Hibiscus plants are also commonly known as rose mallow and Rose of Sharon. They are characterized by colorful flowers that can range from deep maroon red flowers to vibrant orange hues and pink flowers. The flowers bloom through late summer and can produce multiple blooms when given proper amounts of plant food.

Benefits and Uses of Hibiscus Tea

Immune-Booster

Hibiscus tea contains large amounts of vitamin C, which helps to boost immune health. A Pakistani study found that hibiscus extract may have an immunomodulatory effect in animals. You can view recipe online for an amazing hibiscus tea.

While the results haven't been replicated in human studies yet, the high concentration of vitamin C indicates that hibiscus may help boost immunity and fight off bacterial infections.

Heart Health

Drinking hibiscus tea may help to lower blood pressure when consumed consistently over long periods of time. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology studied the effect of sour tea in the treatment of hypertension. The study consisted of 54 patients who were divided randomly into an experimental group and a control group. The results showed a significant decrease in high blood pressure 15 days after the intervention.

Fights Free Radicals

Hibiscus tea is chock full of antioxidants that help prevent damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are damaged, uncharged cells that bond with healthy cells and speed up the process of oxidative stress, which has been linked to premature aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

May Aid Cholesterol

Hibiscus tea has long been a staple of Indian herbal medicine such as Ayurveda. It's commonly used to treat heart conditions and the hallmarks of heart disease. One randomized clinical trial examined the effects of hibiscus on cholesterol in 90 hypertensive patients. Researchers found that hibiscus tea helped to increase good HDL cholesterol levels—a protective agent against cardiovascular disease.