blood pressure – The Leafy Source

Does Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Pressure? What Studies Show

The Leafy Source — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 18:38:29 +0000

Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure? Research suggests that drinking hibiscus tea may modestly support healthy blood pressure in some adults, and one well-known USDA-supported study found a small drop in systolic readings among people with mildly elevated numbers. Early research is encouraging, and hibiscus works best as a complement to, never a replacement for, blood pressure medication or a doctor’s care.

That tart, ruby red cup has a big following, and we get questions about it at the counter all the time. Hibiscus is caffeine free, it tastes great hot or iced, and it has a long history as a traditional drink in many parts of the world.

Below we walk through what the research found, how much tea people drank in the studies, and how to enjoy hibiscus alongside your doctor’s guidance.

Does Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Pressure? What the Research Says

The study people point to most often was led by Diane McKay at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2010. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, 65 volunteers between 30 and 70 years old, all with prehypertension or mild hypertension, took part for six weeks. About half drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day, and the rest drank a placebo beverage with artificial hibiscus flavor and color. Everyone kept their usual diet and activity.

The hibiscus group’s systolic pressure (the top number) dropped by an average of 7.2 points, compared with 1.3 points in the placebo group. Among the 30 volunteers who started with the highest systolic readings, the hibiscus drinkers saw larger average drops of 13.2 points systolic and 6.4 points diastolic.

Those are encouraging results. The study looked at people whose blood pressure was mildly elevated, and the RxList natural medicines summary rates hibiscus as “possibly effective” for high blood pressure. In plain words, hibiscus has been studied for blood pressure support with encouraging early results, and research is still growing.

How Much Hibiscus Tea a Day Did Studies Use?

In the USDA-supported study, participants drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day for six weeks. That is a helpful reference point rather than an official recommendation, and many people simply enjoy a cup or two as part of their day.

Hibiscus is enjoyed by many people in the amounts found in food and drinks, hot or iced. If blood pressure support is your goal, that conversation belongs with your doctor first.

Good to Know

Hibiscus is a much-loved tea around the world. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any questions about whether an herb is right for you, you can talk with your healthcare provider or with Kayla, the herbalist behind House of Serenity, who works one-on-one with clients.

Hibiscus and Blood Pressure Medication: Talk to Your Doctor First

If you take medication for high blood pressure, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding hibiscus tea or a hibiscus supplement, and keep taking your prescribed medication as directed.

Hibiscus and blood pressure medicine may nudge in the same direction, so your doctor can help you decide how much fits your routine. An early animal study also looked at hibiscus alongside hydrochlorothiazide, a common water pill, so mention it if you take one.

For a friendly look at other herbs to mention to your doctor, see our guide to herbs to avoid with blood pressure medication. Bring your list of teas and supplements to your next appointment, and your care team can help you fit hibiscus in.

At a Glance: Hibiscus and Blood Pressure

Herb	Traditional use	Common forms	Good to know
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)	Refreshing tart beverage, studied for blood pressure support	Loose tea, tea bags, tinctures, extracts	Tart, ruby red cup; lovely hot or iced; pairs well with rose petals and hawthorn

Our House of Serenity Blood Pressure Tincture

For customers who have talked it over with their doctor and want hibiscus in a convenient form, we carry the House of Serenity Blood Pressure Tincture. It combines hawthorn berry, hibiscus, and rose petals in an alcohol and coconut-derived vegetable glycerin base. People have long reached for hawthorn and hibiscus as part of heart-focused wellness routines, and rose petals round out the blend.

We want to be clear about what this tincture is. It is an herbal supplement made to support a wellness routine, and it is meant to complement, never replace, anything your doctor has prescribed. If you take any heart or blood pressure medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

If you love a warm mug of something caffeine free in the evening, you might also enjoy our Organic Chamomile. And with cold season settling into the Triad, our post on whether elderberry works for colds covers another herb we get asked about this time of year.

Where to Find Hibiscus in Winston-Salem

Stop by The Leafy Source at 4838 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Our team is happy to answer questions and talk through ingredients. You can also shop the House of Serenity Blood Pressure Tincture online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hibiscus Tea and Blood Pressure

Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?

Research suggests hibiscus tea may modestly support healthy blood pressure in some adults. In a six-week study of 65 people with mildly elevated blood pressure, those who drank three cups daily saw an average 7.2 point drop in systolic pressure versus 1.3 points with placebo. Those early results are encouraging, and research is still growing.

How do I brew hibiscus tea?

Steep dried hibiscus in hot water for about five minutes, until the cup turns a deep ruby red. It has a naturally tart flavor, so many people add a little honey or a slice of orange. The best known study used three cups a day, and many people simply enjoy a cup or two as part of a relaxing afternoon or evening.

