Hibiscus tea can be prepared from fresh or dried hibiscus flowers and served hot or cold. The herbal drink contains plant compounds with antioxidant properties, while research suggests it may help lower blood pressure. However, evidence for some of its other claimed health benefits remains limited.
Preparing the tea involves drying the flowers, storing them properly and steeping them in hot water. Mint and cinnamon can be added for flavour, while honey can be used to sweeten the drink.
How to harvest and dry hibiscus flowers
Fresh hibiscus flowers should be harvested from plants that have not been treated with unsuitable pesticides or other chemicals. Remove damaged material and rinse the flowers thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt and other contaminants.
Spread the flowers in a single layer in a clean, well-ventilated drying area. Keep them away from moisture, dust and direct contamination. Drying time varies with humidity, temperature and airflow, so the flowers should not be considered ready after a fixed number of days alone.
A food dehydrator can also be used, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying edible flowers. Once the flowers are completely dry, store them in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Only use flowers correctly identified as edible hibiscus, such as roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Not every ornamental hibiscus variety is suitable for making tea.
How to brew hibiscus tea
Place dried hibiscus flowers in a teapot or heat-resistant container and pour boiling water over them. Allow the mixture to steep for about five minutes, adjusting the time according to the strength and flavour preferred.
Strain the liquid through a fine sieve before serving. Mint leaves or cinnamon can be added during brewing, while honey can be used as a sweetener.
The tea can be served immediately while warm or cooled and refrigerated for a cold drink. Use clean containers and refrigerate prepared tea promptly rather than leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
The quantity of flowers needed depends on their size, the volume of water and the desired strength. A consistent measurement by weight or volume is more reliable than counting petals, which vary considerably in size.
What research says about hibiscus tea
Hibiscus contains polyphenols and other plant compounds associated with antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help counter oxidative stress, a process involving unstable molecules that can damage cells.
Research has also examined whether hibiscus can help manage high blood pressure. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials found that hibiscus preparations were associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure compared with a placebo. However, the researchers said further studies were needed to establish effective doses and the duration of treatment.
The findings do not mean hibiscus tea can replace prescribed blood pressure medication. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says evidence for roselle and other dietary approaches to lowering blood pressure remains limited, with effects generally smaller than those of established medicines.
Claims that hibiscus tea reliably lowers blood sugar in people with diabetes also require caution. Research into its effects on blood glucose and other metabolic measures has not established it as a treatment for diabetes.
People with high blood pressure or diabetes should continue following their healthcare provider’s treatment plan rather than relying on herbal tea to control their condition.
Safety considerations
The safety of hibiscus during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been adequately established. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using it regularly for medicinal purposes, particularly in concentrated preparations.
Hibiscus may also interact with certain medicines, although the extent of these interactions in humans is not fully understood. Anyone taking medication, especially for blood pressure or blood sugar management, should seek professional advice before using hibiscus regularly as a health remedy.
Its effects can vary depending on the preparation, amount consumed and individual health circumstances. A beverage made from edible hibiscus flowers should therefore be treated as a food or herbal drink, not as a substitute for medical care.
