Unknown to so many, hibiscus tea has so many benefits and is not just cool because it tastes good. You can enjoy a cup of hot hibiscus tea before going to bed. You can do this daily or once a week since the hibiscus tea is not difficult to make.
To prepare hibiscus tea, all you need to do is steep the hibiscus plant in hot water like you do your tea bag.
There are different species of the hibiscus plant, depending on the climate condition of the area it is located. Over the past years, researchers have looked into how beneficial hibiscus tea is to the body. You can read more about the findings below.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Some of the many health benefits of hibiscus tea include:
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Maintains Blood Pressure
A cup of hibiscus tea before bed helps to stabilize the blood pressure of the body. In a 2008 report prepared by the American Heart Association, it was asserted that hibiscus tea has the potential to lower blood pressure levels in adults suffering from hypertension.
It is the anti-inflammatory properties of the hibiscus tea that is responsible for the effectiveness of the herb in lowering blood pressure. You should note that regular consumption is necessary for you to record any positive results for treating hypertension with hibiscus tea.
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Possesses Antibacterial Properties
Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamins which helps to improve the body’s immune system. It contains vitamin C, which is also beneficial to the body in relieving the symptoms of fever and flu. So if you feel under the weather, a cup of hot hibiscus tea can help you to feel better.
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Regulates Cholesterol Level
In a study conducted on hibiscus tea, it was discovered to increase the good cholesterol (HDL) in the body, while reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. What this translates to is that hibiscus tea is also useful in weight loss.
In another study carried out on 36 overweight individuals, hibiscus tea was able to promote the body fat, weight, hip-to-waist ratio, and body mass index (BMI). However, more research is needed to ascertain how hibiscus tea can be useful in weight loss.
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May Improve Liver Health
The body needs the liver to function optimally to be able to regulate body functions. And it is believed that hibiscus tea is of great benefit to the liver. In a study, it was discovered that the tea improved liver steatosis (a condition that results in the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can result in liver failure) after 12 weeks. In other studies, carried out on animals, the herbal tea was also found to improve liver detoxifying functions.
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Good for Digestion
Drinking a cup of hibiscus tea before bed can help improve the digestive function of the stomach. It can regulate bowel movements and also the expulsion of toxins by way of urination. The diuretic properties of the tea make it a great home remedy for treating constipation. So when next you feel constipated, you can brew yourself a cup of fresh hibiscus tea to relieve your bowel.
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Relief from Menstrual Cramp
If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps whenever it is that time of the month, you can enjoy a cup of hibiscus tea to balance your hormonal levels. It also helps to relieve depression and mood swings; all the things you suffer when you are on your period.
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Prevents Infection
You can also use hibiscus tea to prevent infection. It possesses anticancer and antioxidant properties which together help to prevent infections. In a series of studies carried out with hibiscus tea, it was discovered to inhibit the activities of bacteria. So you have another reason to enjoy a fresh cup of hibiscus tea in the morning and evening before going to bed.
How to Make Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea is easy to make; you don’t need many ingredients, and you also don’t have to spend much. There are different ways to make hibiscus tea, but it mainly depends on user preference. Most people like to enjoy it without any other additions; just the dried hibiscus and hot water, while others like to experiment with their tea.
If you like a bit of sweetener in your tea, you can try this simple hibiscus tea recipe below.
Ingredients
- Two teaspoons of dried hibiscus leaf
- Boiling water
- Sugar/Honey (sweetener)
- Mint Leaves
Procedure
- Put your water on the fire to boil. You don’t need to measure the amount of water to boil as long as you have a teapot you intend to use.
- Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat, and put the dried hibiscus flower in the teapot.
- Now pour in the boiling water, add as much as you can drink. You can also add in more dried hibiscus depending on how strong you want the tea to taste.
Note
You can throw in a bag of your favorite tea in the teapot to add caffeine to the brew. You can enjoy it ordinarily without the caffeine, but most people like to get a spike in energy levels from their tea. So if you fall into this category, you can add caffeine to your tea, since the hibiscus tea ordinarily does not contain caffeine.
Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea
When consumed in moderation, hibiscus tea is safe to drink and doesn’t lead to any chronic health conditions. But it is common to experience some slight complications when you drink hibiscus tea especially for the first time, and they include
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Headache
- Painful urination
- Nausea
- Tingling sensations
Safety Precautions
You should keep your consumption of hibiscus tea to a cup or two daily. You should also avoid taking hibiscus tea with alcohol or other drugs. Pregnant and nursing mothers can also enjoy a cup of hibiscus tea, provided it doesn’t contain any other additives such as caffeine.
Conclusion
A cup of hibiscus tea a day is a simple, and cheap herbal tea you can enjoy any time of the day.
Have you tried a cup of hibiscus tea before bed? We will like to hear about your experience in the comment section.
