Hibiscus Tea



Hibiscus tea is a summertime favorite in my home. It can be served hot, chilled and can be infused with various fruits, spices, and herbs. It has a slight sour almost cranberry-like taste. One of the best things about hibiscus tea, aside from some of its incredible health benefits, is that it is naturally calorie and caffeine-free.


What is Hibiscus?

Photo Credit: Muhammad M. Karim
Hibiscus is a beautiful tropical flower whose origins are still being debated. It is grown and cultivated in many countries such as Sudan, Egypt, and Thailand. There are over 200 varieties of hibiscus; one of which is Malaysia's national flower, the Hibiscus rosa-senensis (locally known as Bunga Raya). One of the most common species used for tea is Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle). The typical part of the plant that is dried and used for making this tea is called the calyx, which is the protective layer around the actual flowers.


Its Health Benefits and Properties


Hibiscus contains a range of antioxidant properties, including vitamin C. These properties, in general, can aid in the destruction of free radicals in the body and help the body fight off viral diseases by boosting the functions in the immune system.

Hibiscus is especially good for the blood and the cardiovascular system. Several studies have shown that hibiscus lowered cholesterol levels and had a positive effect on high blood pressure. One study also concluded a decrease in triglycerides. This, in turn, can help improve blood sugar levels and fight insulin resistance.

Drinking this beverage may also help with maintaining the health of the urinary tract as it functions as a diuretic. It stimulates the kidneys which may aid in flushing out toxins. [1, 2, 3]


Dried Hibiscus


How to Make Hibiscus Tea


You can prepare hibiscus tea the way you typically prepare any loose herbal tea by boiling water and allowing it to steep for at least 5 minutes. You can make it as strong as you'd like or weaker by altering the amount of dried hibiscus you use. I like to enjoy hibiscus without sweetener but you can add honey or any other healthy sweetener you like.

My favorite thing about making this awesome drink is the combinations of flavors you can make. Try adding any one of these ingredients to your next brew:


  • Cinnamon + Ginger
  • Mint + Lemon/ lime juice 
  • Oranges 
  • Apples

Note of Caution 

Hibiscus can interact with certain medications and conditions especially those with low blood pressure. Always check-in with a medical/holistic/functional medical professional before applying any kind of adjustment to your daily regimen. It is not recommended to exceed an intake of one quart of hibiscus a day unless instructed otherwise by your medical advisor. (4)


Disclaimers

  • All product reviews are based on my experiences. Please be advised that everyone may not have the same experience. I am not affiliated with any product or marketing unless otherwise noted. Please check with manufacture disclaimers prior to use of any product.
  • All advice, information, and remedies should be taken into severe consideration. Please contact your health practitioner or holistic practitioner if you are struggling with a disease or currently taking any form of medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • These statements-unless otherwise noted- have not been evaluated by the FDA 





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Product Review: Mine Botanicals African Black Soap

Image
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم I love finding natural body care products! When I was first introduced to this line, it was given to me as a gift from my parents. It has been a favorite ever since! I have only tried these four varieties, but each of them has never failed to deliver some form of satisfaction for my skin. What I love most about these products is that I can recognize every ingredient and see the benefits from each one. All of these soaps add softness and rejuvenate my skin. I particularly like the smell of the African Black soap enriched with Tea Tree, Shea butter, and Aloe vera .  The Milk And Honey enriched with Coconut oil and Shea Butter is the most hydrating, so I prefer using this or the one with Oatmeal on my face. It has proven itself as an excellent support for irritated skin. The very first one that I have tried was the African Black Soap Organic Shea Butter enriched with Avocado oil and Black seed . Not only did I use this one as a body soap but as
Read more

Edible Mushrooms

Image
A familiar sight in savory dishes, the mushroom has trecked throughout history earning a worthy place in cuisines around the globe. It was considered a "plant of immortality" by the Ancient Egyptians, who entitled it strictly for the pharaoh's enjoyment. The medicinal properties were held into account as well as its culinary purpose. In Rome, wild-foraged mushrooms were thoroughly enjoyed in the diet. Different ways of cultivating the mushrooms were introduced early in Roman civilization, around 200 BC.[ 1 , 2 ] Mushroom farming became popular in the Western world by a French gardener by the name of Chambry. He discovered the effectiveness of growing mushrooms in caves, where the humidity was high. With the abundance of deserted caves, mushrooms were grown all throughout Paris. [ 3 ] Types of Mushrooms and Their Benefits  The most recognized and used mushrooms in the US are White Buttons, Portabella, and Criminis ( Baby Bellas- which are just immature portabella mu
Read more

The Tree's Candy: Dates

Image
Dates are very popular this time of year due to the Blessed Month of Ramadhan. It's highly recommended for Muslims to break their fast with three dates and water upon the setting of the sun.  I remember seeing a freshly opened box of dates as a child and an adult handing me three plump dates into my eager hands. I would hear them say that dates were healthy for you but at that time, all I knew it was the best candy-fruit in the world. Photo Credit: Stan Shebs Background Dates were cultivated about 7,000 years ago in what is now modern Iraq, Iran, and the Indus Valley area near Pakistan. Before then, however, dates were still flourishing and eaten all over North Africa and the Middle East. It was the fruit of the nomads and kings alike. It's naturally bacteria-resistant due to its high sugar content making it a perfect survival food that can practically last forever once dried.  [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Aside from eating them as a plain fruit, the flesh of dates could be
Read more