The hibiscus plant grows well in hot and humid climates. It is known for its beautiful blossoms, the sepals of which are used to obtain an extract that is used to make herbal tea. This tea is red in color, has a taste like that of cranberry and has a lovely fragrance. This extract obtained from the flowers of hibiscus has medicinal properties that are of great use in maintaining good health. Readymade hibiscus extract tea-bags are easily available nowadays for consumption. Drinking hibiscus tea has several beneficial effects on health. For instance, it has been found that hibiscus contains strong antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins that have a toxic effect on cancerous cells in the stomach. Thus, regular consumption of hibiscus tea is an effective natural way of preventing stomach cancer. However, if you are already on anti-cancer drugs or any other form of cancer treatment, you must consult your doctor before consuming hibiscus tea, as the latter might cause interference in the effect of the former. In addition to this, drinking a cup of hibiscus tea twice a day has also been found to lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the bloodstream. Another beneficial effect of drinking hibiscus tea daily is that it lowers the blood pressure within a month. Patients suffering from low blood pressure should therefore abstain from consuming hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea also contains a natural enzyme that helps better assimilation of sugars and starch in the body and therefore helps in reducing weight naturally. Regular consumption of this tea also improves the circulation of blood in the body and reduces the level of stress. Together, these properties of hibiscus tea have the cumulative effect of lowering the chances of clogged blood vessels and consequently of reducing the risk of cardiac ailments significantly.
Hibiscus also has natural antimicrobial and anti-carcionogenic properties. Thus, it prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body as well as enables the natural immune system to fight against infectious germs more effectively, thereby improving general health. Besides, it is a good source of vitamin C that further helps boost the body’s natural immunity and wards off common ailments. Hibiscus tea is also known to prevent constipation and treat bladder infections naturally. You should, however, avoid drinking this tea just before you are about to engage in some activity that requires concentration, such as driving or working, as it produces a mild benumbing effect on the senses.