Can hypertensive patients drink roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)?
Generally speaking, patients with high blood pressure can drink roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), but they should avoid drinking it too concentrated or in excessive amounts. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Blood pressure primarily functions to push blood flowing through the blood vessels. It may rise due to various reasons, leading to hypertension. Hypertension is typically diagnosed when blood pressure reaches certain thresholds—for example, systolic pressure ≥139 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥89 mmHg. Roselle, also known as roselle hibiscus or "rose-sorrel," is a type of traditional Chinese herb that can be steeped in water and consumed. It has properties that help astringe the lungs and relieve coughing, and it also has certain effects in reducing alcohol intoxication and lowering blood pressure. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension, alcohol intoxication, and lung deficiency-related coughing. Therefore, hypertensive patients can consume roselle.
Drinking roselle may provide some benefits for blood pressure control; however, it should not be relied upon solely for managing hypertension. Patients must follow medical advice and use prescribed antihypertensive medications to properly control their blood pressure. Additionally, consuming roselle daily may potentially exacerbate conditions such as gastric coldness, menstrual irregularities, or affect fertility, so it should not be consumed in large quantities.