Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made as an infusion from crimson or deep magenta-colored calyces (sepals) of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower. It is consumed both hot and cold. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor.
The health benefits of hibiscus tea might include hypertension control and reduced high blood pressure, lowered blood sugar levels, and improved liver health. It may also help in improving digestion and treating depression.
Not just that but research suggests that hibiscus tea may speed up metabolism and can aid in healthy, gradual weight loss. This tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants.
What is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica, and by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant. This tea is ruby red or deep magenta in color and has a sour taste.
It is a very popular beverage throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea. Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as “Roselle” in some places. It is widely available in the market throughout the tea-drinking world and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference.
Hibiscus Tea Nutrition
Hibiscus tea is naturally low in calories and is caffeine-free. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, it has a good supply of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid. This tea is a good source of anthocyanins, which may make it beneficial for managing elevated blood pressure levels, the common cold, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). [rx] [rx]
| Serving Size: | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 99.58 |
| Ash [g] | 0.42 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 8 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 0.08 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 3 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 1 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 20 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 4 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.04 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 0.48 |
| Niacin [mg] | 0.04 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 1 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 1 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 1 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 0.4 |
| Sources include: USDA [rx] | |
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
The various potential benefits of hibiscus flower tea which can help in keeping the human body fit are given below. Read on and get healthier!
May Help Manage Blood Pressure
A report from the AHA (American Heart Association), published in November 2008, suggests that consuming this tea may have high chances of lowering 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, also referred to as hypertension. [rx]
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that hibiscus has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which can be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases. [rx]
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea may reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to 2010 research done at Tufts University in Boston. 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 and simultaneously lower blood pressure. [rx]
Can Be Beneficial For Weight Loss
As per a study published in the National Library of Medicine, hibiscus extracts may help in preventing obesity due to its metabolism regulation properties. Another research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed how hibiscus tea reduced body weight among obese mice. [rx] [rx]
May Help Lower Cholesterol
A research study conducted on patients with type II diabetes suggests that consumption of hibiscus and sour tea may lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which helps to manage this unpredictable disease. [rx]
Hibiscus tea may also help lower the levels of LDL 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. [rx]
Might Aid in Liver Health
Research studies have suggested that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea may help in treating liver diseases. According to a 2014 study published in the Food & Function Journal[rx], when 19 obese people were administered with hibiscus tea extract for 12 weeks, there was a significant improvement seen in liver steatosis – a condition they all had been suffering from. Liver steatosis is a condition that constitutes fat accumulation in the liver. This could lead to liver failure. [rx] [rx]
Hibiscus tea also consists of antioxidants that may help protect your body from diseases as they can neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Therefore, drinking the beneficial oxidants from caffeine-free hibiscus tea could lengthen your lifespan by maintaining good overall health. [rx]Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as “Roselle” in some places.
Can Be Used As Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent
The hibiscus plant’s loose leaf tea may even be 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. In a study published in the Drug and Chemical Toxicology, when rats were administered with hibiscus extract, it increased the number of antioxidant enzymes in their bodies and reduced the harmful effects of free radicals by not less than 92 percent. While this is an animal study, more studies are needed to determine how antioxidants in hibiscus tea may affect humans. [rx]
May Act As An Antidepressant
Hibiscus tea may contain vitamins and minerals, specifically flavonoids, which have been associated with antidepressant properties in some animal studies. Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body, says research published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology. [rx]
Can Be Effective For Improved Digestion
Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it may also be used to treat constipation and improve the health of your gastrointestinal system, says a study published in the IOSR Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry. [rx]
How to Make Hibiscus Tea?
Here’s a classic spin to your otherwise mundane tea. Hibiscus tea has several health benefits. You can get dried hibiscus flowers easily from departmental stores or online portals. If you find them in your garden, nothing like it. The red color in the tea is because of these flowers. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at how to prepare it.
Easy to follow guide on how to make hibiscus iced tea from both fresh flowers and dried petals. This tea can be served both hot or cold. Please consume hibiscus tea in moderation.
From fresh flower petals
- Pluck all the fresh flowers of hibiscus from hibiscus plant.
- Separate the petals of the flower. Discard the calyx and pistil of the flower. Rinse it well.
- For every 4 cups of water, use 8-10 flowers of hibiscus. Pro-Tip: If you want to strong flavored tea, use more flowers than mentioned above.
- Note: Do not steep tea for a longer time. It might make the tea taste bitter.
- Boil water and hibiscus petals in a large pot. Once the water begins to boil, remove it from heat.
- At this stage, you can add in more flavors to the tea. We added ginger, lemongrass, allspice berries, cinnamon stick, basil leaves to the tea for flavors.
- Cover tight and let the tea steep for 15 minutes. Pro-Tip: Do not steep tea for longer. It will turn bitter. If you want a strong hibiscus flavor to add more flower petals instead of steeping longer.
