What Are The Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea

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.

Disclaimer Take Everything With A Grain Of Salt

Im not a doctor! Im a tea enthusiast that researched the benefits and risks of hibiscus tea to share with you. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, or are unsure if you should drink hibiscus tea, I urge you talk to your doctor before trying anything.

Its also important to note that although hibiscus tea has been around for centuries, its only recently been the subject of scientific study. Because of this, there isnt as much information out there on hibiscus tea as there is on green, or even black teas.

On top of that, the studies that have been conducted didnt all involve human trials or even the tea form of the plant. Most of them either use animals or test tubes and are using hibiscus extracts or supplements.

This is just something to keep in mind, as this can still give us a good idea of the potential benefits and risks from hibiscus tea.

Is Hibiscus Tea Safe During Pregnancy

Effecting Pregnancy. Since hibiscus tea can reduce our estrogen levels, expectant mothers are strongly suggested not to consume hibiscus tea. It is indeed not many research show how hibiscus tea affect the fetus. Yet, avoiding hibiscus tea during the pregnancy is a good idea for precaution action. 6. Interfering Female Fertility.

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Hibiscus Tea For Menstrual Cramps And Menopausal Symptoms

Menstrual cramps occur during menstruation when there is a release of prostaglandin which causes cramps. Cramps occur because these prostaglandins essentially cause a contraction in the uterus which obstructs blood supply. Hibiscus tea is known to have analgesic properties that relax the muscles of the bladder and uterus thereby reducing cramps. Women often go for medicines to get rid of cramps which may have harmful side effects but in the case of Hibiscus tea, it is different.

Hibiscus tea is completely natural and has no such side effects. This tea is also proven beneficial in treating the issue of menopause in women. Studies prove that low estrogen present in the body causes menopause. Therefore, in this case, Hibiscus tea shows estrogenic effects by promoting phytoestrogens which prevent menopause. Therefore, Hibiscus tea is a very effective drink for women suffering from Menstrual cramps and Menopause.

Does Hibiscus Tea Cause Hallucinations

There have been some reports of people claiming to feel woozy after drinking hibiscus tea. Its happened often enough that the terms hibiscus drunk and hibiscus intoxication have been created.

To date, there is no scientific evidence of hibiscus tea making people drunk and/or causing hallucinations.

A common theory for why hibiscus intoxication happens is that its result of peoples blood pressure becoming too low. As I mentioned, hibiscus tea is known for lowering your blood pressure.

When your blood pressure becomes too low, this can lead you to feeling light headed, and well, drunk, and possibly hallucinating.

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Contains Compounds That May Help Prevent Cancer

Hibiscus is high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to possess powerful anti-cancer properties .

Test-tube studies have found impressive results regarding the potential effect of hibiscus extract on cancer cells.

In one test-tube study, hibiscus extract impaired cell growth and reduced the invasiveness of mouth and plasma cell cancers (

18 ).

Keep in mind that these were test-tube studies using high amounts of hibiscus extract. Research in humans is needed to evaluate the effect of hibiscus tea on cancer.

Summary Test-tube studies have found that hibiscus extract reduces the growth and spread of plasma, mouth, prostate and stomach cancer cells. Human studies are needed to evaluate the effect of hibiscus tea.

Here Are 4 Amazing Things That Drinking Hibiscus Tea Daily Can Do For You

Hibiscus is definitely a beautiful flower but not many know of the plethora of benefits it holds for your health. Yes, you heard it! The red hibiscus tea with a tangy taste isnt just yummy but also contributes to you getting healthy.

It is said that people of the African region have often used hibiscus for heart health. You can have it cold or hot but make it a point to include hibiscus tea in your daily routine. Doing so will bring you multiple benefits, ranging from a healthier heart to glowing skin.

Surprised to hear this? Well, here are four reasons which will make you include hibiscus tea in your life and reap its powerful benefits:

1. It aids weight lossIf youre looking to shed some kilos to get back in shape, then hibiscus tea can be of assistancealong with your workout routine of course.

A study published on PubMed Central noted that hibiscus tea doesnt just help in weight loss but also reduces body fat. Moreover, it can also help prevent obesity.

2. It can keep bacterial infections at bayBacterial infections can cause you to become really sick. Hence, it is best to take steps to prevent them. Hibiscus, as it turns out, might help with keeping bacteria at bay.

