Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea and Hibiscus Juice

The blood-red flower crowning the luscious plant, hibiscus is not only a sight for the eyes. It hides copious health benefits in the folds of its petals. A common plant in the coastal towns and villages, this flower is often offered in religious prayers. But do you the other amazing benefits of Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus has made to the beauty box centuries ago. Many use it as a natural colouring agent for hair. It also nourishes and strengthens hair roots. But that’s not it! Drinking hibiscus Tea and Juice also offers profuse health benefits.

My fond memories of Hibiscus plant trace back to Gokhale Centenary College, Ankola. There was a lush garden full of hibiscus plants. My teachers would read out some of the most enormous works of Dinakara Desai, where he enlightened the magic of hibiscus in the language of poetry.

Ayurvedic scripts highlight the miraculous benefits of this plant. And in this blog, I would highlight the same for you!

Also Read: Fermented rice water in hair care

What is Hibiscus Tea?

A ruby red concoction prepared by boiling parts of the dried hibiscus flowers. It is a calorie-free and caffeine-free medicinal tea. It is a popular beverage used across the globe as a medicinal tea. 

This brew is a deep well of minerals. It is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. You will also get traces of B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid. Hibiscus tea is also a good source of anthocyanins. This makes it very beneficial in managing blood pressure and urinary tract infections.

Also Read: Facts about Green Tea

Amazing Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea and Juice

Hibiscus concoctions are brimmed with benefits and the world knows it. In Iran, this brew is touted as a beneficial flower for hypertension. In African countries, it’s said to aid in decreasing body temperature, treating heart disease and soothing a sore throat.

Ayurveda hails it for regulating blood sugar levels. It is also effective in ensuring good liver health. Ayurvedic scripts also highlight hibiscus as a lesser-known remedy for menstrual cramps, digestion and weight management. 

Did you know Hibiscus juice can alleviate depression?

Consumption of this amazing tea can calm down the nervous system.  Research says that it may be helpful in reducing anxiety. 

Also Read: Amazing benefits of Tulsi Tea

How to prepare this tea?

Things you will need:

• 15 Red Hibiscus dried flowers’ petals
• 2 cups of Water
• 3 tbsp Sugar
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• Ice cubes

The process to prepare the drink!

• Remove the stigma and separate the petals.
• Boil 2 cups of water in a sauce-pan.
• Wash the petals and pour them in the boiling water. 
• Cook until the petals turn white.
• Strain the petals and let it cool. 
• Next, add honey and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
• You may add few ice cubes enjoy this chilled refreshing drink

This concoction can also be stored in the refrigerator and used for a long time. 

This non-caffene brew tends to have a sour taste so adding honey will improve its taste. You may also add other herbs and spices to this tea as per your preference. Clove, cinnamon, ginger, mint leaves all increase the taste and efficacy of this herbal tea! 

Also Read: Benefits of Samahan Herbal Tea

5 Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

1. Take care of blood pressure.

Published Research shows that hibiscus tea has a positive effect on blood pressure. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in lowering blood pressure. It is superbly beneficial for people at risk of high blood pressure and those with mildly high blood pressure.

It also has diuretic properties. This results in an increase in urination and decrease of blood pressure.

Another study examined the effect of consuming three 8-ounce servings of hibiscus tea for 6 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure.

2. Tuck away your tummy

Several studies nodded to the positive effects of concentrated hibiscus tea in weight loss. Concentrated hibiscus extracts lower the absorption of starch and glucose. These are the two main elements responsible for weight gain.

It is also effective in lowering body mass index (BMI), body weight, body fat, and hip-to-waist ratio. Hence, it is found in many weight loss products. 

3. Shield your Liver

The antioxidant properties of hibiscus can help in treating liver diseases. Research says so!

Drinking hibiscus tea or juice showed significant improvement in liver steatosis. It is a condition caused by fat accumulation in the liver. This could lead to liver failure.

4. Deal with digestion with this medicinal tea

Hibiscus tea is a famous digestive. It regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Because of its powerful diuretic and laxative properties, it is effective in curing constipation.

Hibiscus tea also helps improve the health of your gastrointestinal system. According to a published study, regular consumption can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

5. Combat cancer

Hibiscus tea contains protocatechuic acid. It is blessed with antitumor and antioxidant properties.

Studies suggest that hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells. It is especially effective in slowing the growth of leukaemia. The active components in hibiscus tea can selectively induce apoptosis, cell death. 

Another study claimed that hibiscus extracts may inhibit the growth of skin cancer. It quoted that hibiscus extract induces apoptosis or cell death in gastric cancer cells. 

Rigorous researches are being conducted to understand the role of hibiscus in cancer care!

Apart from these prime benefits, hibiscus tea also helps in 

• Improving immunity
• Speeding metabolism
• Lowering cholesterol
• Fighting UTI
• Combating depression

Also Read: Tea in skincare

Caution!

Hibiscus tea is a medicinal concoction that needs to be taken with caution!

Hibiscus Tea can affect women’s hormone estrogen. Hence, pregnant or trying ladies should avoid this concoction. 

As it lowers blood pressure levels, patients suffering from low blood pressure should avoid this drink.

High doses of hibiscus tea can cause potential liver damage.

You must try this tea!

Hibiscus tea or juice has amazing benefits. Research and Ayurveda both concur with this fact! From heart health to blood pressure to digestion and depression, it is a treasure house of natural remedies.

But hibiscus tea needs to be used in the right manner. I would advise you to consult an Ayurvedic doctor to know the exact dose and way to have this magic drink.