Could Hibiscus Tea be a Solution for High Blood Pressure?

Several studies have showcased how tea or extracts from the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) can have positive effects for people who have high blood pressure.

When it comes to high blood pressure, most often a completely preventable condition, there are many natural solutions. Things like cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and celery are just a few alternatives, along with broad dietary and lifestyle changes. But many people aren’t aware of the blood pressure lowering benefits of hibiscus.

It’s believed these benefits are related to the high concentration of anthocyanins, which work to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology affirmed this in looking at folk medicine applications of hibiscus in Mexico.

In 2008, Dr. Diane McKay presented her own research on hibiscus to the annual conference of the American Heart Association. Dr. McKay, of Tufts University, conducted a study on 65 people between the ages of 30 and 70 who had been diagnosed with prehypertension or mild hypertension.

After receiving hibiscus tea daily for six weeks, participants experienced reduced diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial pressures when compared with those who received a placebo. The effects were most pronounced in those with the highest beginning baseline blood pressures.

Another review of several studies came to similar conclusions:

“This comprehensive body of evidence suggests that extracts of HS are promising as a treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, however more high quality animal and human studies informed by actual therapeutic practices are needed to provide recommendations for use that have the potential for widespread public health benefit.”

The practice of using hibiscus for healing is not new. Around the world, leaves and flowers from the plant have been eaten and brewed into tea for centuries.

Benefits may include:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered cholesterol
• Cough suppression
• Improved skin health
• Improved circulation

Hibiscus is a beautiful plant. But it’s benefits are far more than skin deep. Without side effects, the benefits of hibiscus tea and related preparations make this plant a worthy inclusion in your herbal medicine cabinet.