Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as Roselle was first cultivated in Angola and is now grown throughout North Africa, Asia and Mexico. Called “Sour Tea” it is commonly used a refreshing drink with a zinger taste similar to cranberry juice.
Hibiscus has played a role in traditional Asian and African medicines for generations for a variety of health conditions such as hypertension, upper respiratory issues, to regulate body temperature, fluid balance, digestion, blood cleansing, metabolism and more. Its potent restorative health effects are in part due to its extremely high Vitamin C and anthocyanin (ANTH) antioxidant content.7
Lowers Cholesterol In Patients With Diabetes
In a 2009 study, 60 patients with diabetes tested their blood levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apoproteins. The participants consumed two glasses of hibiscus tea daily for 1 month and then retested their blood lipid and cholesterol levels. Results- there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDLs), triglycerides and Apo-B100, with an increase in high density lipoproteins (HDLs).1 Folk medicine traditionally associates the shape of a fruit or herb, or its color for that matter with certain health applications. For example, figs and male reproductive health or papaya consumption for breast milk production. In this case, a thick hibiscus tea quite literally looks like blood. Modern research now shows its capacity to “cleanse” the blood.
Lowers Blood Pressure In Patients With Diabetes
A similar study performed just one year earlier tested the effects of 2 cups of hibiscus tea daily for one month on diabetic patients with hypertension. The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 134.4+/-11.8 mm Hg at the beginning of the study to 112.7+/-5.7 mm Hg after 1 month. Mean pulse pressure decreased from 52.2+/-12.2 to 34.5+/-9.3 mm. There was no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure.2 Good for the blood, good for the heart.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome (MeSy) is the term given to high blood insulin levels, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. MeSy is considered the clinical stage prior to coronary heart disease and diabetes. In one study, a daily dose of 100mg hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder was given to MeSy patients over the course of one month. Not only were there significant changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, but also reduced blood glucose levels and lowered markers for insulin resistance.3,4 Though hypertension, high cholesterol levels and insulin resistance seem to have difference causes, their degenerative effects on health walk hand in hand. Reducing all three at the same time, with a single herb, beyond the scope of lifestyle may be very promising.
Potential to Reduce Harmful Effects of Ultra Violet Radiation
UV radiation exposure causes increases in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. All of this damages cellular activity as well as the genetic integrity of cells to correctly replicate and function. In fewer words, the harmful effects of UV radiation lead to cell mutation and premature cell death. Clinical administration of hibiscus demonstrated reversal of the aforementioned parameters; this may be due to its high concentrations of the antioxidant anthocyanin.5 Given the amount of skin cancer and intensity of UV radiation in Australia, hibiscus should definitely be used on a daily basis by everyone.
Reduces Obesity and non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
A clinical trial performed in 2014 demonstrated that hibiscus sabdariffa extract leads to a reduction in obesity, abdominal fat, serum free fatty acids (FFAs) as well as improves liver health. This is perhaps due to the high polyphenol content in the red flowers.6 Polyphenols are micronutrients found in plant based foods that are best known for their antioxidant activity.
Melanoma
A 2015 study demonstrated that hibiscus leaf polyphenolic extract has noteworthy properties inducing autophagic cell death in melanoma cells.8 A similar study in 2015 evaluated the potency of hibiscus anthocyanins for inducing apoptotic cell death in human Leukemia cells.9 In simple terms, it has properties that cause melanoma and leukemia cancer cells to self-destruct. Any natural substance that contributes to cancer cell apoptosis or self-destruction is worthy of further research and exploration.
Hibiscus is one of our family’s favorite herbs to use as a tea- here are two ways to enjoy it.
Agua Jamaica
This refreshing drink is so simple to make. Just throw in a handful of hibiscus calyces (flowers) into boiled water and let it steep. As the temperature goes down place it in the fridge to cool. To give it variety and extra refreshment add fresh lemongrass and mint leaves.
Difficulty waking up in the morning? Trying to get off coffee or caffeine? Try drinking this cool first thing in the morning.
Hibiscus, similar to ginger and turmeric, has so many beneficial qualities that it should be used on a daily basis. The dried flowers can be purchased at most local health food shops. Enjoy the refreshing taste and super high antioxidant content with these ideas and be creative too…
Dragon’s Blood Tea
- Handful of hibiscus flowers
- Tbsp of dried ginger powder
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 2 tbsp of dried licorice root
Steep the brew for about 15 minutes. Enjoy it hot in small glasses with a great book or in the company of family and friends and find out why it is called Dragons Blood.
Disclaimer. The information represented in this article is meant to provide concepts from evidence based research. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any health condition. For appropriate treatment methods please contact your healthcare provider.
