Hibiscus is known to have first appeared in Southeast Asia and North Africa. Today the plant can be grown easily in many climate regions, and many parts of it are used. It is also used in the pharmaceutical sector, and the most common way of using the plant is as a tea.
The plant's scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa, and its local name in Turkey is hatmi çiçeği (roselle).
How Is Hibiscus Tea Prepared?
Hibiscus tea is a very easy tea to prepare. All you need to do is add one dessert spoon of dried hibiscus to a cup (about 200 ml) of hot water, steep it for about 10 minutes and then strain it. It has a tart taste and is quite easy to drink.
I often suggest this plant to my clients as a way of making it easier to drink water. If you put 2 hibiscus flowers into 1 litre of room-temperature water overnight, it can make it much easier to drink water through the day.
Who Should Not Drink Hibiscus Tea?
Since the question of whether hibiscus tea helps you lose weight came up, many people have turned to this tea. Naturally, the question of who should and should not drink it has also become important.
- People who have low blood pressure
- People who have hypoglycaemia
- It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
People with a chronic condition who use medication from the chloroquine group, or who take the contraceptive pill, should speak to their doctor and should NOT drink hibiscus regularly or for a long time. The hibiscus plant may reduce the effect of the medication they use. When used for a short time, such an effect is not expected.
What Are the Benefits of Hibiscus Tea?
While there are a number of studies on hibiscus tea and blood pressure and on the build-up of lipids (fats), there is likewise a notable number of scientific articles on its possible anti-diabetic effect. The evidence is still developing, and hibiscus tea is not a treatment for any condition.
- It has been studied for its possible effect on lowering blood pressure, which is linked with the risk of high blood pressure and the heart problems that can follow.
- It has been studied for a possible effect on blood fat levels, which is also linked with heart health.
- It has been studied in relation to body fat and weight, although the evidence is limited.
- Thanks to its tart taste, it gives flavour to drinks.
- Thanks to its red colour, it can be used as a natural colouring where that colour is wanted.
The benefits, side effects and uses of hibiscus tea have been given in detail in the article above.
This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.
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