Hibiscus flower tea is one of the most widespread and popular teas around the world. It is known for its fine sour taste that refreshes and for its beautiful luxurious flowers, and its secret is its exceptional healing properties.
Hibiscus is the main ingredient of various tea mixes and drinks, but, apart from that, it has been known in traditional medicine for centuries for its healing effects. Rich in antioxidants and known as a diuretic, hibiscus tea has a great effect on lowering high blood pressure and regulating body weight, and is characterized by many other positive effects on human health.
Medicinal hibiscus
Hibiscus, in Latin Hibiscus Sabdariffa, is a bushy annual plant that blooms in our region from July to September, and is propagated by grafting, cuttings or sowing. Various parts of the plant are used in the preparation of food and drinks, for jams, spices, teas, soups and sauces. It is also often used because of its pleasant smell, taste and color, and most often as an aromatic addition to other teas.
The hibiscus plant is much more than a beautiful flower with an intoxicating scent. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamin C, which is why it has a very beneficial effect on the overall human health, in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and in alleviating many health problems.
Medicinal uses of hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea has been known since ancient times in folk and traditional medicine, as a pleasant natural drink that helps relieve numerous ailments and as a cure for various diseases. Scientific studies have confirmed that herbalists and traditional healers were right when they used tea from this plant with red flowers in the treatment of various health conditions.
Besides being pleasant and refreshing as a drink, at the same time it nourishes, protects and revitalizes our body with its healing properties. Hibiscus tea is a delicious, pleasant, natural and completely harmless medicine that everyone will enjoy with great health benefits.
High blood pressure – The problem of high blood pressure is one of the most prevalent health problems of modern man. Not at all naive, high blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart disease, and thus stroke or even death, caused by the aforementioned problems. A change in eating habits helps bring blood pressure into balance, and hibiscus tea is an excellent addition to such a regimen, known in scientific medical circles as an effective blood pressure medication. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and can lower blood pressure by as much as ten units, and it also has diuretic properties, so it encourages urination, which also has a positive effect on lowering blood pressure. Studies have shown that regular consumption of two to three cups of hibiscus tea per day successfully reduces high blood pressure with the same effectiveness as anti-hypertensive drugs prescribed for this purpose.
Colds and flu – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, hibiscus tea has a very positive effect on strengthening the immune system. In addition, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties successfully fight against infections caused by viruses and bacteria. Because of these characteristics, it is excellent as a preventative for colds and flu, as well as for alleviating ailments in these health conditions. Since it has a refreshing effect, it is also good for reducing fever.
Cholesterol and diabetes – The antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea make it extremely effective in lowering the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood, and the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties help with diseases related to blood sugar disorders. Scientific research has shown in one experiment that patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, who consumed hibiscus tea, had lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which is significant in monitoring and controlling this disease.
Cancer – Research has shown that hibiscus tea contains protocatechuic acid, which is known to have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Studies also say that hibiscus induces a process known as programmed cell death, which slows the growth of tumor cells.
Digestion – Hibiscus tea helps with constipation, thanks to its diuretic properties. It promotes urination and emptying of the bowels, thus generally regulating the condition of the digestive system, and it also helps in weight loss.
Weight loss – Hibiscus is one of the main ingredients in weight loss products, and not without reason. It reduces the absorption of starch and glucose, which affects the metabolic process and prevents weight gain. Hibiscus tea, as we have already mentioned, acts as a diuretic and activates the digestive system, which has an additional positive effect on weight loss.
Liver function – Studies have shown that due to its impressive antioxidant properties, hibiscus tea successfully protects the liver from diseases, as it neutralizes free radicals found in tissues and cells.
Depression and mood swings – Rich in vitamins and minerals, this drink calms the entire nervous system and reduces anxiety and depression, relaxing both body and mind. In addition, it also regulates hormonal imbalance, which helps with menstrual problems related to mood swings, depression and overeating.
Preparation and consumption of hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is prepared in a simple way, like most other herbal teas. Pour hot water over a tablespoon of dried hibiscus flowers and, if desired, add lemon juice or cinnamon for a fuller taste. It can be sweetened with stevia and vanilla bean added. The drink prepared in this way is immediately ready for consumption.
This drink is ideal for any season and can be served both cold and hot, and its medicinal properties are effective in any variety. Its effect on blood pressure and regulation of body weight are its greatest benefits for the human body.
There are no rules regarding the dosage of hibiscus tea. So far, scientific research has not shown that, in larger or smaller quantities, this drink causes unwanted or incomplete effects. However, it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, since, based on some studies, it can stimulate the onset of menstruation, which is a risk for miscarriage or premature birth.
