Hibiscus Tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant, offers anti-inflammatory properties, helps fight chronic cardiac disorders, promotes healthy respiratory function, and could even help with weight loss.
Besides the many benefits associated with drinking hibiscus tea, there are not many downsides to this beverage.
One of the most prevalent is that it has a very unique taste that isn’t for everyone to enjoy.
However, the unique flavor does not correlate with any side effects or negative reactions from consuming this drink.
A Smart Drug
Hibiscus tea is said to be a natural “smart drug” that helps promote cognitive function and mental alertness.
Furthermore, it is claimed that drinking hibiscus tea can help reduce the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Of course, the benefits of hibiscus tea are not limited to those mentioned above. This drink is also known for its fortifying properties and can prevent you from feeling fatigued during the day.
Moreover, it is also known to be a potent[1] aphrodisiac and is used in many ancient formulas to increase libido.
In addition, consuming this drink can help treat depression, assist with weight loss and lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and various forms of cancer.
Hibiscus tea helps reduce blood pressure by over 10 points in individuals with high blood pressure, as per the research[2].
Furthermore, this drink can also help reduce the risk of kidney stones, prevent heart attacks and protect against liver damage.
It is also believed that hibiscus tea could improve[3] dental health and whiten your teeth by as much as 8 shades after prolonged use.
Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea
Do you love the taste of hibiscus tea? Too lazy to make your iced tea with fresh strawberries and lavender flowers?
Warmed up to the idea of smart water flavored with a touch of sugar and raspberry juice? Whatever your reason, here are the health benefits that might convince you to give this drink a try.
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Fantastic For Your Digestion
Organic hibiscus is high in dietary fiber, which could aid[4] in digestive health by preventing constipation and helping you feel fuller longer.
Hibiscus tea has been used traditionally to help ease stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
It’s also a mild laxative that speeds up metabolism in the gut for a faster release of waste from the body.
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Boosts Your Immune System
The immune system is one of our most important weapons against infection, but it needs a constant supply of fuel to fire up properly to fight pathogens and viruses.
Consuming hibiscus tea regularly can boost their levels of natural killer cells and T cells, which are the white blood cells that help our bodies keep infections at bay[5].
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It’s A Natural Diuretic
Getting rid of excess water weight in our bodies is a good thing.
The study[6] concluded that hibiscus tea has anthocyanins, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid which show the effects of diuretic, natriuretic, and potassium-sparing.
Hibiscus tea has been used for centuries in both Chinese and Native American cultures to promote weight loss by eliminating water weight through urination.
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Good For Blood Pressure
The compounds found within[7] the hibiscus include anthocyanins which can lower high blood pressure levels by relaxing the blood vessels.
Besides anthocyanins, it contains high amounts of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that could make it easier for the artery walls to relax and maintain blood pressure.
Hibiscus also has potassium that helps regulate[8] fluid balance in your body. This can lower blood pressure due to the excess fluid build-up in your body.
High amounts of vitamin C could help prevent[9] heart disease and increase blood circulation.
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Good For Heart
Procyanidins are flavonoids found in hibiscus tea that help lower[10] cholesterol levels as well as protect your artery walls from inflammation that causes high blood pressure.
The antioxidants present in it could help promote[11] heart health by preventing plaque buildup in arteries.
Hibiscus tea contains theanine which has also been proven[12] to lower stress levels and improve alertness by counteracting the effects of caffeine on the nervous system.
These effects make hibiscus tea a drink that could be beneficial[13] for people looking to reduce their risk of heart disease or other chronic diseases.
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Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Hibiscus tea helps reduce[14] insulin resistance, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
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Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus tea are thought to help prevent certain types of cancer and reduce symptoms of asthma[15], arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.
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Promotes Healthy Hair
Hibiscus tea is used by women in some cultures to dye their hair red, which is a vibrant rich color for hair that gives it shine.
It could also help in hair growth, as per this study[16]. Besides, it may also relieve dandruff, thinning hair, and premature graying.
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Aids Weight Loss
Drinking hibiscus tea before meals could help you lose[17] weight because of its effects on the digestive system and its ability to speed up metabolism for energy and fat loss.
