Hibiscus: Uses and Risks (2024)

FAQs

Hibiscus: Uses and Risks? ›

Some research suggests that hibiscus may be helpful in lowering cholesterol. One study focused on people with metabolic syndrome, which refers to a cluster of health risks including obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. It raises people's risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation. Pregnancy: Hibiscus sabdariffa is possibly unsafe to use during pregnancy. It might stimulate a menstrual cycle or have effects that might terminate pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

Scientifically safe: No toxicity in humans, but high doses may affect animals.

Hibiscus is high in antioxidants and offers many potential benefits. In particular, it may help promote weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver. Hibiscus is available as an extract or, more often, a tea.

Liver damage

An older review of studies in animals and humans notes that very high amounts of H. sabdariffa extract could have a negative effect on the liver. Previous studies of rats found that taking 300 milligrams (mg) per day of hibiscus extract for 3 months resulted in elevated liver enzymes.

A small number of studies have looked at how hibiscus affects your kidney health. Hibiscus extract showed some benefit to kidney function and relief from symptoms of urinary tract infections. Hibiscus tea was found to act as a diuretic, helping your kidneys remove extra fluid from your body.

Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts in tea (2 to 4 cups per day) and foods.

Hibiscus flowers are large, colorful blossoms that grow in warm climates. The flowers can be eaten raw but are often used to make herbal tea. Some research suggests that hibiscus may have a positive impact on cholesterol and blood pressure.

Use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure. Interactions. Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria drugs. It can also interact with many other drugs including some for diabetes and high blood pressure.

What part of hibiscus is edible? ›

All parts of Hibiscus sabdariffa are edible: calyxes, leaves, and flowers. The calyxes are the ingredient used to make Hibiscus tea, a tangy Vitamin C-rich delight. They're also used to make sauces, jams, and other treats. The large green leaves pack a tangy punch and can also be used to make tea.

I also like to add the young leaves of Hibiscus acetosella to a salad. However, I would sum up by saying that while most, if not all, hibiscus are safely edible for most people, I wouldn't eat any species if I weren't absolutely sure it was safe.

When is the best time to drink hibiscus tea and does it make you sleepy? Consuming hibiscus tea makes for an excellent nightcap due to its tart flavor and potential health benefits, and it contains melatonin which may make you sleepier than you were before consuming your tasty beverage.

Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants, and also offers many other health benefits. Recent research has also shown that it may be able to prevent and even reverse Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is caused by a build-up of certain protein deposits in the brain (A Beta and Tau protein aggregates).

Hibiscus preparations, including teas, powders, and extracts, have been shown to decrease blood pressure, reduce body fat, improve metabolic syndrome, protect the liver, and fight cancer cells.

Though hibiscus leaves are edible, the calyx and flowers of the hibiscus plant are more widely used for making teas, jams, and syrups. For example, in the Caribbean, dried roselle flowers are used to make Jamaican sorrel drink, a sweetened hibiscus beverage spiked with ginger, cloves, and allspice.

Hibiscus may cause blood pressure to drop. It has also been linked to dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear. Risks. Avoid hibiscus if you are allergic or sensitive to it or members of the Malvaceae plant family.

Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants, and also offers many other health benefits. Recent research has also shown that it may be able to prevent and even reverse Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is caused by a build-up of certain protein deposits in the brain (A Beta and Tau protein aggregates).

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood pressure. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts in tea (2 to 4 cups per day) and foods.