Hibiscus in Tea – All You Need to Know

Hibiscus is a flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Its flowers, especially the petals are commonly used for tea preparation.

While some people enjoy pure hibiscus tea, others prefer adding dried hibiscus flowers to their favorite Green or Black tea blend.

Packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta carotene, hibiscus flowers find multiple uses in various tea mixes for immune system boosting.

Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Human Health

Hibiscus tea boasts a fruity and tangy flavor and it’s perfect to warm you up during cold winter days as well as freshen up your senses as an iced tea during summer.

Here are some of the most common and science-backed benefits of hibiscus tea that might interest you:

1. Hibiscus tea is a powerful antioxidant thanks to the high amounts of vitamin C that can destroy damaging molecules such as free radicals and flushes them out of the system.
2. Hibiscus tea can fight inflammation and protect the body from developing heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.
3. It can regulate high blood pressure. Hibiscus tea works as a heart health protector, although it’s not enough to only drink tea if you are taking blood pressure medicine.
4. It can promote weight loss. Hibiscus extract (stronger than the tea itself) can help in preventing obesity.
5. Supports liver health. Due to its high antioxidant powers, hibiscus tea can protect the liver from harmful toxins.

The information presented on this site is provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Do not use this information to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or health condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your physician or healthcare provider.

How Much Hibiscus Tea Can You Drink? 

Hibiscus tea has been part of many ancient traditions around the world, especially in tropical countries where it’s mostly consumed as iced tea with a splash of lemon and ice cubes.

Having two cups of hibiscus tea per day is an absolutely safe amount for adults without any severe health issues.

When blended with other herbal tisanes or true teas such as Oolong, Darjeeling, or Rooibos, you can have up to three cups per day.

Does Hibiscus Tea Reduce Belly Fat?

Hibiscus tea has the ability to impair fat storage by breaking the fatty acids accumulating in the cells.

By blocking the creation of new fatty cells, hibiscus tea might be the perfect ally for anyone looking for shedding extra pounds.

Is Hibiscus Tea Alkaline or Acidic?

Hibiscus tea is alkaline and its pH value is 9.0 once digested. A pH value of 0 is considered strongly acidic, so hibiscus tea is on the alkaline side.

It can reduce acidic flux and heartburn when consumed regularly.

How Many Hibiscus Flowers Do I Need to Make Tea?

For each cup of water, you should add 3-4 fresh hibiscus flowers. Before boiling them, make sure you remove the calyx (the green part that attaches the flower to the plant.)

Dried vs. Fresh Hibiscus

Dried hibiscus flowers for tea are more common if you leave in urban areas where you can’t just harvest the plant in your back yard.

Usually sold in tea bags, dried hibiscus is often used as an addition to Carrebbean meals as well as for tea preparation.

The flavor of dried hibiscus flowers is more intense and you usually need half the amount per cup of tea than what you’d use if you have fresh flowers.

Can You Make Hibiscus Tea from Any Hibiscus Flower?

Hibiscus sabdariffa and hibiscus acetosella are the two types of hibiscus flowers commonly used for brewing tea.

While there are also other beneficial hibiscus varieties, these two are the ones that you will most likely find at your local tea shop.

Is Hibiscus the Same as Roselle?

All Roselle plants are hibiscus plants, but not all hibiscus is Roselle.

To make it simple, Roselle is just one type of hibiscus plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa (the most used one in tea blends.)

How to Prepare Hibiscus Tea?

Ingredients:

• A cup of water
• 3-4 fresh or 2-3 dried flowers
• Mint for decoration
• Ice

Preparation:

1. Add the water to a saucepan and heat until boiling.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the hibiscus flowers.
3. Stir them into the hot water and let them steep for five minutes.
4. Strain and let it cool down for another five minutes.
5. Pour over a glass of ice and decorate with a few mint leaves.

Final Word

Hibiscus tea is a flavorful herbal infusion, with zero caffeine, and zero calories.

A perfect choice for melting belly jelly and regulating blood pressure, hibiscus tea can be enjoyed warm or cold, depending on the season.

Easy to prepare with dried or fresh flowers, hibiscus tea is tasty on its own or mixed with your favorite Green tea.