Health Benefits of Hibiscus Flower

Bright and colorful, there are hundreds of different species of the hibiscus flower. Some of these blossoms can be enjoyed as houseplants and some are used for supplements and teas. Hibiscus sabdariffa is the most common species of hibiscus to be consumed and contains of wealth of potential health benefits.

Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of the hibiscus flower and how you can add it to your diet or supplement routine.

What is Hibiscus Flower?

Hibiscus are small- to medium-sized flowering trees which can live outdoors in tropical and sub-tropical climates or inside as houseplants in any zone. This plant flowers year round, adding color and vibrancy to any room no matter the season. The flowers, leaves, and other parts of the plant are often dried to make tea and supplements.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Flower

Here are just a few of the potential health benefits of taking hibiscus flower teas and supplements.

May Reduce High Blood Pressure

Early research shows that drinking hibiscus tea 2-3 times daily for 2 or more weeks may help stabilize blood pressure. One study showed that using hibiscus to promote heart health has “great potential to reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.”

Could Help Lower Cholesterol

Drinking hibiscus tea or taking hibiscus supplements has also been shown to balance cholesterol. In a recent study, 60 people with diabetes drank hibiscus tea each day and after 1 month, showed an increase of HDL (good cholesterol) and a decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol).

May Restore Urinary Tract Health

Individuals who struggle with bladder infections may experience relief from the hibiscus flower. Research has been positive in using hibiscus tea to restore urinary tract health after an infection sets in.

Ways to Enjoy Hibiscus Flower

Here are a few ways to incorporate hibiscus flower into your natural, healthy lifestyle.

Tea

The flowers and leaves of the hibiscus flower, when dried, can be steeped into a colorful and beneficial tea. This tea has a unique, tart flavor and a rich red color, in fact some have compared it to drinking cranberry juice. To make hibiscus tea, add dried hibiscus to a tea ball or tea pot and pour hot water over the dried flowers and leaves. Allow the blend to steep for 5 minutes and sweeten with honey or other natural sweeteners, if desired.

Supplements

Not a tea lover? You can still reap the benefits of the hibiscus flower. Companies such as Solaray offer high-quality supplements containing hibiscus. Try it for yourself with Hibiscus Flower Extract from Solaray.

As a Houseplant

Looking to add a little color to your home or apartment? The hibiscus plant is known as an “easy to grow” houseplant that adds color and style to any room. Keep your plant in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and be sure not to overwater. This will cause the leaves of your plant to turn yellow and look droopy.

Do you enjoy hibiscus tea? Have any tips for caring for a hibiscus plant? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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Photo by Drew Taylor on Unsplash