Hibiscus tea is a drink known and used by many civilizations such as history, Egyptians and Ancient Persians. The hibiscus plant grows in tropical regions and is known for its large colorful flowers. There are different theories about the origin of hibiscus tea. Some think that tea was first consumed in Egypt, while others argue that tea originated in the Persian Empire. Today, hibiscus tea is a popular beverage in many countries and is often preferred as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Hibiscus has countless benefits. “What good is hibiscus tea?” We can answer the question as follows:
- Blood pressure regulating effect: Hibiscus tea can help regulate blood pressure. Some studies have shown that regular consumption of hibiscus tea reduces blood pressure in people with high blood pressure problems. Therefore, hibiscus tea can be a natural support for hypertension patients.
- Supportive effect on the digestive system: Hibiscus tea has properties that support digestive system health. It is especially effective against digestive problems such as constipation. In addition, hibiscus tea can improve gut health by killing harmful bacteria in the gut.
- Immune system support effect: Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C and can support the immune system. In addition, hibiscus tea can help the immune system work more effectively by reducing inflammation in the body.
Hibiscus tea can be consumed regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle and can offer many health benefits. However, it is recommended that people with any health problems consult their doctor first.
What is hibiscus tea good for?
Hibiscus tea is good for many health problems. The health problems that tea is good for can be listed as follows:
- Hypertension: Hibiscus tea can be effective in regulating high blood pressure. Some studies have shown that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure and regulate blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
- Cholesterol: Hibiscus tea supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol. Its regular consumption can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Digestion: Hibiscus tea regulates the digestive system and is good for digestive problems such as constipation. Also, hibiscus tea may help improve gut health.
- Immune system: Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C and can support the immune system. In addition, hibiscus tea can help the immune system work more effectively by reducing inflammation in the body.
- Urinary tract infections: Hibiscus tea may have a protective effect against urinary tract infections. It can help relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections and prevent infection.
- Antioxidant: Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants and can help prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals in the body. Thanks to these properties, hibiscus tea can have a protective effect against cancer, heart diseases and other chronic diseases.
Hibiscus tea is a natural drink that is good for many health problems. However, people with any health problems are advised to consult their doctor first.
What are the harms of hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is generally a safe drink, but it can have some harm in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant women are not recommended to consume large amounts of hibiscus tea. Because hibiscus tea can cause contraction of the uterine muscles, it can be dangerous for women at risk of miscarriage. It is also thought that hibiscus tea may reduce milk production in lactating women.
- Interaction with drugs: Hibiscus tea may interact with some medications. For example, it can increase or decrease the effects of hibiscus tea when taken with blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Lowering blood sugar: Hibiscus tea might lower blood sugar. For this reason, it is recommended that people with diabetes consult their doctor before consuming hibiscus tea to prevent their blood sugar from falling.
- Diarrhea: Hibiscus tea can cause diarrhea when consumed in high amounts. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the dosage when consuming hibiscus tea.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to hibiscus tea. For this reason, it is recommended that people who are consuming hibiscus tea for the first time or who are prone to allergies should consult their doctor first.
As a result, hibiscus tea is generally a safe beverage, but can be harmful in some cases. Especially pregnant women, lactating women and people taking medication should consult their doctor before consuming hibiscus tea.
How to brew hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is usually prepared by infusing dried hibiscus flowers with water. Brewing stages of hibiscus tea:
- Using the right amount of hibiscus flowers: Usually 1-2 teaspoons of hibiscus flowers are used per cup of water. However, you can optionally use more flowers to intensify the hibiscus flavor.
- Hot water usage: It is recommended to use hot water to brew hibiscus tea. It is recommended to let the boiled water rest for a few minutes, and then add hibiscus flowers.
- Brewing time: While hibiscus tea is brewed, it is usually left for 5-10 minutes. However, this time may vary depending on whether the hibiscus flowers are fresh or dried, the amount of flowers used and personal preferences.
- Flavoring: Hibiscus tea naturally has a slightly acidic flavor. If you wish, you can flavor it with sweeteners such as honey or sugar. However, if you want to consume it as a healthy beverage, you can drink it by minimizing the use of sweeteners.
- Cold serve: Hibiscus tea can be consumed hot or served cold. Cold hibiscus tea can be flavored with lemon slices, ice cubes or mint leaves.
As a result, brewing hibiscus tea is quite simple and it is enough to use the right proportions of hibiscus flowers and follow the appropriate brewing time to get a delicious drink.
What are the side effects of hibiscus tea?
While hibiscus tea is a popular beverage for its health benefits, it can cause side effects in some people. Hibiscus tea side effects can be as follows:
- Lowering blood pressure: Hibiscus tea should not be consumed by hypotension patients due to its ability to lower blood pressure. In addition, people using hypertension medication should consult their doctor before consuming hibiscus tea.
- Stomach ailments: Hibiscus tea may cause stomach upsets in some people. Side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting may occur.
- Drug interactions: Hibiscus tea can interact with some medications and reduce the effectiveness of medications. In particular, it may interact with antibiotics, antifungal medications, antidepressants, and some diabetes medications. For this reason, people who use drugs should consult their doctor before consuming hibiscus tea.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Doctors should be consulted before consuming hibiscus tea by pregnant and lactating women. Because the effect of hibiscus tea on pregnancy is not known exactly.
- Allergic reactions: Hibiscus tea may cause allergic reactions in some people. Signs of an allergic reaction can include severe symptoms such as itching, rash, rash, shortness of breath, and anaphylactic shock.
It is always recommended to consult your doctor before consuming hibiscus tea, and it is recommended that people with low blood pressure consult their doctor before consuming hibiscus tea.
When to drink hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea can usually be drunk at any time during the day. However, in some cases, it is more recommended to consume hibiscus tea.
- Morning: Hibiscus tea can be consumed before or during breakfast. This can stimulate metabolism and increase energy levels throughout the day.
- Before exercise: When hibiscus tea is consumed before exercise, it can increase blood circulation and improve performance. However, since hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure, it is recommended that patients with hypotension do not consume it before exercise.
- After dinner: When hibiscus tea is consumed after a meal, it can facilitate digestion and relieve stomach ailments.
- Evening: Hibiscus tea can be consumed after dinner or before sleep. Because hibiscus tea has calming properties, it can improve sleep quality and alleviate sleep problems.
- Cold or flu: When hibiscus tea is consumed during cold or flu seasons, it can support immune system functions and help the body fight diseases.
- periods of high stress: When hibiscus tea is consumed during periods of high stress, it can reduce stress levels and provide relief.
People who want to benefit from the health benefits of hibiscus tea should pay attention to the amount of daily consumption and limit their consumption by considering possible side effects.
Does hibiscus tea weaken?
Studies have shown that hibiscus tea can help reduce body fat. Hibiscus tea can help reduce fat, especially around the waist. However, consuming hibiscus tea alone cannot replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is recommended to consume hibiscus tea together with a balanced diet and exercise program to support the slimming process.
Does hibiscus tea have a diuretic effect?
Hibiscus tea has menstrual-reducing properties, but due to this feature, it should not be consumed especially during pregnancy. In addition, it is not recommended to use it to accelerate the onset of the menstrual period because the effect of hibiscus tea differs from person to person and may cause undesirable results in women whose menstrual period is not regular. However, hibiscus tea may be an option for women who encounter problems such as delayed menstrual periods, but a doctor’s advice should be sought in this regard.