. It can definitely be described as tart, so you can add sugar or honey to increase the sweetness. Also, you can try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger namon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger depending on your taste.

Side Effects Of Hibiscus Tea

Although hibiscus tea is a health enhancer and a natural weight loss booster, there are possible side effects you should be aware of.

Blood Pressure: The health benefits of hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure (anti-hypertensive property). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who already have low blood pressure, a condition called hypotension. It may cause faintness, dizziness, and can even damage the heart or brain if consumed by anyone with low blood pressure.

Pregnancy and Fertility: Hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, particularly due to its emmenagogic effects which may stimulate menstruation or blood flow in the uterus or pelvic region. For those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding consumption of hibiscus tea.

Hallucinatory Effect: Some people may feel intoxicated or experience hallucination after drinking hibiscus tea. Therefore, be cautious until you know how your body reacts to the tea. Don’t drive a car or try anything particularly dangerous until you know what its effects are on your system.

Allergy: Some people develop allergic reactions such as itchy red eyes, sinus or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea.

1. Hot Hibiscus Tea

Let’s begin with the warmer version first.

What You Need:

• Two teaspoons of dried hibiscus calyces
• A cup of boiling water
• Sweetener of your choice—honey or brown sugar (to taste)
• Other flavors (cinnamon, mint)—if you want a strong and spicy tea

What To Do

The method is quite simple; it’s just like brewing any other herbal tea. Begin by pouring the boiling water into a teapot and put the dried hibiscus in it. Let them brew for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be. Add the flavors of your choice (again, if you want to) and strain the tea into your cup. Add the sweetener and serve hot.

2. Hibiscus Iced Tea:

Here’s how to make the chilled hibiscus iced tea.

What You Need

• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus calyces
• 4 cups chilled water
• Ice cubes 3-4
• Sugar syrup (to taste)

What To Do

For this recipe, add hibiscus to a pitcher of chilled water and mix well. Seeing the low absorption power of cold water, refrigerate the mix for a good 12-14 hours. You will find that with time, water will take up the flavor and the color of hibiscus. Strain it out and transfer them to your cups ,glasses or your flask.. Finish by adding ice and the sweetener. Your hibiscus iced tea is ready!

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For more information about hibiscus tea and its health benefits, tune to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPOzETA_CiI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWr13y5QaeA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DezYa2wiIP4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DyDfjZ_Fi8

Disclaimer

This content is strictly the opinion of its author and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice , diagnosis or treatment from a personal physician.

Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither the author nor publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.

 All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition or supplement or lifestyle programme.