FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is so special about hibiscus?

Hibiscus is full of vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system. With large levels of vitamin C, hibiscus tea is a great way to prevent cold and flu in the cold winter months. Hibiscus is also full of antioxidants that help boost overall health.

 2. What is the medicinal use of hibiscus?

Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

3. Is hibiscus good for fertility?

The Hibiscus plant is popularly used for the treatment of various health conditions. … More importantly, women who are anemic and are suffering from infertility due to low iron levels should take as much hibiscus tea as possible. The reason is, it helps by maximizing iron absorption into the blood.

4. Is hibiscus good for kidneys?

Both green tea- and the hibiscus-treated group had shown significant nephroprotective effects. They reduced biochemical indicators or nonenzymatic markers of kidney dysfunction compared with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

5. Can you drink hibiscus tea while on chemo?

If effective against cancer, hibiscus extract could potentially be combined with chemotherapeutic treatments in adjuvant therapy to reduce chemotherapy-inducing side effects.

6. Hibiscus and blood pressure

Several human trials have found that hibiscus beverages and supplements can decrease blood pressure.

A study in 46 adults with high blood pressure found that drinking 2 cups (474 mL) of hibiscus tea daily for 1 month combined with lifestyle and dietary changes reduced blood pressure significantly more than lifestyle and diet changes alone.

Other studies have found that hibiscus extracts may be as effective as pharmaceutical medications for high blood pressure. However, more research is needed.

7. Hibiscus and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including high blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and excess body fat. These factors can increase the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Promisingly, hibiscus may help treat metabolic syndrome.

A small study of 16 older women with metabolic syndrome found that drinking hibiscus tea twice daily for 21 days significantly reduced blood pressure, blood triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar compared with a placebo.

In another study of 40 adults with metabolic syndrome, those who took hibiscus powder once daily for 4 weeks experienced significant decreases in blood triglycerides and systolic blood pressure compared with a placebo group.

Overall, hibiscus may help manage aspects of metabolic syndrome, especially blood sugar issues.

8. Hibiscus and Obesity

Hibiscus may help with weight loss and protect against obesity.

Research in animals suggests that hibiscus extracts may help prevent fat cells from accumulating. This could prevent complications sometimes seen with obesity, such as fatty liver and insulin resistance.

The fiber in certain preparations of hibiscus may also help prevent weight gain.

One study in rats found that adding ground hibiscus to animal feed reduced body weight, body fat, and pro-inflammatory compounds in fat tissue.

Still, studies in humans are necessary to better understand the potential anti-obesity effects of hibiscus.