Tangy, semi-sweet, and totally unique, hibiscus tea is one of our favorite every-day beverages.

For generations, hibiscus has been lauded as a herbal medicine. Healers throughout Africa, India, and the Caribbean Islands have prescribed hibiscus to treat everything from sore stomachs to heart disease. 

With more than 1 in 3 American adults suffering from hypertension, it seems as urgent as ever to find ameliorating solutions for this modern epidemic.

Western medicine has just begun to study the benefits of hibiscus tea for healthy blood pressure, and the data is mounting that shows its potential.

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Diuretics and High Blood Pressure

Diuretics increase the amount of salt and water expelled from the body, which lowers the amount of water in the blood, which then lowers blood pressure. Doctors prescribe diuretics for a variety of reasons: high blood pressure, heart failure, liver failure, swelling or kidney problems. Though they’re mostly safe, prescription diuretics can have negative interactions with certain medical conditions or other medications prescribed for high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as some antidepressants.

Could hibiscus tea hold the key to naturally lower blood pressure?

Lower Your BP Naturally

There have been a significant number of studies surrounding hibiscus’ effects on blood pressure that have encouraged further research into the efficacy of hibiscus tea as a natural diuretic.

Studies have indicated that hibiscus tea or hibiscus extract contain the antioxidant of anthocyanin, which may be responsible for the plant’s diuretic and anti-cholesterol effects that could lessen hypertension. The daily consumption of hibiscus tea was linked to healthy blood pressure regulation, while maintaining healthy blood potassium levels and salt-water balance, as compared to the effects of pharmeceutical diuretics.

A recent in-depth review of twenty-two publications found strong evidence to suggest regularly drinking hibiscus tea offers cardiovascular health benefits. Hibiscus has also been shown to lower bad cholesterol for patients with diabetes.

Drinking hibiscus tea is more than just a delicious way to wake up your tastebuds.

Through its powerful combination of hibiscus acid and antioxidants, hibiscus tea can act as a safe, low-impact natural diuretic, particularly for those with high blood pressure. While these studies are promising, more long-term double-blind human studies are needed. Hibiscus tea is safe and delicious when consumed in moderation, but overconsumption can lead to fatigue or dehydration due to its diuretic effects. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not drink hibiscus tea until proper research has been concluded.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Joyroot products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health practitioner.