Hibiscus Tea for High Blood Pressure: Good or Bad? Let's Find Out!

Table of contents 

• Hibiscus tea and blood pressure what are the link

• Is Hibiscus Tea good for High Blood Pressure? 

• How does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?

• How to make hibiscus tea?

• Does it work immediately?

• How much to drink?

• Take home points

• FAQs on Hibiscus Tea

Introduction

You must know about the beautiful flower hibiscus. Grown in various parts of the world, this flower has more than just ornamental uses, it also is regarded for its various medicinal uses in many different kinds of medical practices. In early research, scientists have found some evidence to support its health benefits. 

Various parts of the plant, like the flower, seeds, etc are used and consumed for many herbal benefits. Today we will be talking about one such benefit of hibiscus tea that can help you with high blood pressure. 

Hibiscus tea and blood pressure what are the link 

Hypertension has been considered a risk factor for various diseases including ischemic heart and cerebrovascular disease as well as chronic kidney disease. Hypertension also accounts for increases in disability-adjusted life years and deaths worldwide. Good blood pressure control can prevent adverse cardiologic outcomes including heart attacks and heart failures. The best and most trusted way is sticking to your medications, lifestyle changes, and adding some tried and tested herbal remedies, and also coming to your aid. 

Traditions suggest herbs such as garlic, onion, Chinese herbal medicine, black and green tea, and sour tea or Hibiscus sabdariffa can help with controlling and managing hypertension. Some studies have proven some of these medications have positive effects. Hibiscus tea is said to be one such herbal remedy that has been studied by researchers closely and found to have some effect on controlling hypertension. 

It has been found that the hibiscus plant contains carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins. Studies mentioned that this herb has anticancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, kidney- and liver-protective, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties. In a clinical trial done on 46 participants, it was found that hibiscus tea can be an effective medication for lowering blood pressure in individuals with stage 1 hypertension. 

Is Hibiscus Tea good for High Blood Pressure? 

There are drawbacks and restrictions associated with taking chemical antihypertensive medications. However, if used in moderation, taking herbal medicine along with allopathic medications may be a wise decision with fewer negative effects. In fact, a review of seven previous trials found that hibiscus tea significantly reduced blood pressure. This included both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

In another review of research done on animal models, it was concluded that regular consumption of hibiscus could confer reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

How does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure? 

The mechanism of action of hibiscus tea on how they reduce blood pressure is still under study. So far, what has been found is that hibiscus flowers have a compound called Anthocyanins which have an effect on the fat in your body. These compounds prevent the formation of plaques in your blood vessels which cause cardiovascular diseases. 

Moreover, research has demonstrated that H. sabdariffa contains a substance that promotes the vascular endothelium (blood vessel wall lining) to release nitric oxide, which increases renal filtration and counteracts the diuretic effect on blood pressure, i.e. decreases the volume load on the blood vessels thus reducing blood pressure.

How to make hibiscus tea?

Now that you know how good hibiscus tea is, the question arises how to make it? Well, it's very easy. 

You'd need 2 cups of fresh hibiscus flower petals or ½ cup of dried hibiscus. Remember to use only the flower petals and not the other parts of the flower. Next, you'd need 8 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. You can modify the amount of honey and lime juice according to your taste! 

In a big pot, bring the hibiscus blossoms and water to a boil. Turn off the burner and cover the vessel as soon as the water reaches a boiling point. You can now add more herbs or ingredients, such basil, lemon grass, lemon zest, etc. Give the tea 15 to 20 minutes to steep. Add the lime juice and honey and stir until well blended. Pour the tea through a strainer. Serve the hibiscus tea warm or you can even enjoy it chilled! 

Does it work immediately? 

No, unlikely allopathic medications that are prescribed by our doctors, these herbal remedies like hibiscus tea do not show immediate effect. In fact, it may not necessarily show effect. It is possible that consuming hibiscus tea have no effect on your blood pressure control.

How much to drink? 

Though there is no such guideline on consuming hibiscus tea, some researchers suggest that 2–3 cups per day may be beneficial for high blood pressure. However, there are no long-term studies on the effects of drinking hibiscus tea every day among the general population. 

Take home points 

Hibiscus tea is a refreshing drink enjoyed all over the world. It has no caffeine and also contains vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial chemical compounds. It's considered to have medicinal properties. It is also said to have blood pressure-lowering properties according to herbal medicine but the clinical research is limited. Though it's not advised according to government guidelines in allopathic medicine, it can be used as a lifestyle change to aid your medicines in controlling hypertension.