What are the contraindications of hibiscus tea?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Generally speaking, as a tea beverage with a unique flavor, roselle tea has several contraindications, including avoidance by pregnant women, caution for women during menstruation, prohibition for individuals with cold or weak gastrointestinal systems, those with low blood pressure, and people taking medications should use it cautiously. Consumption of roselle tea should be based on individual constitution; avoiding it if you belong to any of the restricted groups and drinking moderate amounts of mild teas can help prevent physical discomfort more effectively.
Generally, hibiscus tea, known for its unique flavor, has several contraindications including avoidance during pregnancy, caution during menstruation, prohibition for individuals with cold gastrointestinal conditions, avoidance by those with low blood pressure, and cautious use by individuals taking medications. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pregnant women should avoid use: Hibiscus is inherently cooling in nature and contains certain blood-activating components. Consumption may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage; therefore, it must be strictly avoided to ensure pregnancy safety.
2. Women during menstruation should use with caution: During menstruation, a woman's body is in a special physiological state. The cooling properties of hibiscus may impair smooth circulation of qi and blood, potentially causing poor menstrual flow or worsened dysmenorrhea. Women with cold constitutions should especially avoid it during this period.
3. Individuals with weak and cold digestive systems should not drink: Hibiscus contains high levels of fruit acids and has a cooling nature. For those with gastrointestinal sensitivity or coldness, consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, exacerbate symptoms of internal cold, and lead to discomfort such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating, thereby disrupting normal digestive function.
4. Patients with low blood pressure should avoid drinking: Hibiscus has a mild hypotensive effect. In individuals with already low blood pressure, consuming hibiscus tea may further lower blood pressure, worsening symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision, thus affecting overall physical stability.
5. Individuals taking medications should use cautiously: Components in hibiscus may interact with certain medications, interfering with their efficacy or even triggering adverse reactions. Therefore, it's best to avoid hibiscus tea during medication treatment, or consult a healthcare professional before consumption.
When drinking hibiscus tea, one should consider their individual constitution, avoid consumption if falling within any contraindicated groups, and opt instead for moderate intake of milder teas. This approach helps prevent bodily discomfort and allows for a more enjoyable tea-drinking experience.
