Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Parts used: Flowers

Properties

Antibacterial, antioxidant

Primary nutrients

Vitamin C, other antioxidants

Hibiscus tea contains vitamin C, a nutrient that plays many essential roles in the body.  These include:

• Tissue growth and repair
• The maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth
• Wound healing
• The formation of collagen
• Iron absorption

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant.  It can help boost your immune system and may help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals in the body.  This can reduce your risk of developing many significant health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Hibiscus tea contains other antioxidants, such as anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins give the plant its vibrant color.  They may also prevent many chronic diseases, as well as provide antibacterial effects.

High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease.  Some studies show that drinking hibiscus tea may help reduce systolic blood pressure levels compared to a placebo.  Other studies show that it may help to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Some studies show that hibiscus tea may reduce cholesterol levels, another risk factor of heart disease.  In one study, people who drank hibiscus tea experienced an increase in “good cholesterol” (high-density lipoproteins) and a decrease in “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoproteins).

Many of the current studies have been limited to individuals with certain conditions, however, and some show conflicting results.