I recently discovered hibiscus tea and completely fell in love with it. But unlike other herbal teas, there are both benefits from hibiscus tea and also some risks.
As it turns out, this vibrant coloured tea doesn’t affect everyone the same way. What can be a benefit to some, is actually a risk for others.
I’ll go over everything you should watch out for when drinking hibiscus tea to know whether you should drink it or avoid it altogether.
Not sure how to drink hibiscus tea to add it to your diet? I found these5 different ways to make hibiscus tea, I’m sure there’s at least one you’ll love!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
I’m not a doctor! I’m a tea enthusiast that researched the hibiscus teabenefits and risks to share with you. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, or are unsure if you should drink hibiscus tea, I urge you talk to your doctor before trying anything.
It’s also important to note that although hibiscus has been around for centuries, it’s only recently been the subject of scientific study. Because of this, there isn’t as much information out there on hibiscus tea as there is on green, or even black teas.
On top of that, the studies that have been conducted didn’t all involve human trials or even the tea form of the plant. Most of them either use animals or test tubes and are using hibiscus extracts or supplements.
This is just something to keep in mind, as this can still give us a good idea of the potential hibiscus tea benefits and risks.
What Is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea comes from steeping the petals of the hibiscus flower. Hibiscus is a flowering plant from the mallow family, found in tropical climates around the world. The flower, and sometimes its leaves, are dried out to use for tea.
When steeped, the water becomes a beautiful, rich, deep red and has a refreshing, tart flavour.
Interested in trying some hibiscus tea, traditional medicinals is my favourite hibiscus tea bag (find it one Amazon here). If you’re interested in buying loose leaf dried hibiscus to steep, you can buy it here on Amazon.
What Are The Hibiscus Tea Side Effects?
1. Contains Antioxidants [Benefit]
Out of all herbal teas, hibiscus actually has the highest amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants help repair damaged cells (I talk all about them in my post on how tea can actually help you live longer).
In one study using hibiscus extract on rats, their antioxidants increased and the harmful effects of free radicals were reduced by up to 92%.
Hibiscus also contains a specific type of antioxidant called anthocyanin. This type of antioxidant is also found in berries. It’s what gives them their nice, red colour, and has been linked to reducing your risk of chronic diseases.
Studies on hibiscus tea and blood pressure are some of the only ones done with human subjects. Although all the results showed that this plant can indeed help lower high blood pressure, it can also be dangerous to anyone who’s BP is already low.
This applies to those already taking medication to lower blood pressure; avoid hibiscus! You don’t want your blood pressure becoming too low and you risk other side effects (like hallucinations).
3. Lowers Blood Sugar [Benefit & Risk]
Unlike blood pressure studies, there haven’t been any human trials yet for links between blood sugar and hibiscus. These studies were conducted on rats. Nevertheless, they still saw a significant change.In a 2013 rat study with hibiscus extracts, 12% of the diabetic rats saw a decrease in blood glucose. Interestingly, the non-diabetic rats saw no change at all.
They learned that hibiscus tea is a good drink for those with Type2 diabetes to help regulate their blood sugar levels.Just like having low blood pressure, decreasing your blood sugar levels too much comes with its own risks.
Don’t drink it if you’re already taking medication to regulate your blood sugar. And you should also avoid it if you’re having, or recovering from, surgery. Apparently, your blood sugar levels can be hard to control in those situations.
During the blood sugar rat trials, the hibiscus extract also affected the rats’ cholesterol levels. In fact, a lot of people with diabetes also suffer from high blood fat levels (high “bad” cholesterol).So more studies were done and showed that hibiscus doesn’t just affect cholesterol levels of those with diabetes but even affected those without.
The only odd thing was that each study had different results.In one study, “bad” cholesterol decreased, but in others, it only increased “good” cholesterol and had no effect on the “bad”.
There’s definitely a link between the two, we just don’t know how to get consistent results. More studies need to be done to really figure it out.
5. Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea On Overall Heart Health
Hibiscus does more than lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. If kept at constant low levels, these benefits will lead to better heart health.
It’s important to keep your blood pressure at a stable level because over time high blood pressure can put unnecessary strain on your heart. This weakens it and increases your chances of heart disease.
High blood sugar and fat levels can also lead to stroke and heart disease. So once again, it’s important to regulate.
A human trial in Taiwan used hibiscus extract for 12 weeks and all subjects saw a change. Results included reduction in overall body weight, body fat, and hip to waist ratio.It turns out hibiscus actually contains a few anti-obesity properties.
Hibiscus activates the AMPK compound which is found in many anti-obesity drugs. Once activated, it stimulates the breakdown of fats.
Hibiscus Can Prevent Weight Gain
We already know that hibiscus lowers your blood sugar, but as a bonus side effect, this actually helps prevents weight gain as well.Low blood sugar decreases your appetite and motivates a healthy metabolism. This stops you from overeating; preventing you from further weight gain.
