High in vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids, lightly astringent properties, make a wonderful red tea that is good for you and tastes great.

The health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammatory problems, aid in relieving the disturbed digestive and immune system, and potentially help treat diseases of the liver and cancer.

Hibiscus tea may also speed up the metabolism aiding in healthy, gradual weight loss. It can also be linked with better mental health.

What is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica and by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffais prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant. Hibiscus tea is ruby red or deep magenta in color and has a sour taste.

It is a very popular beverage throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea. Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as “Roselle” in some places. It is widely available in the market throughout the tea-drinking world and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference. This tea is low in calories and is caffeine-free.

Hibiscus Tea Nutrition

Hibiscus tea is naturally low in calories and is caffeine-free. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, it has a good supply of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid. This tea is a good source of anthocyanins, which make it beneficial for managing elevated blood pressure levels, the common cold, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

The various benefits of hibiscus flower tea which can help in keeping the human body fit are given below. Read on and get healthier!

• Manages Blood Pressure
• Weight Loss
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Protects Liver
• Anticancer Properties
• Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent
• Relieves Menstrual Pain
• Acts as an Antidepressant Agent
• Improves Digestion
• Satiates Thirst
• Summer & Winter Drink

Here’s a classic spin to your otherwise mundane tea. Hibiscus tea has a number of health benefits. You can get dried hibiscus flowers easily from departmental stores or online portals. If you find them in your garden, nothing like it. The red color in the tea is because of these flowers. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at how to prepare it.

Hibiscus Tea Recipe

It is very easy to make hibiscus tea; all you need is a pan, water, hibiscus flowers, and sugar or honey. Let us take a look at the step by step process of making the tea at home.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp dried hibiscus flowers
• boiling water
• cinnamon stick, optional
• clove, optional
• tea bag optional
• lime or lemon wedges, optional
• ginger, optional
• mint leaves, optional

Instructions

• On the stove, keep a pot of water to boil. Meanwhile, keep all the ingredients ready for the recipe, if you haven’t.
• Take 2 tsp of dried hibiscus flowers, which equals to 10 ml of the same (to be more accurate) and add it to the boiling water. You are free to add more or less of the hibiscus flowers, depending on how strong you want your tea to be. It’s important to note here that hibiscus tea doesn’t have caffeine, so adding a lot of it won’t have an adverse effect on your health.
• Once the water is boiled, pour the water slowly and steadily into a teapot. Make sure you have worn mittens/gloves to protect your hands from any kind of burns.
• If you want to add caffeine to your tea, add a tea bag to the concoction. Allow it to steep for five minutes.  While you wait, the hibiscus flowers will give the water a somewhat sharp, zingy taste.  If you wish your tea to be strong, allow it to steep for more than 5 minutes.
• Once done, pour the tea into your cup, using a metal strainer. If your teapot has an in-built filter, the process will be way easier. Some people like to chew the hibiscus petals and don’t prefer to strain them. You can try that as well if you like.
• Don’t forget to add your preferred sweetener to the beverage. Try it with honey if you can, as it goes very well with the zestfully tart flavor of the tea. You can add sugar or stevia as well, depending on your choice.

I mix it with my regular tea, such a black tea, and brew it in my electric tea pot.  To 1/2 gal water, add two family size black tea bags and 2 heaping tablespoons Hibiscus Flowers, and brew as normal.  Our favorite tea!  Yummy!

Notes

Organic hibiscus tisane herbal tea has a taste that is very similar to cranberry juice. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mint leaves, lemon wedges or ginger depending on your taste. Hibiscus ginger tea is one of the popular flavors as it gives the tea both a balance of tartness (of the flower) and spiciness (of the ginger).

Hibiscus Tea Side Effects

Although hibiscus tea is a health enhancer and a natural weight loss booster, there are possible side effects you should be aware of.

• Blood Pressure: The health benefits of hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure (antihypertensive properties). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who already have low blood pressure or hypotension, according to The Telegraph. It may cause faintness, dizziness, and can even cause damage to the heart or brain if consumed by anyone with low blood pressure.
• Pregnancy and Fertility: According to an article published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, particularly due to emmenagogue effects, which may stimulate menstruation or blood flow in the uterus or pelvic region. According to MedlinePlus, hibiscus can cause shakiness, constipation and stomach discomfort. For those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding consumption of this variety of tea.
• Diabetes & Surgery: Hibiscus may lower the blood sugar levels so it is best advised to consult your doctor if suffering from diabetes or planning to undergo surgery.
• Other: Some people may feel intoxicated or experience hallucinations after drinking hibiscus tea. Therefore, be cautious until you know how your body reacts to the tea. Don’t drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know what its effects are on your system.
• Allergy: Some people develop allergic reactions, such as itchy red eyes, sinus or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea.

Disclaimer: This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information is for educational use only. Please research all herbs herbal products thoroughly before use. Everyone, especially pregnant and lactating women should check with their physician before using any herbal products. Sage Hill Botanicals Herb Company and Lisa’s Herb Remedies are not responsible for any adverse reactions.