A bushy annual plant, hibiscus. The flower’s parts are used to create the well-known Karkade beverage in Egypt. Jams, spices, soups, and sauces are also made from various plant components. Medicine is made from flowers.
Hibiscus is used to dissolve phlegm, as a mild laxative, as a diuretic to improve urine production, and to treat loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve problems, upper respiratory tract discomfort, and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and circulatory abnormalities.
Hibiscus is a flavoring that is used in both food and drink. Additionally, it is employed to enhance the aroma, flavor, and appearance of tea blends.
How does it function?
Hibiscus’s fruit acids may have laxative effects. Some scientists believe that additional compounds in hibiscus may be able to reduce blood pressure, lessen stomach, uterine, and intestinal spasms, and function similarly to antibiotics in killing germs and worms.
Warnings & Special precautions
Hibiscus is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when consumed orally during pregnancy and nursing. According to some data, hibiscus may initiate menstruation, which might result in a miscarriage. There isn’t enough trustworthy data available to determine if using hibiscus while nursing is safe. Avoid usage to be on the safe side.
Could aid in lowering blood pressure
Hibiscus tea has several remarkable and well-known advantages, one of which is that it may help decrease blood pressure.
High blood pressure can weaken the heart over time by putting it under additional strain. A higher risk of heart disease is also linked to high blood pressure. Hibiscus tea may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, according to many studies. 46 participants with high blood pressure had either hibiscus tea or a placebo in brief research. Hibiscus tea drinkers saw a larger reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after a month than those who took a placebo.
May aid in lowering blood fat levels
Hibiscus tea can help reduce blood fat levels, which can be another risk factor for heart disease, in addition to decreasing blood pressure.
In a tiny 2009 trial, 60 diabetics drank either black tea or hibiscus tea. After one month, people who drank hibiscus tea had higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and lower levels of total, LDL, and triglycerides.
Taking 100 milligrams of hibiscus extract daily was linked to higher HDL cholesterol and lower total cholesterol in previous research on individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Might improve liver health
Your liver performs various vital tasks for your general health, including generating proteins, secreting bile, and breaking down fat.
It’s interesting to note that research suggests hibiscus may support liver health and maintain your liver functioning properly.
In a tiny 2014 trial, liver steatosis was reduced by consuming hibiscus extract for 12 weeks in 19 overweight participants. The buildup of fat in the liver, a symptom of this illness, might result in liver failure.
Might help you lose weight
Hibiscus tea may be linked to weight loss and may offer protection against obesity, according to several studies.
In a tiny 2014 trial, 36 overweight people drank hibiscus extract or a placebo. Body weight, body fat, body mass index, and the ratio of the waist to the hip were all lower in individuals who had taken hibiscus extract after 12 weeks.
Similar results from an animal study indicated that hibiscus extract may help decrease body weight and hunger by limiting the formation of fat cells.
Contains compounds that may help prevent cancer
Polyphenols, which have been found to have potent anticancer activities, are present in high concentrations in hibiscus. Impressive findings from investigations conducted in test tubes have been made about the potential impact of hibiscus extract on cancer cells. Hibiscus extract inhibited cell proliferation and decreased the invasiveness of oral and plasma cell malignancies in one test-tube investigation. According to a different test-tube investigation, hibiscus leaf extract stopped the spread of human prostate cancer cells.
Might aid in reducing bacterial growth
Single-celled germs known as bacteria are capable of causing several illnesses, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. In addition to possessing antioxidant and anticancer qualities, hibiscus may also help guard against bacterial infections, according to certain test-tube studies. Research conducted in test tubes revealed that hibiscus extract suppressed the action of E. coli, a bacterial strain that can result in symptoms including cramps, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Also read: 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Fasting: All that you need to know
Delicious and simple to prepare
Hibiscus tea is scrumptious and simple to make at home, and it may also have a variety of health advantages.
Simply place dried hibiscus flowers in a teapot and fill it with boiling water. After letting it soak for five minutes, filter, taste, and add sugar if you’d like.
Hibiscus tea has a tangy flavor reminiscent of cranberries and may be enjoyed hot or cold. To counteract the acidity, it is sometimes sweetened with honey or flavored with a splash of lime juice.
The conclusion
An herbal tea with numerous potential health advantages is hibiscus tea.
You may prepare and eat it in your kitchen, and it has a delightful tart flavor. Hibiscus may assist with weight reduction, enhance heart and liver health, and even slow the growth of germs and cancer cells, according to animal and test-tube research.
However, the majority of the present research is restricted to animal and test-tube investigations that make heavy use of hibiscus extract. It is necessary to do more research to ascertain whether hibiscus tea consumption has any advantages for people.
