A meta-analysis of studies published in 2015, found that drinking hibiscus tea significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More studies are needed to confirm the results.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a plant known for its large, colorful flowers. Different types of hibiscus have been used around the world as herbal remedies.
In recent years, researchers have been exploring the health effects of hibiscus and chemicals in the plant.
Why do people take hibiscus?
People use hibiscus to try to treat a number of health concerns, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
There has been some promising research that hibiscus may help lower high blood pressure. More studies are needed to confirm this.
Some research suggests that hibiscus may be helpful in lowering cholesterol. One study focused on people with metabolic syndrome, which refers to a cluster of health risks including obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. It raises people’s risk of heart disease and diabetes.
In the study, hibiscus extract for people with metabolic syndrome was linked to:
- Lower blood sugar
- Lower total cholesterol
- Higher HDL “good” cholesterol
- Improved measurement of insulin resistance
Again, there is not enough evidence yet to recommend using hibiscus for this purpose.
One small study tested different herbal remedies to treat head lice. A mixture containing hibiscus tea and another herb appeared effective. However, this needs more research.
Some researchers are also looking at hibiscus to see if it can be used as an antioxidant. But more studies need to be done in this area.
Optimal doses of hibiscus have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.
Can you get hibiscus naturally from foods?
Hibiscus tea is a popular drink sometimes known as sour tea.
What are the risks of taking hibiscus?
Side effects. Hibiscus may cause blood pressure to drop. It has also been linked to dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear.
Risks. Avoid hibiscus if you are allergic or sensitive to it or members of the Malvaceae plant family. Use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure.
Interactions. Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria drugs. It can also interact with many other drugs including some for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, even if they’re natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing as it may be unsafe for you and your baby.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
Show Sources
Natural Standard Professional Monograph: “Hibiscus.”
Frank, T. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Aug. 15, 2012.
Wahabi, H. Phytomedicine, February 2010.
McKay, D. Journal of Nutrition, February 2010.
Gurrola-Diaz, C. Phytomedicine, June 2010.
National Institutes of Health: “What is metabolic syndrome?”
Clemson Cooperative Extension: “Hibiscus.”
What’s to know about hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea, made from dried parts of the hibiscus plant, is deep red in color. It has sweet and tart flavors, similar to cranberry, and may be consumed hot or iced. But does drinking it offer people any health benefits?
Many people are familiar with the beautiful flowers of the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus Sabdariffa). It originated in North Africa and Southeast Asia but now grows in many tropical and subtropical climates. People around the world use various parts of the plant as food and medicine.
This article explores the potential health benefits and risks of drinking hibiscus tea.
The part of the hibiscus plant that protects and supports the flower is called the calyx. The dried calyces are used to make hibiscus tea.
Other drinks made from the hibiscus plant include:
- red sorrel
- agua de Jamaica
- Lo-Shen
- Sudan tea
- sour tea
- Karkade
Hibiscus tea is categorized as an herbal tea. Herbal tea is made from a variety of plants, herbs, and spices. In many countries, herbal tea cannot be called “tea” since it does not come from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.
Although not as popular as black and green teas, herbal tea sales continue to rise, in part due to their potential health benefits.
Historically, hibiscus tea has been used in African countries to decrease body temperature, treat heart disease, and sooth a sore throat. In Iran, hibiscus tea is used to treat high blood pressure.
Recent studies have looked at the possible role of hibiscus in the treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
High blood pressure
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in people at risk of high blood pressure and those with mildly high blood pressure.
Study participants consumed three 8-ounce servings of hibiscus tea or a placebo beverage daily for 6 weeks. Those who drank the hibiscus tea saw a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure, compared to those who consumed the placebo drink.
A meta-analysis of studies published in 2015, found that drinking hibiscus tea significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More studies are needed to confirm the results.
Cholesterol
Research published in 2011 compared the results of consuming hibiscus versus black tea on cholesterol levels.
Ninety people with high blood pressure consumed either hibiscus or black tea twice a day for 15 days.
After 30 days, neither group had meaningful changes in their LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. However, both groups had significant increases in their total and HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.
However, other studies have shown mixed results. A review published in 2013, found that drinking hibiscus tea did not significantly decrease cholesterol levels.
Other studies, including a 2014 review of a number of clinical trials, showed that consuming hibiscus tea or extract increased good cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Better quality studies are still needed to investigate the impact of hibiscus consumption on cholesterol levels.
Weight loss
Some studies have demonstrated positive effects when examining the effects of concentrated hibiscus on managing body weight.
One report showed that hibiscus resulted in a lower body mass index (BMI), body weight, body fat, and hip-to-waist ratio.
An older study showed that hibiscus extract led to reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides in the Mexican population. This can lead to a reduced risk of obesity.
However, it should be noted that these studies used concentrated doses, and further research is needed to fully confirm the benefits of hibiscus in tea.
Share on Pinterest Naturally calorie and caffeine-free, hibiscus tea may be served with sugar or honey as a sweetener.
Hibiscus tea is naturally calorie and caffeine-free. It can be served hot or iced.
Because hibiscus tea is naturally tart, sugar or honey is often added as a sweetener, adding calories and carbohydrates.
The heart health benefits associated with hibiscus tea are believed to be due to compounds called anthocyanins, the same naturally occurring chemicals that give berries their color.
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