Hibiscus is a beautiful flowering plant often brewed as a tart herbal tea. It is best known for its characteristic bright reddish-pink hue owing to colorful five-petal blossoms.

The term hibiscus itself refers to a large genus of flowering plants that grow all over tropical and subtropical countries like Thailand, Mexico and China. But when we think of the hibiscus used for tea, we’re thinking of Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is also referred to as roselle, red sorrel or karkade.

Health benefits of hibiscus

Hibiscus boasts some promising health benefits owing to its impressive nutrient and antioxidant profile, which provide it with cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Hibiscus is also low in calories and contains zero caffeine, so feel free to drink as much of it as preferred.

Hibiscus also provides incredible amounts of essential minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc, and important vitamins, such as niacin and folate.

Here’s the rundown on hibiscus’ amazing health benefits:

1. Combats inflammation – Hibiscus is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from inflammation caused by free radicals. For the most part, plant pigments called anthocyanins are responsible for this anti-inflammatory effect. They also give hibiscus flowers their vivid color.
2. Fights harmful bacteria – Hibiscus is brimming with vitamin C, an important micronutrient known for its antibacterial properties, as well as its immune-boosting effects. Having high levels of vitamin C is associated with better protection against bacterial infections.
3. Lowers blood pressure – When consumed as an herbal tea, hibiscus is said to aid in lowering blood pressure. There is some evidence for this, as several clinical trials showed that regular consumption of hibiscus tea reduced blood pressure in people with diabetes and in people with high blood pressure.
4. Lowers cholesterol – Drinking hibiscus tea is thought to lower levels of bad cholesterol, which could otherwise clog arteries and damage blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease.
5. Improves digestion – In folk medicine, the seeds of the hibiscus plant were used to treat indigestion. But hibiscus flowers, when brewed to make tea, can help improve digestive health as well. Hibiscus acts as a natural diuretic, flushing out excess water and sodium, as well as regulating bowel movements.
6. Supports weight loss – There have been some studies that suggest hibiscus extract aids in weight loss because it is able to boost metabolism. Experiments done on obese mice show that giving them hibiscus tea led to significant weight loss.
7. Supports liver health – The antioxidants in hibiscus are thought to play a major role in treating liver diseases and improving overall liver health. For instance, a 2014 study found that hibiscus extract improved liver steatosis, a serious metabolic condition that may eventually lead to liver failure.
8. Helps improve mental health – Flavonoids, a group of antioxidants found in hibiscus, have been shown to have tremendous potential in treating mood disorders like depression and improving overall mental health.

How to make hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is a phenomenal summer tea and is excellent served iced. But a nice hot cup of hibiscus tea is also great for the cooler temperatures in the fall. Here’s a recipe for making hibiscus tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons dried hibiscus flowers
• Cinnamon stick
• Lime wedges

Preparation:

1. Boil water in a pot. Once boiling, add the hibiscus flowers. You can add more for a stronger tea.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5–15 minutes.
3. Pour the tea into a cup while using a metal strainer.
4. Drop in a stick of cinnamon and serve hot with lemon wedges.

You can also use hibiscus flowers to marinate beef and pork, as a sauce for homemade pastries and desserts or mixed with fresh citrus juice for a tart and refreshing drink.

Hibiscus flowers are among the prettiest and healthiest ingredients around. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, hibiscus flowers help improve our overall health. So go ahead and drink hibiscus tea on the regular!

Sources:

CMS.HerbalGram.org

OrganicFacts.net