Hibiscus tea also has zero calories if you don’t add any sweeteners. It makes the perfect thirst-quenching replacement to our beloved sodas and fruit juices and it’s a step up from drinking plain water.If you can’t drink it without adding a sweetener, try adding a lemon wedge instead! Or see my recipes for how to enjoy hibiscus tea!
7. Induces Menstruation [Benefit & Risk]
Hibiscus also affects estrogen. This means that drinking hibiscus tea can actually induce menstruation.This is one of the examples of a hibiscus tea side effect that is beneficial to some but a risk to others.
For some women, inducing menstruation is a good thing. If you have an irregular cycle it can actually help regulate your period. Or, even if you’re already regular, you can brew a cup of hibiscus tea to help with cramps.
But hibiscus tea risks are high for pregnant women. By inducing menstruation it increases your chance of having a miscarriage.Even if you’re only trying to conceive, it’s still not advised to drink hibiscus tea. It could make your chances of conception a lot harder.
Hibiscus tea doesn’t just look or taste like cranberry juice, it also has the same healing properties.Like cranberry juice, hibiscus works wonders for getting rid of and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
I won’t go into the details for this one (but you can find more info here), or just know that it has anti-bacterial properties!
9. Interacts With Medications [Hibiscus Tea Risks]
Because hibiscus is an herb, it can interact with medications, bringing added risks. The most concerning interaction is with acetaminophen (the active ingredients in Tylenol).There haven’t been enough studies to fully describe the risks yet, but we know that both are processed in your liver. So there are concerns that it could be very toxic.It’s probably best to stay away from mixing Tylenol and hibiscus in the meantime.
And as I said before, don’t drink hibiscus tea if you’re on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar. The combination of both can lower either one too much.
There have been some reports of people claiming to feel woozy after drinking hibiscus tea. It’s happened often enough that the terms ‘hibiscus drunk‘ and ‘hibiscus intoxication‘ have been created.
To date, there isno scientific evidenceof hibiscus tea side effects making people drunk and/or causing hallucinations.
A common theory for why ‘hibiscus intoxication’ happens is that it’s result of peoples’ blood pressure becoming too low. As I mentioned, hibiscus tea is known for lowering your blood pressure.
When your blood pressure becomes too low, this can lead you to feeling light headed, and well, drunk, and possibly hallucinating.
How Much Hibiscus Tea Can You Drink?
If you’re not at risk health wise by drinking hibiscus tea, it’s still best not to overdo it. There still isn’t enough research done on hibiscus tea, so it’s recommended to limit your consumption to 2-3 cups per day.
What are the risks of taking hibiscus? Side effects. Hibiscus may cause blood pressure to drop. It has also been linked to dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear.
Some studies show that drinking hibiscus tea may help reduce systolic blood pressure levels compared to a placebo. Other studies show that it may help to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Some studies show that hibiscus tea may reduce cholesterol levels — another risk factor of heart disease.
As a tea, it may be beneficial for high blood pressure. The fruit acids in Hibiscus sabdariffa might work like a laxative. Other chemicals in Hibiscus sabdariffa might be able to lower blood pressure, reduce levels of sugar and fats in the blood, reduce swelling, and work like antibiotics.
Hibiscus tea should be completely avoided by infants under six months—who should only be getting breast milk—as well as kids with kidney failure, who can't efficiently excrete it. There is also a concern about the impressive manganese level in hibiscus tea.
Drinking a glass of warm hibiscus tea on a daily basis elevates brain power, memory, concentration and boosts moods, thereby alleviating depression, anxiety, for improved nervous system functions and heightened productivity at work and home.
No part of the Hibiscus plant, the leaves or the flowers, are poisonous to humans, so it is safe to have the plant around children, toddlers, and babies.
And as I said before, don't drink hibiscus tea if you're on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar. The combination of both can lower either one too much.
According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, a study of 70 hypertensive patients found that those who drank 2 cups of hibiscus tea in the morning on an empty stomach experienced improved conditions for one month, compared with those who took high blood pressure medication.
Hibiscus tea is toxic to the liver in extremely high doses. Toxicity was seen at such high doses, however, that it would probably be difficult to consume that much in tea form.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for a cup of tea whether steaming hot or ice cold consider relaxing with a cup of hibiscus. Not only will the extra dose of antioxidants help keep your cells strong and healthy but your kidneys and urinary tract will also thank you for the health benefits this herb provides.
Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with losartan might increase the levels of losartan in the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of losartan. Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.
Drinking hibiscus tea daily may drop your systolic blood pressure. Avoid drinking hibiscus tea if you are taking medication for hypertension and low blood pressure unless your doctor tells you its ok.
In a comparison of the antioxidant content of 280 common beverages, hibiscus tea, derived from the flower of the same name and also known as roselle, sorrel, jamaica, or sour tea, ranked number-one, even beating out the oft-lauded green tea.