Another study published on PubMed Central observed that hibiscus can inhibit the activity of E. Coli, the bacteria which is known to cause urinary tract infections.

So, ladies, what are you waiting for? Get to brewing some hibiscus tea to stay healthy.

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Beneficial Effects On Oxidative Stress

As mentioned, hibiscus tea is an incredible source of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage.

An imbalance between the levels of oxidation and antioxidants in the body is what leads to oxidative stress, and conditions such as cancer, gene mutations, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attacks, and more.

One study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture in 2012 discovered that hibiscus tea increased antioxidant load in the bloodstream and lowered the functionality of compounds that can contribute to oxidative stress and damage cells.

The researchers suggested that the high number of polyphenols in hibiscus is what made the most impact in the study.

Another study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements in 2017 found that both hibiscus tea extract and green tea extract had beneficial effects on oxidative stress in male athletes due to a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity.

For the study, 54 male soccer players had randomly received 450 mg daily of hibiscus tea extract, green tea extract, or the food additive maltodextrin.

Inhibits Obesity And Fat Accumulation

Well, your hunt for that slimming potion may just end with hibiscus tea. Study participants between the ages of 18 and 65 with a BMI of 27 or higher were asked to have hibiscus extracts. The results were promising as consumption of hibiscus extract reduced body weight, BMI, body fat and even waist-to-hip ratio. Serum free fatty acid was also lowered by consuming the extract.9

Another study points out that the polyphenols found in hibiscus extract effectively reduced the effects of a high-fat diet in hamsters in a dose-dependent manner. It prevents the liver from converting glucose and other substances into fatty acids and triglycerides. It also prevents preadipocyte cells from converting into adipocyte or fat cells.10

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How To Make Hibiscus Tea

Heres 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, lets take a look at how to prepare it.

Hibiscus Tea Benefits Also Includes Fever Constipation And Cold Cures

Since ancient times, hibiscus has been used in different cultures as a remedy for treating various conditions, for example, the Egyptians used the hibiscus tea of this flower for lowering the temperature of the body, treating nerve and heart diseases, and the best use was as a diuretic. Due to the cooling effects of hibiscus tea, fever can also be reduced. In other parts of the world such as Africa, the parts of the plant was used in the treatment of liver disease, symptoms of cold and constipation. Hibiscus flowers have been popularised as a healthy flower and also used as a medicine in menopause treatment. The pulp or juice made from these leaves can treat skin wounds. This is one of the most know hibiscus tea benefits around the world.

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Improves Insulin Resistance And Helps With Blood Sugar Control

There are a few studies involving rats that show promise for the use of hibiscus on insulin resistance and blood sugar control.

In one study, the rats were fed a high-fructose diet and after 3 weeks of taking a hibiscus extract, many of the blood levels measured returned to normal or were significantly lowered.

Another review published in 2020 compiled data from 68 research articles and concluded that Hibiscus was often equally or more effective than pharmaceuticals in improving some biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, especially blood glucose and insulin sensitivity.

Hibiscus Tea Is Packed With Antioxidants

First up on our list of hibiscus benefits is antioxidants.

Hibiscus tea is packed full of anti-oxidants which may help prevent damage to the cells and oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals.6

Studies conducted on animals have shown that hibiscus extract can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals by up to 92%.7

Free radicals not only cause ageing but they can also heighten your risk of illness and diseases.8

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Lowers Diabetes Risk By Reducing Cholesterol And Blood Pressure

In the aforementioned study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009, researchers found that hibiscus tea could significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and raise high-density lipoprotein levels in 53 type 2 diabetics.

Another study from 2009 found that daily hibiscus tea consumption could reduce blood pressure in type 2 diabetics.

It May Speed Up Wound Healing

Proper wound healing is an essential component of healthy skin. It’s a super-important process, notes Green, as it prevents infections and other complications that can cause scarring.

There’s some evidence hibiscus could support wound healing. In lab studies, researchers have examined the topical effect of hibiscus extract on wounds in skin samples called skin explants. The extract increased the production of fibronectin, a protein that helps the edges of a wound close. It also stimulated the expression of genes involved in various healing processes, including skin hydration and regeneration.

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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.

