HIBISCUS TEA BENEFITS AND RECIPES

These flowers are commonly seen in the garden of many and has multiple health and beauty benefits. Hibiscus tea is either made from the fresh petals of the hibiscus flower or dried hibiscus flower petals. It is caffeine-free and can benefit one’s overall health.

Here are the benefits of hibiscus tea:

1. Helps in weight loss:

Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds like anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that help in aiding weight loss by regulating body metabolism, boost fat elimination and reduce the size of fat cells. The flavonoids in hibiscus tea can help in the absorption of fat and promote weight loss.

2. Can boost one’s immunity:

Hibiscus tea can help boost one’s immunity as this tea is high in antioxidants and can help fight free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can build up in cells and damage other healthy molecules and healthy cells in the body. Hibiscus contains high levels of vitamin C which can also protect the body against common cold, coughs and flu.

3. Can boost liver health:

Hibiscus tea can promote overall liver health and promote its proper functioning. Certain people suffer from liver steatosis (a condition that causes accumulation of fat in the liver and can cause liver failure) and hibiscus tea can help those who suffer from this condition.

4.  Can help reduce blood pressure:

Hibiscus tea can act as a natural diuretic (increasing the frequency of urination) and thereby help the body expel the excess water and salts by increased urination. By this, the body’s blood pressure can be reduced. Therefore, it could help those with hypertension.

5. Beneficial for the skin:

Hibiscus tea can promote skin health with its antioxidant properties and can be useful in dealing with skin related issues like itchiness or skin inflammation. It can also help reduce oxidative skin damage that can lead to early signs of ageing like wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, saggy skin etc.

6. Beneficial for hair growth and hair health:

Hibiscus tea is a great source of vitamin C and can help build up collagen (a protein) production in the body which in turn can promote hair growth and make the hair healthier and stronger. Collagen can promote heathy hair growth as it contains amino acids that can strengthen hair and scalp skin, promoting better strength right from the hair root. It could also prevent hair follicle damage and prevent premature hair greying. READ MORE – ROSE WATER FOR HEALTHY AND SHINY HAIR

Drink hibiscus tea or use this tea as a hair rinse to boost shine and promote hair growth. Pour hibiscus tea after hair wash as a final rinse and leave it on, do not rinse off. Air dry your hair and style as usual.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
  (250 ml)
• 10 fresh hibiscus petals
  (½ tbsp dried hibiscus petals)
• ½ tbsp lemon juice

Method:

Into a heating pot, add in one cup of water and once it starts to heat up, add in the hibiscus petals (wash these petals properly under running water before use) and let it come to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes (cover it with a lid). You will soon notice that the colour has changed. Turn off the flame and leave it covered for 5 to 10 minutes, so that the hibiscus petals get infused into the water. Then strain this into a cup and add in the lemon juice, stir well and it can be consumed.

Tip: You can also have this drink chilled by letting it cool down completely and then add in some ice cubes whenever you wish to drink it.

For those who do not like having herbal teas, you can also make hibiscus tea with milk. Here’s how you can make hibiscus tea with milk:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
  (250 ml)
• 10 fresh hibiscus petals
  (½ tbsp dried hibiscus petals)
• Sugar or honey to taste (optional)

Method:

Into a heating pot, add in one cup of milk and once it starts to heat up, add in the hibiscus petals (wash these petals properly under running water before use) and let it come to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes (cover it with a lid). You will soon notice that the colour of the milk has changed. Turn off the flame and leave it covered for 5 to 10 minutes, so that the hibiscus petals get infused into the milk. Then strain this into a cup and add in the sugar or honey as per your taste requirements, stir well and it is ready to be consumed. READ MORE – Simple Secrets to Healthier, Fuller and Shinier Hair naturally

Caution:

Pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants, those who are on blood pressure medications or have low BP, people who suffer from kidney related problems should not consume these drinks. For those people with pre-existing health complications, consult a doctor before consuming these drinks. Do not over consume hibiscus tea or hibiscus, milk as it can cause constipation, nausea etc and can also have an effect on the body’s blood pressure.