March 22, 2025
There are a few foods that lower blood pressure to take notice of, particularly if you are at risk for hypertension. Hibiscus tea makes that list with glowing reviews. Several studies have found it to lower blood pressure significantly, even in patients with certain health conditions that increase the risk of high blood pressure. Hibiscus is commonly brewed into herbal teas and beverages, either hot or cold, enjoyed for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits.In some cuisines, hibiscus flowers or calyces are used in cooking to add flavor, color, and acidity to dishes. Tangy Hibiscus tea may taste great, but it's also seriously medicinal. Clinical research finds Hibiscus reduces blood pressure, even beating some ACE inhibitor drugs.
Hibiscus lowers blood pressure
According to recent research from the College of Medicine at Nigeria’s University of Enugu, 80 adults with hypertension were divided into three groups. One group was treated with Hibiscus. Another group was treated with the hypertension drug, hydrochlorothiazide – an ACE inhibitor. The third group was given a placebo.
After four weeks of treatment, the subjects were tested for blood pressure, urine electrolytes and given blood tests. The researchers found the Hibiscus treatment significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It also reduced arterial pressure and reduced blood sodium levels.
This reduction in blood pressure from Hibiscus was similar in the drug group. However, the blood pressure reduction lasted longer when the patients were retested after halting their treatments.
Hibiscus beats ACE inhibitor drug
According to recent study from the Medical Outpatients Clinic at Enugu State University 75 adults with high blood pressure were also divided into three groups. One group was treated with an extract of Hibiscus. Another group was given 10 milligrams of the ACE-inhibitor hypertension drug Lisinopril. The third group was given a placebo.
All the patients were treated for four weeks. After the four weeks, the researchers found the Hibiscus reduced blood pressure by an average of 76 percent. This beat the Lisinopril drug’s effects, which reduced blood pressure by 65 percent.
Furthermore, the Hibiscus began to significantly reduce systolic blood pressure during the second week of treatment, and continued to reduce it through the fourth week. The Lisinopril didn’t cause significant reduction of systolic blood pressure until the fourth week.The Hibiscus treatments also didn’t come with the side effects seen in some in the Lisinopril treated group.
How to Find and Make
Like most supplements, it’s important to purchase hibiscus leaves, powder or extract from trustworthy sources with a good reputation. Some experts suggest that, if you purchase hibiscus in extract form, it should be in an airless pump that hasn’t touched the air so you still get the full hibiscus tea benefits. If you purchase dried hibiscus, you are actually getting the calyces of the plant, which surround the petals, rather than the petals themselves. All hibiscus teas are caffeine-free, so feel free to try a variety of them to find your favorite.
It’s pretty easy to make your own hibiscus tea. After boiling water, place the dried calyces of the plant into the water and wait until it turns deep red. This will produce concentrated hibiscus tea, so then add about half the amount of water in cool. Sweeten with raw honey or stevia to your desired taste when it’s warm, but not hot. Optionally garnish with mint or a slice of lime, and you’ve got a healthy, delicious beverage that can be served hot or cold. Some recipes recommend adding a cinnamon stick for flavor.
www.plantmedicines.org/2024/10/medicinal-benefits-of-hibiscus.html