What is Hibiscus good for?

Hibiscus (Hibisci flos) is one of the most historically known and versatile flowers. It became a religious and national symbol in many countries and is described as having many medicinal uses in Ayurveda.

Besides its obvious decorative qualities, hibiscus is used in paper and rope making, but is also edible and considered a delicacy in some parts of South America.
Hibiscus tea is well-known for its red color, tartness, unique taste, and high nutritional properties due to its vitamin C content and ability to regulate blood pressure with regular use.

Hibiscus tea is a fragrant tea made from the dried flowers of the tropical Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers are native to Africa and grow in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world – including Thailand, China, and Mexico. These flowers are one of many species of shrubs, trees, and flowers in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Hibiscus tea has a fruity, refreshing taste that many enjoy hot or iced. Many people drink it for its potential health benefits. Although research shows there may be some truth to these claims, there can also be potential risks. More research is required.

What does Hibiscus contain?

Hibiscus tea contains vitamin C – a nutrient that plays many important roles in the body.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an antioxidant. It can help strengthen your immune system and may help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals in the body. This can reduce your risk of developing many significant health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Hibiscus tea contains other antioxidants, such as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give the plant its vibrant color.

They can also prevent many chronic diseases, as well as provide antibacterial effects.

Although hibiscus tea may not contain many vitamins or minerals, it does contain vitamin C and other antioxidants. Current research shows that herbal tea can provide many health benefits:

What is Hibiscus good for?

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease. Some studies show that drinking hibiscus tea can help reduce systolic blood pressure compared to placebo. Other studies show that it can help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Some studies show that hibiscus tea can reduce cholesterol levels – another risk factor for heart disease. In one study, people who drank hibiscus tea experienced an increase in "good cholesterol" (high-density lipoproteins) and a decrease in "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoproteins). However, many of the current studies have been limited to individuals with certain conditions, and some show conflicting results.

Hibiscus tea may help improve liver health. A study with hamsters showed that hibiscus tea can help reduce markers of liver damage. A study with human participants showed that hibiscus extract can improve hepatic steatosis, which may reduce the risk of liver failure.

Along with anthocyanins, hibiscus tea also contains another antioxidant called polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Much of the current research involves test-tube studies.

One study showed that hibiscus extract limits cell growth and reduces the invasiveness of oral cancer.

Other test-tube studies show that hibiscus tea can help prevent the spread of prostate cancer cells and stomach cancer cells.

Hibiscus tea may offer antibacterial properties. Again, current research is limited to test-tube studies. One showed that hibiscus extract inhibits E. coli.

It may also be as effective as some medications in fighting many different bacterial strains.

Several studies show the potential of hibiscus tea to promote weight loss and prevent obesity. One study showed that hibiscus extract reduced body weight, body fat, and body mass index after 12 weeks.

What are the risks of hibiscus?

Although hibiscus tea can offer health benefits, it can also pose some risks. These risks include:

If you are allergic or sensitive to hibiscus flowers (or other plants in the mallow family), you should avoid drinking hibiscus tea.

Hibiscus tea can interact with certain medications. It can reduce the effectiveness of the antimalarial drug chloroquine. If you are taking medications for high blood pressure or diabetes, it can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. The plant also contains phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) which can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives.

Some research points to high concentrations of hibiscus extract – which could potentially cause liver damage.

Most of the current research on hibiscus tea is limited to animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to fully understand the true benefits and risks the tea has to offer.

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