Also known as Jamaica tea or Karkade tea, hibiscus tea is thought to be a superfood due to the health benefits that the beverage offers.
If you are thinking of making your own hibiscus tea, keep reading as we are going to be looking at how you can do so, as well as what some of the health benefits associated with this kind of tea are.
Let’s get started.
What Is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea is a beverage made by steeping the petals of the hibiscus flower in hot water. It is known for its tart, cranberry-like flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
It is also commonly consumed for its potential health benefits, such as reducing high blood pressure and aiding in digestion.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea?
There are several benefits that are connected to hibiscus tea, including the following:
Lowering Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that drinking hibiscus tea can help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it a potential treatment for hypertension.
Aiding Digestion: The tea may help relieve constipation (see also: What Tea Is Good For Constipation?)and stimulate bowel movements, as well as stimulate the production of bile, which can help break down fats.
Antioxidant Properties: The tea contains antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
Lowering Cholesterol: Some studies have suggested that hibiscus tea may help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which could help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Boosting Immune System: Hibiscus tea contains vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells and helps to boost the immune system.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The tea has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor to many chronic diseases.
Weight Loss: Some studies have suggested that hibiscus tea may help promote weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing metabolism.
Helping with Anxiety and Stress: Hibiscus tea can have a calming effect, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Improving Liver Health: The tea may help protect the liver from damage and promote liver health.
Diabetes: Hibiscus tea can also help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.
It’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits of hibiscus tea and to understand how it might interact with other medications or health conditions.
It is always recommended to consult with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet, including hibiscus tea.
Remember that all things are best in moderation, so don’t go overboard with hibiscus tea, or you could deal with side effects such as dizziness- due to the effect the drink has on blood pressure-, medication interferences, and even negative effects on female fertility and estrogen production.
Different Methods Of Making Hibiscus Tea
There are quite a few ways that you can make yourself some hibiscus tea, so let’s take a closer look at them.
Traditional Hot Brewing: This is the most common method of making hibiscus tea, wherein dried hibiscus flowers are simmered in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then strained and sweetened to taste.
Cold Brewing: This method involves steeping the dried hibiscus flowers in cold water overnight in the refrigerator. This produces a more subtle, less tart flavor than hot brewing, and it’s also a good way to make a large batch of tea that can be enjoyed over several days.
Sun Tea: To make sun hibiscus tea, the dried hibiscus flowers are steeped in water in a glass jar or pitcher, then left in the sun for several hours. The sun helps to infuse the water with the hibiscus flavor, creating a deliciously refreshing tea.
Iced Tea: You can make iced hibiscus tea by brewing hot tea and then refrigerating it. You can also make a large batch of cold-brewed hibiscus tea and pour it over a glass of ice.
Herbal Blend: Hibiscus works well with other herbs such as mint, lemon balm, ginger, or cinnamon, which can be combined with your hibiscus tea to create unique flavors.
With Fruits: Adding fresh or dried fruits like berries, oranges, or lemons to your hibiscus tea to enhance its flavor and nutritional value.
A Simple Hibiscus Tea Recipe
If you are thinking of going for the more traditional hot water brewing method, here is a quick and easy recipe that you can use to make yourself a steaming cup of hibiscus tea.
Ingredients
1–2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
8 oz of water
Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions
Bring 8 oz of water to a boil in a small pot.
Add 1–2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers to the boiling water.
Reduce heat and let the tea simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup or mug.
Let the tea cool for a few minutes before drinking.
You can sweeten the tea with honey or sugar if desired, as hibiscus can be a little bit tart.
You can also make hibiscus tea by steeping a tea bag or hibiscus tea in a cup of hot water for 5–10 minutes.
If you would rather make cold hibiscus tea, you can do so by steeping the tea in cold water overnight in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Hibiscus tea is a flavorful and healthy beverage that can be made in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer to brew it hot, cold, or in the sun, the process is simple and easy.
When making hibiscus tea, it is important to use high-quality, dried hibiscus flowers to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value.
You can experiment with the number of flowers you use, brewing time, and sweetening to achieve your desired taste.
It’s also worth noting that hibiscus tea has potential health benefits, but it’s important to consult with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet, including hibiscus tea, especially if you’re taking any medication or have any health conditions.
Overall, hibiscus tea is a tasty, healthy, and versatile beverage that can be enjoyed year-round and easily made at home.
