Although I love my Indian Chai Latte, I also have a stash of herbal teas around the kitchen. I found my stash this morning and made a green tea + hibiscus tea to enjoy on this snowy winter morning. This is why I wanted to write this post to share the amazing effects of Hibiscus Teas on managing Blood Pressure.
I am not playing doctor. Any advice you read on this blog cannot be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing a health condition please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional. I repeat, do not use this blog as medical advice to treat yourself or others.
What does hibiscus tea do?
Traditionally Hibiscus Teas were used for good digestion, detox, and also as an anti-inflammatory. However the most important benefit of the hibiscus tea is its effect on Blood Pressure. Of course along with healthy eating and better lifestyle choices.
These two studies 1, 2 demonstrate that consuming 2 cups of unsweetened hibiscus tea every day can be effective in managing blood pressure along with lifestyle and dietary modification – decrease sodium, increase potassium, eat your vegetables!
Why should I drink this tea if I can manage my blood pressure with medication?
First, read the medical disclaimer above. Now, Everyone, including doctors and the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the drugs know the side effects of the drugs. If you have to take the drug once or for a limited time and be done with it, it is another thing. However, being reliant on a drug (or many drugs) for a lifetime has become a norm these days. Would be nice if Food is the Medicine. Isn’t it?
Beside the efficacy of the Blood Pressure lowering medications have forever been in question. One study suggested that only half of the people that take the medication are able to manage it by medication alone. They have to get on the DASH diet and become more active and exercise to manage blood pressure.
So you are telling me there are no side effects of Hibiscus Tea?
So, I have not has any personally. But my research tells me that hibiscus tea is a diuretic (hence the use for detox). This just means drink a lot of water if you chose to drink hibiscus tea. Excessive consumption could give you acid reflux or diarrhea as well.
As with anything else, drink responsibly (ha!), use in moderation. Also, Do not stop taking your medicines if you indeed have a hypertension diagnosis, or slacking with your diet and lifestyle.
Exactly why do I care about my blood pressure?
Good blood pressure control can prevent heart attacks and heart failures. Hypertension is also known to cause kidney disorders as well. This is definitely one of those conditions, that goes undiagnosed and untreated for a majority of people that are healthy and never visit doctors. It is important to do yearly physicals with your Primary Care Doctor as well, even if you drink your 2 cups of hibiscus tea a day.
What hibiscus tea should I drink and How to make it?
This is the hibiscus tea I drink. But You can pretty much pick any from the herbal teas section of your favorite supermarket.
I make it according to the package directions. Boil water in a cup, add the teabag, and drink it up straight.
It is slightly sour but I like it that way. If you find it too Sour, Probably add it to extra water. Will make you drink more water.
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P.S. On another note, the Groundhog Predicted a Long Winter, at least Punxsutawney Phil did. Yet I am so hopeful that spring is coming soon. If you suffer from Spring allergies, do not forget to check out my post on How to prevent allergies this season? You might want to get a head start on those meds if you suffer from allergies and asthma during allergy season.
Jerry Seinfeld Experiment: Don’t break the chain. Post #36.
this is awesome. let me know if you start drinking hibiscus tea regularly and how it makes you feel. also would be curious to find out what your blood pressure monitor reads. good luck and healing!