Roselle Hibiscus tea is made from the colorful flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa. It has a pink-red color and refreshing, tart flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or iced.
In addition to its bold color and unique flavor, Roselle hibiscus tea offers healthful properties.
For example, Roselle hibiscus tea has antiviral properties, and test-tube studies have shown its extract to be highly effective against strains of the bird flu. However, no evidence has shown that drinking roselle hibiscus tea could help you fight off viruses like the flu.
A number of studies have investigated the effects of Roselle hibiscus tea on high blood lipid levels. A few studies have found it to be effective, though a large review study found that it did not have a significant effect on blood lipid levels.
Nevertheless, Roselle hibiscus tea has been shown to have a positive effect on high blood pressure.
In fact, many studies have found that Roselle hibiscus tea reduced high blood pressure, although most studies were not high quality.
What’s more, another study found that taking hibiscus tea extract for six weeks significantly decreased oxidative stress in male soccer players.
Be sure to avoid drinking hibiscus tea if you’re taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication, as the two may interact with each other. Hibiscus tea may also shorten the effects of aspirin, so it’s best to take them 3–4 hours apart.
Summary: Roselle Hibiscus tea may help lower high blood pressure and fight oxidative stress. However, it shouldn’t be taken with a certain diuretic medication or at the same time as aspirin.