What are the benefits and effects of drinking hibiscus tea?
Jan 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, drinking hibiscus tea (made by steeping hibiscus flowers in water) offers various health benefits, including diuretic and anti-edema effects, improved bowel movement, mood regulation, antioxidant properties, and blood pressure regulation. However, please note that hibiscus is cold in nature. People with conditions such as spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, constitutionally cold bodies, excessive stomach acid, impaired kidney function, women during menstruation, and pregnant women should consume it cautiously to avoid worsening existing conditions or causing adverse reactions.
Generally, drinking hibiscus tea has the following effects and benefits: diuretic and edema reduction, promoting bowel movement, mood regulation, antioxidant properties, and blood pressure regulation. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Diuretic and Edema Reduction
Hibiscus enters the kidney meridian, can enhance kidney function, promote urination, and alleviate bodily edema. Drinking hibiscus tea helps promote urine excretion by supporting kidney function, thus aiding in reducing swelling.
2. Promoting Bowel Movement
Hibiscus has a sour taste, which helps stimulate gastrointestinal motility, promote digestion and absorption of food, and improve constipation. Hibiscus tea can help relieve symptoms such as constipation and abdominal pain.
3. Mood Regulation
Certain components of hibiscus have calming effects, helping to relax the body and mind, relieve stress and anxiety. Drinking hibiscus tea may improve sleep quality and is suitable for consumption before bedtime.
4. Antioxidant Properties
Hibiscus is rich in natural antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which can remove free radicals from the body. Drinking hibiscus tea helps slow down the cellular aging process, maintain skin health, and preserve skin elasticity and luster.
5. Blood Pressure Regulation
Hibiscus contains gossypetin acid, which can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Drinking hibiscus tea effectively helps lower blood pressure and is suitable for individuals with hypertension.
However, it should be noted that hibiscus is cold in nature. People with conditions such as spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, cold constitution, excessive stomach acid, impaired kidney function, women during menstruation, and pregnant women should consume it cautiously to avoid exacerbating existing conditions or causing adverse reactions.
