Hibiscus Tea – A Healthy Tropical Flavor

Native to tropical and subtropical regions, the flowering plant family of Malvacae produces a trumpet shaped five petal flower called the Hibiscus. Apart from adorning interiors with the beautiful flower, the sabdariffa and rosella variety of the species have herbal, healing properties when prepared as tea. The overall health benefits of consuming hibiscus tea include:-

•    Lowers High Blood Pressure – daily consumption of hibiscus tea is known to lower high blood pressure levels.

•    Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease – the high level of anti-oxidants help reduce the cholesterol levels and clears the arteries from collection of fatty deposits.

•    Cooling Properties – it has a cooling effect on body temperatures and helps in reduces hot flushes for women during menopause.  It has long been used in regions in North Africa as a natural body cooling agent.

•    Building Immune System – the richness of vitamin C in the flower, help in boosting immunity.

•    Treating Ailments – the relaxing and refreshing properties help in treating various ailments naturally.

•    Other Benefits – regular intake of hibiscus tea help in preventing other ailments such as constipation, bladder infections, soothes colds, opens sinuses, clears mucous, helps digestion and in reducing fever.

Ways of Preparing Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea can be prepared with dried or fresh flowers and can be served either hot or cold. Usually the outer leaves of the flower are used in preparation of the brew. If prepared hot, one should soak whole flowers along with a few tablespoons of dried petals in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. On straining, you could also add orange peels, honey or lemon juice to give the added flavour. If you wish to prepare cold hibiscus tea, you should soak dried hibiscus flowers for around two days after which you can strain and consume.

Apart from being consumed as tea, dried hibiscus is also used in food preparations. In addition the variety of hibiscus called rosa-sinesis or Red Hibiscus is also used for the hair. Flower extracts of this variety when applied on the scalp helps in reducing hair fall and treating dandruff.

It is important to be careful while self consuming any herbal substance. Maintain intake to once a day for a few days and observe both health benefits and other changes that may be unfavorable. Consult a health practitioner if required in case of doubts or side effects.

Herbal remedies are the best natural treatments and regular consumption leads a healthier body. The natural environment offers many solutions to sustain our health and body; we only have to take the initiative to change our lifestyles to synchronize with such co-existence.