Hibiscus Tea, usage of herbal treatments is becoming increasingly popular across the world. According to 2002 estimates, about four billion people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for basic health conditions. Although people have witnessed and experienced the therapeutic benefits of these herbal medicines on health problems for thousands of years, there is little scientific research on these treatments. Due to a lack of evidence on the mechanism of action, potential adverse effects, contraindications, and combinations with established Western medical therapies, these items are not considered ‘competitive leading herbal supplements’ in the market.
Table of Contents
Different Varieties of Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a blooming plant family whose leaves and red flower petals are utilised as natural treatments by most people throughout the world. However, evidence on the effects of many kinds is limited. Consumption of tea prepared from Hibiscus flower petals is practised by a huge number of people worldwide to reduce hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and so Hibiscus tea is commercially accessible in foreign markets. To make Hibiscus tea, a variety of flowers from the Hibiscus family are utilised.
- Hibiscus sabdariffa is the most often consumed cultivar, and it also contains hypotensive and hypolipidemic benefits that have been scientifically verified.
- However, Hibiscus rosasinensis is the most common, a readily cultivated plant that is available to the majority of the world’s population since it is grown extensively in the tropics and subtropics (it can be grown in glass chambers in cold weather because it can not survive temperatures below 10 C).
- Aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa Sinensis red flower petals is a popular herbal home treatment in Asian nations, however, there is little scientific evidence to support its benefits on humans. This plant is a glabrous shrub grown for decorative purposes. The red-flowered species is the most commonly utilised as a herbal treatment.
Use of the Hibiscus Flower by Humans
- Females in Bangladesh use a decoction of flower petals and green beetle nuts to manage their menstrual cycles.
- The Chinese employ hot water extract of flowers as an emmenagogue and tonic.
- East Indies women utilise flower extract to manage their menstrual cycles and induce abortion.
- In Fiji, a hot water extract of flowers and leaves is taken orally to help with birthing, and a dried flower infusion is used to help with digestion.
- People in Haiti utilise a flower decoction to treat sickness and cough, while Hawaiians chew flowers to induce lactation.
- Indians utilise dried flower decoction for abortion and hot water extraction of flowers as a contraceptive. Indian traditional medicine uses crushed flowers with honey to treat excessive uterine bleeding.
- Hibiscus blossoms were used to treat heart ailments in ancient Indian medical texts. Flowers contain cooling and calming properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and emmenagogue properties.
- Petals are used as a hair conditioner, to encourage hair growth, and to prevent premature greying and hair loss.
- Flowers are used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate anaemia, and constipation, and to increase hair growth.
5 Health Effects of Hibiscus Tea
1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Many lifestyle illnesses are caused by chronic inflammation, which is typically caused by a lack of nutrients and antioxidants.
- Hibiscus is naturally high in the phytonutrient anthocyanin, a family of bioactive pigments responsible for the red hue and significant antioxidant properties of hibiscus.
- A recent study discovered that H. sabdariffa extracts had powerful therapeutic effects on the body.
- According to the findings, anthocyanins may have a role in the treatment of a wide range of disorders.
- It’s encouraging to know that such a basic plant can provide so many advantages. For 6 weeks, drink up to 3 cups of tea every day.
2. Prevents colds and flu
- Vitamin C, which is plentiful in hibiscus, is a vital ingredient required for a healthy immune system.
- To boost your immunity to colds and flu, natural and integrative health care practitioners recommend drinking hibiscus tea as a preventive step during either the hot summer months or the winter seasons.
- One recent study found that hibiscus has the capacity to fight the flu virus.
- Spices and herbs with immune-boosting characteristics, such as ginger, black pepper, rose hips, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and fenugreek, can be added to your tea.
3. Lowers blood pressure
- People suffering from hypertension may take solace in the fact that scientists are discovering that drinking hibiscus tea or utilising an extract from the hibiscus flower may help reduce high blood pressure.
- Adults who drank 240 mL of hibiscus tea every day for 6 weeks had reduced blood pressure, according to a research investigation.
