Hibiscus Tea Side Effects

The hibiscus refers to a genus of plants that comprises about 220 species. These are found in those regions of the world that are warm-temperate, sub-tropical and tropical. The hibiscus flower sepals of the plant are used to make the tea, which most people enjoy drinking as hot and cold beverages. The blossom is dried and steeped to make the tea. The flowers are also included in salads, and other parts of the plant are used for making jams, spices, soups, and sauces. Many herbalist tout for the ability of the hibiscus tea to treat a variety of medical ailments from common cold, swelling, poor appetite, high blood pressure, stomach disorders to upper respiratory tract disorders. However, behind all such benefits of drinking this tea, there could be a number of side effects too.

Possible Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea

Experts say that hibiscus tea is generally safe for people, and has low potential of causing any serious side effects.

• Hibiscus tea is well-known for its blood-pressure lowering quality thus, it should not be taken by people with hypotension (low blood pressure). According to a study conducted by a medical research center, people who frequently drink this herbal tea, experience a reduction of 7.2 points in their systolic blood pressure. So this implies that people with low blood pressure must not consume this tea lest, there may occur severe complications such as faintness, dizziness, weakness, or in some cases, damage to the heart or brain.
• One of the common hibiscus tea side effects may be an effect that may be similar to experiencing hallucinations. Which is why, people who consume the tea for the first time, are advised not to go for driving or any other activity, wherein, sleepiness may spell trouble.
• The chemicals in the hibiscus plant affect the estrogen levels, especially in women. So one side effect could be hormonal changes in the body. This may particularly affect people who had undergone hormone replacement therapy, or women who are using birth control pills.
• Some experts believe that drinking hibiscus tea during pregnancy could be unsafe. The tea, supposedly, has certain properties which could trigger off menstruation, and this could cause a miscarriage. Although the theory is not supported by clinical evidence, the word is to stay on the safe side and avoid its use. To add to this, the tea must be avoided even by nursing mothers.
• Certain chemicals in the plant are known to attack cancer cells that affect the skin and the brain. So, people who are already on drugs for treating cancer, must not consume the hibiscus tea. Otherwise, the side effects may occur in the form of an additive effect on the treatment, and worsen the condition.
• Other hibiscus flower tea side effects may flare up when the tea is taken in conjunction with inflammatory drugs.

Having dealt with the basic and common hibiscus tea side effects, here is a short description on the benefits of this herbal tea.

Hibiscus Tea Benefits

• One of the most important hibiscus tea benefit is its antioxidant nature. It helps in neutralizing the effect of free radicals in the body.
• Drinking hibiscus tea as a regular part of the diet, boosts the immune system, helps in cell development, and reduces risks of cancer and cataracts.
• As mentioned already, this herbal tea helps in lowering elevated blood pressure level, and treats liver disorders. Since the tea reduces high cholesterol, it is beneficial for reducing the risk of developing heart diseases.
• Being a natural antispasmodic, the tea made from the hibiscus flowers relieves muscle spasm, menstrual cramps and even abdominal cramps.
• Taking the tea after meal, stimulates metabolism thus, helps in breaking down starch and sugar. This eventually aids in losing weight.
• As the tea is rich in vitamin C, it helps the body to have a speedy recovery from illnesses such as cold and flu.

As we can understand from the above description, under certain circumstances which might involve an underlying disease or medication, hibiscus tea may cause a few side effects. Otherwise, it offers a good deal of benefits to human health.