Can I drink hibiscus tea with blood pressure medication?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining them. Hibiscus may add to the effect of blood pressure medications, so your care team can help you decide how much fits your routine. Keep taking your prescribed medication as directed, and think of hibiscus as a pleasant complement to your care rather than a substitute for it.

What does hibiscus tea taste like?

Hibiscus has a bright, tart, fruity flavor that many people compare to cranberry, with a gorgeous ruby red color. It is naturally caffeine free and tastes great hot or iced. It blends nicely with rose petals, cinnamon, or a touch of honey, which makes it an easy tea to enjoy any time of day.

Can hibiscus tea replace my blood pressure medication?

No. Hibiscus has been studied for blood pressure support and is a lovely complement to a healthy routine, but it is not a substitute for medication. High blood pressure needs proper medical care and regular monitoring. If you are curious about hibiscus, bring it up with your doctor so they can help you decide how it fits your plan.

Can I make iced hibiscus tea?

Yes, and it is one of the best iced teas around. Brew a strong batch, let it cool, and pour it over ice. The tart, ruby red cup is especially refreshing in warm weather, and many people keep a pitcher in the fridge. A few rose petals or a squeeze of citrus make it feel extra special.

Sources

Before starting any new herbal product or wellness routine, consult with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition.

The post Does Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Pressure? What Studies Show appeared first on The Leafy Source.

Herbs to Avoid With Blood Pressure Medication: A Safety Guide

The Leafy Source — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 11:58:24 +0000

When people look up herbs to avoid with blood pressure medication, the good news is that herbs can still have a place in your routine with a little guidance. A short list is best checked with your doctor first: herbs that may nudge blood pressure up, such as licorice root, ephedra, yohimbe, bitter orange, and ginseng, and heart-focused herbs that may work alongside your medicine, such as St. John’s wort, hibiscus, hawthorn, and garlic supplements. A quick conversation with your pharmacist or doctor is the easiest way to enjoy herbs with confidence.

We love herbs. Our shelves on Country Club Road are full of them, and we spend most of our day talking with Winston-Salem neighbors about teas, tinctures, and loose botanicals. That is exactly why we wanted to write this post. Plants are active, which is part of what people love about them, and it also means they work best when they fit well with the medications you already take.

Think of this as a friendly guide from the team behind the counter. We are not your doctor, but we can share what trusted sources like the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic say, and help you feel confident about the products we carry.

Herbs People Enjoy With Their Doctor’s Guidance

Plenty of our customers who take blood pressure medication still enjoy herbs every day. Hibiscus is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world and has been studied for blood pressure. Hawthorn is a classic heart herb in Western herbal tradition. Garlic is a kitchen staple people have cooked with for generations. Because these herbs are traditionally tied to heart support, they are the ones your doctor will want to hear about, so together you can fit them into your routine.

What Are the Herbs to Avoid With Blood Pressure Medication?

When people ask us about herbs to avoid with blood pressure medication, we sort the answer into two simple groups. The first is herbs that may nudge blood pressure up on their own. The second is herbs that may work alongside your medication in ways your doctor will want to know about. Mayo Clinic notes that many herbal supplements can affect how heart and blood pressure medicines work, which is why a quick check with your pharmacist goes a long way.

Which Herbs Raise Blood Pressure?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) lists bitter orange, ephedra, ginseng, and licorice root as herbs that may raise blood pressure. Yohimbe belongs on this list too.

Licorice Root and Blood Pressure

Licorice root has a long history in Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, and Indian traditions, mainly for coughs. It contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, and NCCIH notes that people with high blood pressure may be sensitive to it, especially with larger amounts or long-term use. Most licorice candy sold in the U.S. does not contain real licorice herb, but loose licorice root and many herbal blends do, so it is one to check with your doctor first.

Ephedra

Ephedra’s main active compound is ephedrine. The FDA banned ephedrine alkaloids in dietary supplements in 2004, so it should not appear in legal U.S. supplements today.

Yohimbe

Yohimbe is often sold for energy or sexual performance. NCCIH notes that yohimbine, its main active compound, has been linked to higher blood pressure and a faster heartbeat, so if you are on blood pressure medication, this is one to skip unless your doctor says otherwise.

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange became popular in weight loss and energy products after ephedra was banned. NCCIH notes that some studies suggest it may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Bitter orange in normal food amounts is generally fine, and concentrated supplements are worth a quick check with your doctor.

Ginseng

Ginseng is on the NCCIH list of herbs that may raise blood pressure, and Mayo Clinic notes it may affect how the blood thinner warfarin works. It shows up in many energy drinks and blends, so a quick label check helps.

Herbs to Check With Your Pharmacist First

Some herbs do not raise blood pressure on their own but may still work alongside your prescription, so they are worth a quick conversation.