Many animal studies and some small-scale human studies have demonstrated that hibiscus may be effective at fighting inflammation. This can help prevent cancer, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
Hibiscus may also promote hormonal balance, and help reduce common PMS symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability. The next time your period gets you down, whip up a warm cup of hibiscus and ginger tea!
Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.
Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which have antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea can help to calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body.
In most cases, hibiscus is non-toxic for pets, but the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a type of hibiscus that can be harmful to your furry friend. If a dog ingests a significant amount of this hibiscus' flower, they can experience nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Hibiscus tea may be an effective herbal remedy for weight loss. It has shown potential in preventing weight gain, promoting belly fat burning, and reducing fat absorption. Hibiscus could possibly lower cholesterol and triglycerides, too.
Though hibiscus tea is free of caffeine, the sleep inducing effects of hibiscus are due to its anxiolytic and sedative properties. The reduction of stress and anxiety puts your body in a relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep when the time comes. There will be no tossing and turning after consuming this tea.
It normalizes the blood pressure, and digestion, and is great to cleanse the blood from harmful substances. However, drinking hibiscus is still better cold, or warm, temperature not above 40 degrees.
As a diuretic, hibiscus can make you pee more often.
Hibiscus is a natural diuretic9 , so it promotes urination—especially when consumed as a tea. And though peeing on the regular is great for preventing urinary tract infections, drinking hibiscus tea might make you pee more than you're used to.
In fact, some common herbs could cause toxic liver disease. Watch out for supplements that contain aloe vera, black cohosh, cascara, chaparral, comfrey, ephedra, or kava.
Hibiscus is a great source of iron, which can help improve energy and focus, boost the immune system, regulate body temperature, and much more. Low iron levels can result in anemia and other health issues. People who menstruate or are over 65 may be at increased risk for low levels of iron.
Hibiscus boasts a range of powerful compounds that prevent E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract and bladder wall linings. Both the flower and calyx are abundant in bacteriostatic polyphenols, including flavonoids, sambubiosides, and proanthocyanidins.
Hibiscus tea was found to be both hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, meaning that it lowers blood-sugar levels and lipid levels in the blood, helping to prevent clogged arteries and lower heart disease risk.
Hibiscus tea has been repeatedly shown to lower blood pressure in those with existing high blood pressure. Their blood pressure decreased around 10% systolic and 12% diastolic. The effect may be noticeable after just two weeks.
Studies prove that low estrogen present in the body causes menopause. Therefore, in this case, Hibiscus tea shows estrogenic effects by promoting phytoestrogens which prevent menopause. Therefore, Hibiscus tea is a very effective drink for women suffering from Menstrual cramps and Menopause.
Cold Hibiscus beverages acutely lowered the systolic blood pressure significantly by 5.57±10.76 mmHg after 15 min. and lowered the mean blood pressure significantly by 3.43±6.98 (p=0.007) after 30 minutes without significant changes in heart rate or postural changes or reported side effects among adult females.
Some of the best teas for high blood pressure include chamomile, lavender, rose, and hibiscus. These teas are known for their ability to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. You can enjoy any of these teas by steeping them in hot water for a few minutes. Then, simply drink and relax.
Green Tea. Green tea is often touted as the healthiest tea. It is chock full of polyphenols and antioxidants that help to boost brain and heart health. Green tea is considered one of the least processed true teas as it does not undergo oxidation.
Black and green tea are associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, and short-term studies suggest it's good for your blood vessel health.
Tea is one of the best beverages for arthritis patients due to its many health benefits. Green, black and white teas are all rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols. Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial because of its active ingredient “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” or EGCG.
The flavonoids in Hibiscus known as Anthocyanadins have been shown to stimulate dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin production in the brain which in turn acts to reduce anxiety and depression in animal studies.
The antioxidants found in hibiscus not only support a healthy heart, but also protect other important organs of the body. For instance, free radicals can be harmful to the kidneys; however, some studies found that the antioxidants in hibiscus were helpful in restoring and supporting damaged kidneys.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers hibiscus safe when consumed in food. However, it's possible to have an allergic reaction to the plant. In very high doses, hibiscus may cause liver damage.
This study reveals that HS tea consumption had no deleterious effects on the kidney. However, further studies may be necessary in understanding the full potentials of HS tea consumption on human health.
Dandelion tea, red clover, goldenrod, juniper, marshmallow root, burdock root, and nettles. These herbs may act as diuretics, which helps flush out the kidneys and remove excess waste.
Hibiscus is an incredible flower that helps in cleansing the blood and improves the blood circulation in the system. Drink a glass of hibiscus tea or sherbet to naturally purify the blood and boost metabolism.
Hibiscus tea has been traditionally used to improve digestion. It regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight and improve the health of your gastrointestinal system and avoid colorectal cancer.
“Both human and animal studies have shown that hibiscus may prevent liver damage. Some showed decreased markers of liver damage and some showed an increased concentration of detoxifying enzymes in the liver,” says Michalczyk.
Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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