Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Herbs & Roots. Caribbean, African, Latin American & Amazon, Modern nutrition and Dr. Sebi's list.
Also called Roselle, Sorrel, Jamaica, Bissap
Pinyin: Méi Guī Qié
Spanish: Flor de jamaica
Can lower blood pressureDried red calyces, the fleshy cup behind the flower, are brewed into a tart red tea or cold drink that has been studied for blood pressure.
Did you know? The red part used in drinks is the fleshy cup behind the flower, not the petals. The petals drop off soon after the flower opens.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Blood pressure. Several trials show hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure a few points. The benefit is modest and needs regular drinking.Good proof
- Cholesterol. Small trials suggest hibiscus may lower LDL cholesterol a little.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
In West Africa, bissap is a common cold drink. In Latin America, agua de jamaica is served cold, and in the Caribbean sorrel is a holiday drink. Folk use includes fevers, digestion and cooling the body.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Diuretic, Hypotensive, Antioxidant. Energy: cooling.
How people take it
Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried calyces in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Trials often used 1 to 3 cups of tea a day for several weeks.
Tea and juice.
Where to get it
Grown in warm regions, including Sudan, Egypt, Nigeria, Mexico, Thailand and the Caribbean. Sold as dried calyces, tea bags and bottled juice.
Be careful
Usually safe as food and tea, but hibiscus can lower blood pressure, so people on BP medicines should check with a doctor. Large amounts may increase urine output. Ask a doctor before using large amounts during pregnancy, since its effects there are not well studied.
Avoid if: low blood pressure; pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are tart fruit teas often blended together.
- Works well together
Both have been studied for mild blood pressure drops.
- Works well together
Hibiscus with lemongrass is a common herbal tea blend.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
Hibiscus tea can add to blood pressure medicines and cause dizziness.
- Use cautionWater pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
Hibiscus may add to the urine-producing effect of diuretics.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
Found in these formulas
Sorrel drink (Caribbean)
The honest take
Hibiscus tea has a fair number of human blood pressure trials. The effect is modest and does not replace medicine. Claims that it fights infections or detoxes the body are not shown in people.