St. John’s wort is a well-known mood herb, and Mayo Clinic notes it may affect how well calcium channel blockers, digoxin, statins, and warfarin work. If you take any of these, your pharmacist can help you decide whether it fits.

Hawthorn is a classic heart herb in Western herbal tradition. Mayo Clinic notes it may add to the effects of heart medicines like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and digoxin, so it is best enjoyed with your doctor’s guidance.

Garlic is a kitchen favorite, and cooking with it is different from taking concentrated capsules. Mayo Clinic notes garlic supplements may add to the effects of blood thinners like aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin, so if you take one of those alongside a blood pressure pill, it is worth asking.

Hibiscus Tea and Blood Pressure Medicine

Hibiscus is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, with a bright, tart, ruby red cup. NCCIH notes that roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has been studied for blood pressure, which is part of why so many people are curious about it. If you already take blood pressure medicine, the herb and the medicine may nudge in the same direction, so your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide how hibiscus fits your routine. An early animal study also looked at hibiscus alongside hydrochlorothiazide, a common water pill, which is one more reason to mention it at your next visit.

Herbs to Avoid With Blood Pressure Medication: At a Glance

Herb	Traditional use	Common forms	Good to know
Licorice root	Coughs, throat comfort	Loose root, tea, tincture	Naturally sweet; check with your doctor first if you have high blood pressure
Yohimbe	Energy, sexual performance	Capsules, extracts	Best skipped with blood pressure medicine unless your doctor says otherwise
Bitter orange	Energy, weight loss blends	Capsules, powders	Food amounts are generally fine; ask about supplements
Ginseng	Energy, stamina	Capsules, tea, energy drinks	Common in energy drinks; a quick label check helps
St. John’s wort	Mood	Tincture, capsules, tea	Mention it to your pharmacist with any prescription
Hibiscus	Heart and refreshing teas	Tea, tincture	Bright, tart tea; ask your doctor how it fits your routine
Hawthorn	Heart support	Tincture, tea, capsules	Classic heart herb; enjoy with your doctor’s guidance
Garlic	Heart and immune support	Food, capsules	A kitchen staple; ask about concentrated capsules

A Note About Products We Sell

We would rather tell you this ourselves. We carry Organic Licorice Root, and we love it for teas and blends. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before adding it. Licorice root is also an ingredient in our House of Serenity PCOS Tincture, so the same tip applies there.

We also make the House of Serenity Blood Pressure Tincture, which contains hawthorn berry, hibiscus, and rose petals in alcohol and coconut-derived vegetable glycerin. If you take blood pressure medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it, since it is meant to complement your care rather than replace prescribed medicine. If you have questions about whether an herb is right for you, you can talk with your healthcare provider or with Kayla, the herbalist behind House of Serenity, who works one-on-one with clients.

Where to Find Herbs in Winston-Salem

Stop by The Leafy Source at 4838 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Our team is happy to write down exactly what is in a product so you can show it to your pharmacist, who sees your full medication list and is one of the best people to ask. You can also find our loose herbs and tinctures online with full ingredient lists.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herbs and Blood Pressure Medication

Can I drink licorice tea if I have high blood pressure?

Check with your doctor first. NCCIH notes that people with high blood pressure may be sensitive to glycyrrhizin, the compound in licorice root. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has the glycyrrhizin removed, which is why some people prefer it, and your pharmacist can help you decide which form fits your routine.

Can I drink hibiscus tea if I take blood pressure medicine?

Many people love hibiscus tea, and it is worth a quick check with your doctor first. Hibiscus has been studied for blood pressure, so it may nudge in the same direction as your medicine. Your pharmacist can help you decide how often to enjoy it, especially if you also take a water pill like hydrochlorothiazide.

What should I bring when I ask my pharmacist about an herb?

Bring the product itself or a photo of its ingredient list, along with your current medication list. Our team at The Leafy Source is happy to write down exactly what is in any product we carry. Your pharmacist sees your full medication picture and can help you choose herbs that fit comfortably into your routine.

Which herbs raise blood pressure?

NCCIH lists bitter orange, ephedra, ginseng, and licorice root as herbs that may raise blood pressure. Yohimbe has also been linked to higher blood pressure. Ephedra supplements have been off U.S. shelves since 2004, and the others often appear in energy or weight loss blends, so a quick label check helps.

Can I still enjoy hawthorn?

Many people do. Hawthorn is a classic heart herb in Western herbal tradition, often enjoyed as a tincture or tea. Because it may add to the effects of heart medicines like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and digoxin, the best approach is to enjoy it with your doctor’s guidance so it fits well with your care.

Sources

The post Herbs to Avoid With Blood Pressure Medication: A Safety Guide appeared first on The Leafy Source.