How To Find And Make

Like most supplements, its important to purchase hibiscus leaves, powder or extract from trustworthy sources with a good reputation. Some experts suggest that, if you purchase hibiscus in extract form, it should be in an airless pump that hasnt touched the air so you still get the full hibiscus tea benefits.

If you purchase dried hibiscus, you are actually getting the calyces of the plant, which surround the petals, rather than the petals themselves.

All hibiscus teas are caffeine-free, so feel free to try a variety of them to find your favorite.

Its pretty easy to make your own hibiscus tea. After boiling water, place the dried calyces of the plant into the water and wait until it turns deep red. This will produce concentrated hibiscus tea, so then add about half the amount of water in cool.

Sweeten with raw honey or stevia to your desired taste when its warm, but not hot. Optionally garnish with mint or a slice of lime, and youve got a healthy, delicious beverage that can be served hot or cold. Some recipes recommend adding a cinnamon stick for flavor.

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Hibiscus Tea May Help With Weight Loss And Management

Hibiscus has diuretic properties which means that it helps to increase your urine production and stops you feeling bloated.

A study found that consuming hibiscus extract over 12 weeks resulted in a lower body weight in overweight people.11

Hibiscus tea can also stop you from binging on sweet treats. Try a cup after dinner when you have got a craving for something sweet. It can help to see off the craving because it changes the taste in your mouth to something sweeter.12

Hibiscus tea may also stop you feeling hungry in general. Taking your mind off eating and making yourself a cup of hibiscus tea will distract you from feelings of hunger.

Also, hunger is often confused with thirst, so drinking a cup of hibiscus tea will help to keep you dehydrated.

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, 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.

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.

Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as Roselle in some places.

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Hibiscus Tea May Help Your Digestion

Diuretics increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine. Hibiscus tea has been shown to work as a natural diuretic, pulling salt out of the body which is a mechanism by which blood pressure is reduced, says Michalczyk.

Plus, its essentially like drinking sugar-free and caffeine-free flavored water, which will keep you hydrated. In turn, drinking ample amounts of water helps you stay regular, prevents constipation, and aids in digestion, adds Rizzo.

How To Use Hibiscus Tea On Your Hair

All you need is brew the tea in a cup of hot water. After it is cooled down, soak your hair in the hibiscus tea and leave it on for an hour or two. You might like to use a spray bottle and spray the tea on your head as this might make it easier to apply. After an hour or so, you can rinse it off and apply conditioner as usual.

In addition, you can also try a yogurt hair mask. Simply grind hibiscus flowers and leaves into a paste and mix it with yogurt to make a smooth hair mask. Apply it on your hair and leave it on for about an hour. Afterwards, wash it off with a gentle shampoo and condition your hair.

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Could Help Fight Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a variety of infections, ranging from bronchitis to pneumonia to urinary tract infections.

In addition to having antioxidant and anticancer properties, some test-tube studies have found that hibiscus could help fight bacterial infections.

In fact, one test-tube study found that hibiscus extract inhibited the activity of E. coli, a strain of bacteria that can cause symptoms like cramping, gas and diarrhea .

Another test-tube study showed that the extract fought eight strains of bacteria and was as effective as some medications used to treat bacterial infections (

Final Thoughts On Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is an excellent antioxidant-rich herbal tea that contains a number of health benefits. In this article, we detailed many of the benefits of hibiscus, including its effect on digestion, immune health, and skin health. At the same time, it may be able to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, depression, anxiety, menstrual pain, weight problems, and bacterial and viral infections.

Like most supplements, it is important to purchase hibiscus extract, leaves, or powder from a trusted source. Some suggest purchasing hibiscus extract in an airless pump that hasnt been exposed to air so you get the full effect of the hibiscus tea.

Overall, hibiscus tea is delicious, especially when served with lemon juice and raw honey, or flavored with cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.

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Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feedingPOSSIBLY UNSAFE

Diabetes: Hibiscus might decrease blood sugar levels. The dose of your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Low blood pressure: Hibiscus might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking hibiscus might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

Surgery: Hibiscus might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using hibiscus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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Can Help Boost Metabolism

Hibiscus has also been shown to help boost metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that consuming hibiscus can help to reduce body fat percentage and BMI. Hibiscus also improves overall metabolic health, and can be a great addition to a balanced diet if youre looking to better regulate your metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.

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