Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?

Teas are popular thirst quenchers and are appreciated as a low-calorie alternative to water. In winter, they provide warmth, and in summer, they offer refreshing variety in beverage choices. Teas brewed from natural plant parts without additional additives can also influence health and support it.

An example of this is hibiscus, or the tea made from the flowers of this plant.

American researchers had a group of people with normal to mildly hypertensive blood pressure values drink a cup of hibiscus tea three times a day for six weeks. Specifically, the tea was brewed from one tea bag containing 1.25 g of hibiscus and steeped for six minutes. They compared the development of blood pressure values with that of a similarly structured control group that received a placebo drink with hibiscus flavor.

The blood pressure of the tea drinkers decreased significantly over these six weeks. This means that the systolic value decreased by an average of 7.2 mmHg, and the diastolic value decreased by an average of 3.1 mmHg. The best results were recorded by participants who had a systolic baseline value of at least 130 mmHg. This group was able to lower their upper blood pressure values by an average of 13.2 mmHg.

Scientists suspect that an antioxidant ingredient in hibiscus is responsible for the blood pressure-lowering effect.

This effect is noted when hibiscus tea is consumed pure. The addition of milk, cream, sugar, and similar substances diminishes this positive effect.

Hibiscus is also believed to have a positive effect on blood vessels. Extracts from the flowers - as found by Japanese researchers - lowered cholesterol levels in rats and protected against the oxidation of blood fats. This helped reduce the development of arteriosclerosis. It is well known that elastic, non-calcified vessels are good for blood pressure, which may provide an additional supportive effect.

However, a review article from 2021 relativizes the effect of hibiscus on blood pressure and considers the evidence, i.e., the demonstrable benefit, to be insufficiently substantiated.

People with elevated blood pressure values may benefit from consuming hibiscus tea, but a proven effect cannot yet be established. Why not try to cover part of your daily fluid needs with this refreshing, slightly tart, ruby-red drink?

Sources

By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (03/2024).
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Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?

Sources

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