Hibiscus or Hibiscus sabdariffa has been used all over the world to treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions with strong held beliefs in its power by many cultures.

You’ve probably spotted the tropical hibiscus flower as its iconic to every tourist who goes on a Hawaiian vacation.  In traditional Hawaiian traditions it symbolizes relationship status if worn behind the left ear- basically the modern day equivalent of “facebook official”.

It is also used by various cultures around the world as both a delicious drink and a potent medicine.

The medicinal and recreational uses of the Hibiscus plant varies depending on what part of the world is being consumed.

Today I will uncover three health benefits linked to drinking Hibiscus tea – all backed by science.

1. May Help Lower Blood Pressure.

The main studies that have been conducted on the health benefits of Hibiscus plant have been on how effective hibiscus is to lower blood pressure. Research  has shown it is as effective as the commonly prescribed drug captopril.

A 2015 study with 390 participants showed that drinking 8 ounce of hibiscus tea 3 times a day, substantially lowered both the systolic and diastolic numbers of participants blood pressure compared to the placebo.

This flower is also packed with ascorbic acid or vitamin C making it a way better sugar-free option compared to orange juice to boost your immunity during cold season. Vitamin C can also help increase how much iron absorbed from food, so pair it with your favorite spinach salad!

One 8 ounce glass of hibiscus tea has about the same vitamin C as a small orange.

2. Could Help Promote Regular Menstrual Periods.

The chemical characteristics of Hibiscus plant also suggest  it can promote an emmenagogue effect- meaning it stimulates menstrual flow – and help women with irregular periods.

While this could be helpful for women with irregular periods. it should be avoided during pregnancy as it can induced premature labor.

The flower has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a hormone balancer to reduce menstrual cramps, mood swings and cravings, although there are no conclusive studies published yet.

3. May Help Lower Cholesterol.

One of the most promising areas of recent research of Hibiscus is in cardiovascular health. In Iran, is traditionally used as a cholesterol treatment.

Science has confirmed that constitutes in the deep red calyxes of hibiscus exhibits potent antioxidant activity and exert beneficial effects on blood pressure and cholesterol.

A clinical trial with type 2 diabetes found hat it lowered blood pressure and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, although no conclusive results on lowering (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.

Over the Counter Medicine: Agua De Jamaica

Hibiscus tea or Agua de Jamaica is popular drink in the United States, available from cultural traditions of Mexico and parts of Central America. When brewed as a tea the flower produces a deep rich raspberry color and a slightly bitter flavor- think light cranberry.