Hibiscus tea is an herbal tisane made from the dried, vibrantly colored calyces of the hibiscus flower.
Hibiscus tea is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant, known by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa, particularly the flower. Hibiscus tea is a very popular drink throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea.
Health Benefits of Drinking Hibiscus Tea
Aids Digestion
Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion. It increases both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight and improve the health of your gastrointestinal system and avoid colorectal cancer.
Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea is also beneficial for losing weight. If you consume food that is rich in carbohydrates, that means that it contains sugar and starch, so you are likely to gain weight. However, research studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help with weight loss.
Anti-cancer Properties
The hibiscus protocatechuic acid found in hibiscus tea has strong antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. In a study suggested that the protocatechuic acid in hibiscus tea inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing cell death in human leukemia cells.
Anxiety and Depression
Hibiscus tea health benefits also include calming the nervous system. This helps put people into a positive mind frame to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In a study found that the flavonoids, anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in hibiscus have potential antidepressant activity.
Boost the Immune System
The high amount of vitamin C in hibiscus tea is considered a great immune system booster, and it can help prevent against colds and the flu. It has the ability to lower body temperature, and therefore hibiscus tea benefits people with a fever as well.
Simple Hibiscus Tea Recipe
Here is a hibiscus tea recipe that you can make at home right now! You can also put it on ice if you find yourself in need of a cool drink during a hot day.
Ingredients:
-4 cups of pure filtered water
-1/4 cup of dried organic hibiscus flowers
-1 to 2 tablespoons of raw honey
-Lime wedges (optional)
-Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Directions:
-Boil half of the filtered water in a small saucepan.
-Add the dried hibiscus flowers and then turn off the heat. Next, steep the liquid until it appears dark red.
-Add the remaining two cups of filtered water to the hot tea, and add the raw honey to achieve sweetness when the tea is still warm.
-As an option, pour the hibiscus tea into a pitcher for serving. Pour the tea into iced-filled glasses. If you like you can also garnish with mint and lime.
Additional Sources:
gaiaherbs.com, organicfacts.net, doctorshealthpress.com
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