What Hibiscus Tea Is Good For

April 06, 2023By The Tea Cartel

The Tea Cartel - Speciality Teas for Iced Tea, Cocktails, Gin and to Flavour Drinks and Food

About Hibiscus Tea

Botanical Name: 'sorrel tea' or 'hibiscus sabdariffa'
Tea Name: Hibiscus Tea
Origin: Native to Africa and grows in tropical climates
Harvest: calyxes (flower buds)
Edible: Leaves, Calyxes (tea) and buds (for plant based gelatine)

Here are a few photos from our garden where we grow hibiscus plants in the summer months. It forms a bush about 1.5 metres tall, enjoys being in full sun and has beautiful blooms through out the entire summer period. A hibiscus bush will produce 2, sometimes 3 blooms of calyxes for harvesting.

This is a photo of the beautiful hibiscus flower plant growing in our home we use to make tea (Trisha at The Tea Cartel, Perth Australia). This is the same tea you can buy from The Tea Cartel. Photo source: Our home tea garden.

WHAT HIBISCUS TEA GOOD FOR - WATCHING THE PLANT GROW

Hibiscus flower calyxes have been used for hundreds of years by the Polynesians, Asians and Africans as a herbal remedy to assist with a number of wellness and immunity benefits. Immunity. Liver. Reducing Blood Pressure. Reducing Inflammation. Refreshing without Sugar. Antioxidants and more.

There are lots of different ways you can use hibiscus tea, if you're seeking a refreshing drink alternative that can boost your mood, hibiscus tea may be a good choice for you. Here are the 7 health benefits that may surprise you - what hibiscus tea good for.

7 Health Benefits Hibiscus Tea

The following health information is from Source: Academia.edu Studies

✅ Hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure

Hibiscus tea has been shown to have a blood pressure-lowering effect in some studies. This is thought to be due to the presence of flavonoids, which can help to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow.

✅ Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C

Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidants can also have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. In science studies, free radicals are linked to illness and ageing. It's important for humans to consume high quality produce, that's grown organically to maximise nutritional benefits.

✅ Hibiscus tea may help to reduce hypertension in type 2 diabetes

A study conducted by various PHD doctors (link) shares the effect of sour tea (hibiscus sabdariffa) following various trials to be positive. It has many cardio-protective properties. The tea is used in many countries in different ways, such as tea (beverage), cold/warm drink, food (cooking, jam's, syrups, cakes, jelly, flavouring) and in alcohol. It's a very versatile ingredient that has a lot of constituents that are beneficial for the cardiovascular system. If you are looking for more information please consult your integrative medical professional who can provide you with advice specific to your needs.

✅ Hibiscus tea may support liver health and treat obesity

Research from Academia.edu (suggests that hibiscus tea may help to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, due to its antioxidant content. Read more here: Link

✅ Hibiscus Tea may help digestion

In many cultures, traditionally hibiscus tea was used traditionally to aid digestion and relieve constipation. Hibiscus tea has a high fibre content and its bio-makeup encourages the production of digestive enzymes.

✅ Hibiscus Tea may help with weight management

Further to the comments above how hibiscus tea can help support liver health, in studies, the hibiscus tea has been beneficial for weight loss. From our own experience we have found drinking hibiscus tea in it's natural form without sugar, as an alternative to sugar sweetened soft drinks to be a healthier choice. Less sugar leads to less weight and better overall health.

✅ Hibiscus tea may assist to reduce inflammation

The studies (links above) indicate that due to the chemical properties of the natural hibiscus plant it has shown to reduce inflammation, which in turn can assist with reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

✅ Hibiscus tea for calming and sleep

Hibiscus tea has been historically used by many cultures as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Some research suggests that it may have a calming effect on the nervous system, due to its flavonoid content. If you want to use it for this purpose, do try it warm (not cold) and sip it at least one hour before bed. We have also read that hibiscus tea contains natural melatonin which aids a peaceful rest.

Overall, hibiscus tea is a delicious and nutritious beverage that may offer a range of health benefits. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body, and it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

How many cups a day of hibiscus tea?

You can easily enjoy 2-3 cups a day, hot or cold, added to smoothies or in your cooking.

What Hibiscus Tea Good For - Lifestyle Benefits

Do you love food? Do you enjoy cooking and trying new dishes?

Hibiscus tea is one of those MUST HAVE ingredients in your pantry. You should store hibiscus tea in a cool dark place, preferably in a sealed container or zip lock pouch to protect it. It can be used directly in recipes with a little water to re-hydrate the petals, or used with boiling water to make tea.

We have a range of amazing recipes for food and cocktails at both of our blogs, please check them out for more information.

Recipes for iced tea - refreshing drinks at our Iced Tea Library

Recipes for cooking at Kitchen Creations Library

Recipes for Gin, Cocktails and Mocktails at Tea Cocktails Library

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What Hibiscus Tea Good For - 10 Popular Drink Recipes

Traditional Hibiscus Tea: Steep 1-2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Hibiscus Iced Tea: Brew hibiscus tea using double the amount of flowers and a longer steeping time. Chill and serve over ice with fresh mint and lemon slices.
Hibiscus Ginger Tea: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the hibiscus tea while steeping. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Hibiscus Lemonade: Mix chilled hibiscus tea with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Hibiscus Margarita: Combine hibiscus tea, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
Hibiscus and Orange Tea: Steep hibiscus tea with dried orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Hibiscus and Mint Tea: Steep hibiscus tea with fresh mint leaves. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Hibiscus and Rosehip Tea: Combine dried hibiscus flowers and dried rosehips in a tea infuser and steep in hot water. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Hibiscus and Cranberry Tea: Steep hibiscus tea with dried cranberries and orange zest. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
Hibiscus and Pomegranate Tea: Steep hibiscus tea with pomegranate juice and a cinnamon stick. Strain and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

These are just a few examples of the many ways hibiscus tea can be enjoyed. Feel free to experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create your own unique recipes!

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What Hibiscus Tea Good For - Mouth watering recipes....

Hibiscus Sorbet: Make a simple syrup with hibiscus tea and sugar, then freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
Hibiscus Fruit Salad: Mix chopped fruit (such as pineapple, mango, and strawberries) with a hibiscus tea-infused syrup made from hibiscus tea and honey.
Hibiscus Salad Dressing: Whisk together hibiscus tea, olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar to make a flavourful salad dressing.
Hibiscus Roasted Chicken: Rub a mixture of hibiscus tea, honey, and spices (such as paprika and cumin) onto a chicken before roasting.
Hibiscus Glazed Pork Chops: Simmer hibiscus tea with honey and soy sauce to make a glaze for pork chops.
Hibiscus Rice Pilaf: Cook rice in hibiscus tea instead of water, then stir in toasted nuts and dried fruit for a flavourful side dish.
Hibiscus Poached Pears: Poach pears in a mixture of hibiscus tea, sugar, and spices (such as cinnamon and cloves) until tender.
Hibiscus Tacos: Make a filling for tacos with shredded chicken or pork cooked in a hibiscus tea-based sauce, and top with avocado and cilantro.
Hibiscus Chia Pudding: Mix hibiscus tea with chia seeds, milk, and honey to make a healthy and flavourful breakfast or snack.
Hibiscus Cheesecake: Infuse the cream cheese filling of a cheesecake with hibiscus tea, and top with a hibiscus tea and berry sauce.