Can Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Pressure? The Proof.

Almost 50% of US adults have high blood pressure, a condition that caused almost half a million deaths in 2018.  For those who don't want to take medications, it's possible drinking hibiscus tea may be a simple natural solution. Several studies show it works – and may work quickly. In this review, I'll show you the research showing hibiscus tea lowers blood systolic and diastolic blood pressure. I'll also show you how well hibiscus tea compares to a prescription blood pressure drug too. Watch the video below. You may be surprised at what you are about to see.

 

What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

What to know what your blood pressure reading means? Here is a quick breakdown

Category	Blood Pressure Range
Normal	Less than 120/80
Elevated blood pressure	120-129/ less than 80
Stage 1 hypertension	130-139 /80-89
Stage 2 hypertension	Greater than 140/90

As you can see, normal blood pressure is now less than 120/80, where the top number. The categories called Elevated Blood Pressure and Stage 1 Hypertension were added to remind people that blood vessel damage (heart disease) can occur even at lower pressures than previously thought.

Hibiscus Tea For Blood Pressure Control. The Proof

 

Watch on my YouTube channel if you prefer.

High Blood Pressure Facts

• High BP raises your risk of both heart attacks and strokes, leading causes of death in the US. High blood pressure is the #1 cause of strokes.
• If your BP is too high, you have a greater risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
• Hypertension can make other medical problems, like diabetes, worse

  

• Almost 50% of US adults have hypertension (defined as a BP >130/80)
• Approximately 1.5 million kids and teens also have BP problems
• Only about 25% of US adults have their BP under control

What Do I Suggest

Here are hibiscus tea brands that I like and have used:

• Traditional Medicines
• Celestial Seasonings

How Long Does It Take To Work?

According to some studies, reductions in BP happen within about a month after drinking 1-3 cups per day. At least one study showed significant reductions after only 12 days. Obviously, results will vary as hypertension is a complicated medical problem.

How Does It Work?

Hibiscus tea has potent antioxidant effects that of rival green tea. In addition, the herbal appears to inhibit both aldosterone and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which regulate blood pressure. Some medications do this too.

Does Hibiscus Tea Help Menopause?

See the review on menopause and hibiscus tea for more insights.

Hibiscus Tea Side Effects

Drinking hibiscus tea is expected to be safe for most people. It's widely available in supermarkets and health food stores and online. While I don't have BP problems, I've drunk it for years without any problems. For those who are not healthy, here are some things to consider. This list is not complete:

• Start with just 1 cup per day. This should reduce any GI problems you may have.
• If you're pregnant, ask your doctor. Animal research suggests hibiscus may not be safe during pregnancy.
• In theory, hibiscus may combine with BP medicine. This may make your pressure go too low.
• Hibiscus tea may lower blood sugar. So it might add to the make blood sugar go too low if taking medicines like insulin and metformin.
• Hibiscus may interact with medications such as statin medications and others. Ask your pharmacist and doctor for better insights.

What Else Can I Do?

The research on hibiscus tea research is intriguing. That said, results might be even better if you combine the tea with other proven strategies such as these:

1. Reduce the amount of salt you use. Remember processed foods often contain lots of salt.
2. Eat more potassium. Fruits and vegetables are great sources.
3. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic physical activity per day. Walking is an example. The activity doesn't all have to occur all at the same time.
4. Add magnesium to your diet. Fiber-rich foods and magnesium supplements can help.
5. Lose weight if needed. Even reducing your body weight by 5% can help.
6. If you smoke, quit. Smoking raises your BP.
7. Reduce alcohol intake

Smoothie Trick

While you can certainly drink hibiscus tea, you can also add it to smoothies. I often do this. Tear open 1 or 2 tea bags and add the tea to your smoothies. Adding hibiscus tea to smoothies gives your smoothies a unique taste that I like. I've been doing this for years. You can add any tea to your smoothies to boost their nutrition.

Here's my smoothie recipe

What Do You Think?