- In addition to regular relaxation and exercise, warming up a hot mug of hibiscus tea will relieve tension and have a relaxing effect on the entire body.
- However, it is suggested that you check your doctor before using this cure, especially if you are taking antihypertensive drugs, as mixing them with hibiscus tea might result in a significant reduction in blood pressure.
4. Boosts liver health
- Many natural health practitioners use the phrase “love your liver” for a good cause.
- The liver does many great things, but one, in particular, stands out: cleansing.
- As a result, use everyday meals and drinks like hibiscus tea to gradually cleanse your body every day.
- One rat investigation indicated that hibiscus anthocyanins (HAs) from H. sabdariffa L. decreased oxidative liver damage.
- The naturally occurring pigments in the plants reduced the incidence of liver lesions and necrosis in rats.
5. Promotes healthy skin and hair
- Healthy skin and hair are frequently indicators of overall health, regardless of age.
- Hibiscus has been shown to improve health on the inside while also making you look nice on the outside.
- Consuming hibiscus tea on a daily basis may help to soothe sensitive skin, smooth out wrinkles, and make your skin seem toned, moisturised, and rejuvenated.
- Furthermore, hibiscus tea and extracts have been utilised as a feasible treatment for severe skin disorders such as melanoma, which accounts for 80% of skin cancer deaths.
Toxic Effects of Hibiscus Tea
Although hibiscus tea offers several health advantages, it also has a few drawbacks.
- Low blood pressure: Consumption of hibiscus tea can further drop blood pressure levels in persons who already have low blood pressure or hypotension, causing faintness, dizziness, and damage to the heart and brain.
- Emmenagogue: Hibiscus tea is not advised for pregnant women, owing to its emmenagogue properties, which may cause menstruation or increased blood flow in the uterus or pelvic area.
- Allergies: Furthermore, hibiscus tea may trigger allergies such as itchy red eyes, sinusitis, or hay fever in certain people.
- Liver damage: A study review published in 2013,According to a reliable source, excessively high amounts of hibiscus extract may cause liver damage. According to the same review, hibiscus extract interacts with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) in animals and with acetaminophen in people.
- Unsafe for malaria patients: Individuals who use herbal teas should inform their doctors since some herbs may interfere with drugs. Other sources claim that hibiscus intake is unsafe for persons who take the malaria treatment chloroquine. Hibiscus may impair the effectiveness of the medication in the body.
Conclusion
Consumption of tea prepared from Hibiscus flower petals is practised by a huge number of people worldwide to reduce hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and so Hibiscus tea is commercially accessible in foreign markets.
To boost your immunity to colds and flu, natural and integrative health care practitioners recommend drinking hibiscus tea as a preventive step during either the hot summer months or the winter seasons.
People suffering from hypertension may take solace in the fact that scientists are discovering that drinking hibiscus tea or utilising an extract from the hibiscus flower may help reduce high blood pressure.
In addition to regular relaxation and exercise, warming up a hot mug of hibiscus tea will relieve tension and have a relaxing effect on the entire body. As a result, use everyday meals and drinks like hibiscus tea to gradually cleanse your body every day. Hibiscus tea may trigger allergies such as itchy red eyes, sinusitis, or hay fever in certain people.
FAQs
When is the best time to drink hibiscus tea for weight loss?
The optimal time is in the morning or before meals. Hibiscus tea can help boost metabolism and control appetite, aiding in weight management.
Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?
Yes, hibiscus tea is known for its potential to lower blood pressure. Consuming it regularly may contribute to better blood pressure control.
Can I have hibiscus tea before bed?
While hibiscus tea doesn’t contain caffeine, it’s advisable to consume it a few hours before bedtime to avoid potential nighttime bathroom trips.
Does hibiscus tea make you sleepy?
Hibiscus tea is not a sleep-inducing beverage. It’s generally caffeine-free and may promote relaxation, but it doesn’t have sedative effects like herbal teas specifically designed for sleep.