Are you looking for some information on hibiscus tea? If so, you should read this article. I want to share with you five most important facts about this tea. Here they are!

1. It’s consumed by people all over the world

Hibiscus tea is also referred to as roselle, flor de Jamaica, karkade, bissap and sorrel. It isn’t very well known in the Western world (with some exceptions), but it’s very popular in North Africa (Egypt, Sudan), West Africa (Senegal, The Gambia), South East Asia (especially Thailand), Caribbean (Jamaica) and Latin America (Mexico, Panama).

2. It’s a herbal medicine

There are a lot of reasons why hibiscus tea is traditionally used as a herbal medicine. First and foremost, it’s rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy cell-damaging free radicals that cause many serious health problems. Moreover, the tea is rich in vitamin C which can improve your immune system. It’s also high in electrolytes which are necessary for your body to function. Last but not least, hibiscus helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of heart disease.

3. There are many ways to drink it

There are many recipes for hibiscus tea. Some people like it hot, others like it cold. Some people sweeten it with sugar or honey, others prefer its tart cranberry-like flavor. Some people add chopped ginger, others add clove, cinnamon or nutmeg. As you can see you can make it in many ways and each time get a different flavor.

4. There’s a low risk of adverse side effects

Hibiscus tea is caffeine-free, so there’s no risk of many negative side effects related to excess intake of caffeine. However, you should stay away from hibiscus if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (it isn’t known yet if it’s safe for the baby), if you’re using birth control pills (hibiscus may cause hormonal changes) and if you have low blood pressure (because it reduces blood pressure).

5. It lowers blood pressure like an antihypertensive drug

A study performed by researchers from the Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle, Washington shows that hibiscus tea (16 ounces a day) has almost the same blood pressure lowering abilities as a popular antihypertensive drug captopril (25 mg). Since the tea doesn’t have many adverse side effects, it may be a good alternative to drugs.

To sum up, hibiscus tea is one of the healthiest beverages that you can safely drink even in large amounts on a daily basis. Why not have some of it today?

To read more about hibiscus tea, make sure to read this article about hibiscus tea facts.