Hibiscus tea is a popular herbal drink, but its safety during pregnancy has not been established well enough to support claims that it is safe throughout pregnancy.
Hibiscus, including Hibiscus sabdariffa, is used in teas and traditional medicine. Research has examined the plant for possible effects on conditions such as high blood pressure, but those studies do not establish that hibiscus tea is safe or beneficial for pregnant women.
The available evidence on herbal products during pregnancy is limited. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says many dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women and advises people who are pregnant to discuss supplements with a health care provider.
A 2022 systematic review of herbal therapies during pregnancy found that some medicinal plants may have harmful effects on mothers and fetuses. The researchers noted particular concerns during the first trimester, although the review examined herbal medicines broadly rather than establishing that hibiscus itself causes these outcomes.
That distinction is important because claims about hibiscus are sometimes presented as established medical benefits. There is not enough evidence to say that drinking hibiscus tea during pregnancy provides health benefits to a developing baby or protects against birth defects.
Hibiscus has been studied for other potential health effects. Research summarized by the NCCIH suggests that Hibiscus sabdariffa may have a small effect on blood pressure, but the evidence is limited and does not show effects comparable to medical treatment.
The evidence also does not support treating hibiscus tea as a pregnancy remedy. Claims that it improves sleep, provides specific benefits to the fetus or can be safely consumed during every trimester should not be presented as established medical facts without stronger evidence.
What pregnant women should consider
Herbal teas can contain biologically active compounds, and their safety can depend on the plant, preparation, amount consumed and other ingredients in the product.
This is one reason medical guidance generally takes a cautious approach to herbal supplements during pregnancy. A systematic review of herbal medicinal products used during pregnancy found limited evidence for the safety of many products and concluded that more robust evidence is needed.
Pregnant women who are considering hibiscus tea or another herbal product should discuss it with their health care provider, particularly if they take medication or have a medical condition.
Hibiscus should also not be confused with green or black tea. Those teas come from Camellia sinensis and naturally contain caffeine, while herbal teas are made from other plants.
The available evidence does not justify describing hibiscus tea as a proven pregnancy treatment or as a beverage that is definitively safe throughout pregnancy. For pregnant women, the more evidence-based approach is to check the specific herbal product with a qualified health professional before using it regularly.