- Strain the tea and discard the petals and all other ingredients in the tea. Tea concentrate can be refrigerated and used as you want. If you like to drink it hot, simply warm it up, add lemon juice and honey. Stir and drink up.
- And if you want to make hibiscus iced tea, refrigerate the concentrate mixed with lemon and honey.
- Once chilled serve it with a cup of chilled water or ice cubes to dilute. Dilute it as per your preference. You can keep it strong as you like or dilute it with more ice.
- Serve it garnished with fresh basil leaves, few lemon slices, and lemongrass for stirring. Oh, talk about fancy stirring!
FROM DRIED HIBISCUS PETALS
For every 4 cups of water, use about ½ cup of dried petals. Pour boiling hot water over the dried petals and let it steep. You can add in more flavors with basil, lemongrass, cinnamon. Follow the same steps mentioned for fresh petals.
Hibiscus Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 cup boiling water
- cinnamon stick [20] optional
- clove [21] optional
- tea bag optional
- lime wedges optional
- ginger optional
- mint leaves optional
Instructions
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On the stove, keep a pot of water to boil. Meanwhile, keep all the ingredients ready for the recipe, if you haven’t.
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Take 2 tsp of dried hibiscus flowers, which equals to 10 ml of the same (to be more accurate), and add it to the boiling water. You are free to add more or less of the hibiscus flowers, depending on how strong you want your tea to be. It’s important to note here that hibiscus tea doesn’t have caffeine, so adding a lot of it won’t harm your health.
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Once the water is boiled, pour the water slowly and steadily into a teapot. Make sure you have worn mittens/gloves to protect your hands from any kind of burns.
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If you want to add caffeine to your tea, add a teabag to the concoction. Allow it to steep for five minutes. While you wait, the hibiscus flowers will give the water a somewhat sharp, zingy taste. If you wish your tea to be strong, allow it to steep for more than 5 minutes.
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Once done, pour the tea into your cup, using a metal strainer. If your teapot has an in-built filter, the process will be way easier. Some people like to chew the hibiscus petals and don’t prefer to strain them. You can try that as well if you like.
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Don’t forget to add your preferred sweetener to the beverage. Try it with honey if you can, as it goes very well with the zestfully tart flavor of the tea. You can add sugar or stevia as well, depending on your choice.
Organic hibiscus tisane herbal tea has a taste that is very similar to cranberry juice. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mint leaves, lemon wedges or ginger depending on your taste. Hibiscus ginger tea is one of the popular flavors as it gives the tea both a balance of tartness (of the flower) and spiciness (of the ginger).
How Much Hibiscus Tea Can You Drink?
Hibiscus Tea Side Effects
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 (antihypertensive properties). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who already have low blood pressure or hypotension, according to The Telegraph. It may cause faintness, dizziness, and can even cause damage to the heart or brain if consumed by anyone with low blood pressure. [rx] [rx]
- Pregnancy and fertility: According to an article published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, particularly due to its emmenagogue effects, which may stimulate menstruation or blood flow in the uterus or pelvic region. According to MedlinePlus, hibiscus can cause shakiness, constipation, and stomach discomfort. For those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding the consumption of this variety of tea. [rx] [rx]
- Diabetes & surgery: Hibiscus may lower the blood sugar levels so it is best advised to consult your doctor if suffering from diabetes or planning to undergo surgery. [rx]
- Other: Some people may feel intoxicated or experience hallucinations after drinking hibiscus tea. Therefore, be cautious until you know how your body reacts to the tea. Don’t drive a car or operate heavy machinery 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.
Note: Consult your doctor if taking medications such as Chloroquine, antidiabetic medications, or Zocor before using hibiscus tea.
Interacts With Medications Hibiscus Tea Risk
FAQs
Is Hibiscus tea good for you?
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 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.
How much Hibiscus Tea Should I Drink?
Hibiscus tea is not very potent if you have the decaffeinated version. Ideally, one cup of this brew is enough to enjoy the health benefits outlined above. Consuming more than this can increase the risk of certain side effects. It is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming it.
Where to Buy Hibiscus Tea?
You can easily make hibiscus tea at home if you have the flowers growing in your backyard. If you don’t have access to a hibiscus plant, the tea is best made with:
- Organic dried hibiscus flowers
- Hibiscus tea bags
They are both available online as well as in local supermarkets. Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink to satiate thirst. For this purpose, hibiscus tea is typically consumed cold, as iced tea. Many people include it in their diet since this variety of tea has the ability to cool down the body very fast. 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. In case you do not want to drink it hot, during summer, you have the option to drink hibiscus iced tea by steeping organic hibiscus flowers in water. It takes about 20 minutes for preparation, and then you can cool yourself off in a healthy, refreshing way. So go ahead and brew a cup full of goodness!
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