More Than Sorrel ~ Let's Talk About Hibiscus

Hibiscus aka Hibiscus sabdariffa is a flowering plant that is native to Africa and Asia. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Hibiscus tea is made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant and has a tart, cranberry-like flavor.

Here are the top five health benefits of hibiscus:

1. Lowers blood pressure. Hibiscus tea has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. A study published in the journal Hypertension found that drinking hibiscus tea for six weeks lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 7.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.5 mmHg.

2. Improves heart health. Hibiscus tea may also help to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that drinking hibiscus tea for eight weeks lowered total cholesterol by an average of 10% and LDL (bad) cholesterol by an average of 13%.

3. Boosts immunity. Hibiscus tea is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system. Antioxidants help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

4. Fights inflammation. Hibiscus tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is associated with a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

5. May help with weight loss. Some studies have shown that hibiscus tea may help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

It is important to note that hibiscus tea is not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you are considering drinking hibiscus tea for any health reason, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Below is a list of known side effects:

• Hibiscus may cause blood pressure to drop. It has also been linked to dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear.

• 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.

• Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria drugs. It can also interact with many other drugs including some for diabetes, high blood pressure, and birth control.

Some tips for drinking hibiscus tea:

• Use loose-leaf instead of tea bags. Loose-leaf tea will give you a stronger flavor and more antioxidants.

• Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the antioxidants to be released into the tea.

• Drink the tea hot or cold. Hibiscus tea is delicious both ways.

• Add honey or stevia to sweeten the tea.

• You can also add fruits, such as lemon or berries, to the tea for extra flavor and nutrients.

Happy Sipping!

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