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Reduces Acne
Another benefit of hibiscus tea is that it reduces the risk of getting acne by reducing inflammatory substances which are the causes of acne.
Inflammation and redness are often a sign of infection, but they can also be caused by inflammation inside the skin which is the main cause[18] of underlying acne.
Drinking hibiscus tea twice a day can help address this issue and reduce the chances of developing acne.
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Aids Kidney Health
Hibiscus tea has also been touted as a natural remedy[19] for people with kidney problems and issues like diabetes.
It prevents the buildup of fluid in the body, regulates blood pressure levels, and helps fight off the infection that may arise from inflammation.
Hibiscus tea is a healthy herbal infusion and it could help detoxify the liver and purify the blood, benefitting your kidneys.
The antioxidants in hibiscus tea work as a natural diuretic, helping[3] you to flush out excess fluids from your body.
This prevents swelling and water retention, which are caused by tissues and other ailments like bloating or high blood pressure.
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Promotes Healthy Skin
Hibiscus tea has been consumed since ancient times for its endless benefits for the skin.
It contains more than 20 flavonoids and flavonoid compounds are responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
It is a good source of vitamin C (80%) which is beneficial for the skin because it is a powerful antioxidant substance.
Vitamin C gives the skin its pink, healthy looks and it also increases[20] collagen production which helps in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Regular consumption[21] of hibiscus tea could reduce the dryness, cracks, dullness, acne, and dark spots on the skin.
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Other Benefits
- Hibiscus tea helps prevent[22] breast cancer cells from growing because of its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It’s high in calcium, which means it can strengthen bones and teeth.
- It’s good for the thyroid gland helping to regulate your metabolism – making you feel more energized and full of life!
- Hibiscus tea is an anti-viral – meaning that it can help prevent viral infections such as colds, flu, or fever.
How to Make Hibiscus Tea?
To make hibiscus tea, combine one of its tea bags with a cup of boiling water and allow the tea to steep for about 10 minutes.
If you prefer your tea iced, then you can brew the tea in hot water and allow it to cool before pouring over ice and orange juice.
Conclusion
Hibiscus tea is a wonderfully healthful beverage that not only offers a delicious taste but also has numerous health benefits.
The vitamins and minerals present in this tea could help you in maintaining a healthy and well-functioning body.
However, you need to talk to your health expert regarding the right dosage of hibiscus tea before you begin its consumption to avoid any side effects of it on your health.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- S O Olagbende-Dada, E N Ezeobika, F I Duru Anabolic effect of Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn. leaf extracts in immature albino male rats Nig Q J Hosp Med. 2007 Jan-Mar;17(1):5-7. doi: 10.4314/nqjhm.v17i1.12532. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17688164/
- Rosalie Marion Bliss Study Shows Consuming Hibiscus Tea Lowers Blood Pressure November 10, 2008 Available from: https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2008/study-shows-consuming-hibiscus-tea-lowers-blood-pressure/
- Marco A. Lugo-Flores, Karen P. Quintero-Cabello, Patricia Palafox-Rivera, et al. Plant-Derived Substances with Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Flavoring Potential to Formulate Oral Health Care Products Biomedicines. 2021 Nov; 9(11): 1669.Published online 2021 Nov 11. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9111669
- María Herranz-López, Mariló Olivares-Vicente, José Antonio Encinar, et al. Multi-Targeted Molecular Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Polyphenols: An Opportunity for a Global Approach to Obesity Nutrients. 2017 Aug; 9(8): 907.Published online 2017 Aug 20. doi: 10.3390/nu9080907
- Tugsbaatar BAATARTSOGT, Vuong N. BUI, Dai Q. TRINH, et al. High antiviral effects of hibiscus tea extract on the H5 subtypes of low and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses J Vet Med Sci. 2016 Sep; 78(9): 1405–1411.Published online 2016 May 19. doi: 10.1292/jvms.16-0124
- Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Javier Alarcón-Alonso, Arturo Aguilar-Rojas, et al. Diuretic effect of compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa by modulation of the aldosterone activity Planta Med. 2012 Dec;78(18):1893-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327864. Epub 2012 Nov 13. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23150077/
- Majid Jalalyazdi, Javad Ramezani, Azadeh Izadi-Moud, et al. Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019 Jul-Sep; 10(3): 107–111.doi: 10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18
- Francis J Haddy, Paul M Vanhoutte, Michel Feletou Role of potassium in regulating blood flow and blood pressure Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2006 Mar;290(3):R546-52. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00491.2005. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16467502/
- Melissa A. Moser and Ock K. Chun Vitamin C and Heart Health: A Review Based on Findings from Epidemiologic Studies Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Aug; 17(8): 1328.Published online 2016 Aug 12. doi: 10.3390/ijms17081328
- Lorena Ciumărnean, Mircea Vasile Milaciu, Octavia Runcan, et al. The Effects of Flavonoids in Cardiovascular Diseases Molecules. 2020 Sep; 25(18): 4320.Published online 2020 Sep 21. doi: 10.3390/molecules25184320
- Jane A. Leopold Antioxidants and Coronary Artery Disease: From Pathophysiology to Preventive Therapy Coron Artery Dis. 2015 Mar; 26(2): 176–183.doi: 10.1097/MCA.0000000000000187
- Shinsuke Hidese, Shintaro Ogawa, Miho Ota, et al. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial Nutrients. 2019 Oct; 11(10): 2362.Published online 2019 Oct 3. doi: 10.3390/nu11102362
- Salisu M. Abubakar, Moses T. Ukeyima, Jeremy P. E. Spencer, et al. Acute Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyces on Postprandial Blood Pressure, Vascular Function, Blood Lipids, Biomarkers of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Humans Nutrients. 2019 Feb; 11(2): 341.Published online 2019 Feb 5. doi: 10.3390/nu11020341
- Fatemeh Akbari, Najmeh Shahinfard, Mahmoud Mirhoseini, et al. Impacts of Hibiscus esculentus extract on glucose and lipid profile of diabetic rats J Nephropharmacol. 2016; 5(2): 80–85.Published online 2015 May 19.
- Jean Claude Didelot Tomani, Vedaste Kagisha, Alembert Tiabou Tchinda, et al. The Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome and IL-6 Production by Hibiscus noldeae Baker f. Derived Constituents Provides a Link to Its Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Potentials Molecules. 2020 Oct; 25(20): 4693.Published online 2020 Oct 14. doi: 10.3390/molecules25204693
- N Adhirajan, T Ravi Kumar, N Shanmugasundaram, et al. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Oct;88(2-3):235-9. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(03)00231-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12963149/
- Oyindamola Vivian Ojulari, Seul Gi Lee, and Ju-Ock Nam Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity Molecules. 2019 Jan; 24(1): 210.Published online 2019 Jan 8. doi: 10.3390/molecules24010210
- Emil A. Tanghetti The Role of Inflammation in the Pathology of Acne J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013 Sep; 6(9): 27–35.
- Doa’a Anwar Ibrahim and Rowida Noman Albadani Evaluation of the Potential Nephroprotective and Antimicrobial Effect of Camellia sinensis Leaves versus Hibiscus sabdariffa (In Vivo and In Vitro Studies) Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2014; 2014: 389834.Published online 2014 May 14. doi: 10.1155/2014/389834
- Juliet M. Pullar, Anitra C. Carr, and Margreet C. M. Vissers The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health Nutrients. 2017 Aug; 9(8): 866.Published online 2017 Aug 12. doi: 10.3390/nu9080866
- Luana Beatriz dos Santos Nascimento, Antonella Gori, Andrea Raffaelli, et al. Phenolic Compounds from Leaves and Flowers of Hibiscus roseus: Potential Skin Cosmetic Applications of an Under-Investigated Species Plants (Basel). 2021 Mar; 10(3): 522.Published online 2021 Mar 10. doi: 10.3390/plants10030522
- Christopher Nguyen, Kiruthika Baskaran, Alaina Pupulin, et al. Hibiscus flower extract selectively induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells and positively interacts with common chemotherapeutics BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 May 6;19(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2505-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31060537/
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.