Hibiscus Tea Benefits

Hibiscus, whose scientific nomenclature is Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a tropical plant, whose sepals are used to make what is known as the hibiscus herbal tea. This plant belongs to a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. There are about more than 200 species of this plant which populate regions with warm, temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. The tea made from this plant has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Some people like to have the hibiscus tea sweetened by adding sugar and some like it sugar-free. This tea is beneficial for the human body because of its content of organic acids, including citric acid, maleic acid, and tartaric acid.

Health Benefits of Drinking Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants, which help in fighting free radicals in the body. And this helps reduce premature aging. Apart from this, these antioxidants also promote new cell growth, boost immune system (which is why the tea is beneficial in treating colds, fever, and the flu), decrease chances of cancer and cataracts, etc.

People who take hibiscus tea are less vulnerable to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol (thus, reducing the risk of heart disease) and liver disorders. Given its antibacterial property, this herbal tea also helps fight common ailments like whooping cough, flatulence, bloating, upset stomach and indigestion. People with constipation are also known to find some relief with the use of this tea.

Hibiscus tea is a natural antispasmodic. Thus, ailments like muscle cramps and spasms, stomach cramps and even menstrual cramps may be relieved by drinking the tea. The tea also facilitate weight loss. There is this enzyme known as amylase that breaks down starches and other complex sugars in the body. When the production of this enzyme is inhibited, it makes way for treating obesity and overweight. So, take a sip of the tea after your meal to help the body cut down the absorption of carbohydrates and help you with your weight loss

To make the hibiscus tea, bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan and turn off the heat. Thereafter, drop about 4 fresh hibiscus flowers into the water. Alternatively, if you have managed to get dried flower petals, then you can add 2 tablespoons of them to the water. Now, get 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks to be added to the mixture. Cover the saucepan and give it a wait for about 15 - 20 minutes. Take care not to let the steeping process go beyond 20 minutes, as this might make the tea get bitter. In case if you like stronger tea, then you may add some more flowers. Now, it's time to strain the tea from the saucepan into a drink pitcher. Enhance the tea flavor by adding some fresh lemon juice and honey.