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

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

• Hibiscus tea and blood pressure study, USDA Agricultural Research Service, AgResearch Magazine
• Hibiscus: Uses, Side Effects, and Interactions (RxList)
• Herb-drug interaction between Hibiscus sabdariffa extract and hydrochlorothiazide in experimental animals (PubMed)

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.