The Beauty of Hibiscus Tea
How can you resist something that steeps up to be so beautiful in colour?!
However, Hibiscus is not just pretty – it’s pretty darn good for you, too!
I think we all know there are exaggerated and inaccurate facts all over the Internet – perhaps those are “alternative facts,” too. We have seen them about tea as well. Nevertheless, there really seems to be no doubt that Hibiscus is loaded with good stuff.
Straight from ORGANIC FACTS . NET:
“Blood Pressure Management: A report from the AHA (American Heart Association) that was published in November of 2008 states that consuming hibiscus tea lowers the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffers from high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. A study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has anti-hypertensive and cardio-protective properties that can be beneficial to people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of various cardiovascular diseases.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to consume three cups every day for a few weeks. Also, hibiscus tea has diuretic properties that increase urination, simultaneously lowering blood pressure.”
This is only one of the health benefits and is believed to be the most significant. The above link has terrific health information that will enlighten you and probably amaze you. But, all of this leads to another very trusted and knowledgeable source, of course, this is Ralph Kenney of ImmortaliTea.
When it comes to Hibiscus, ImmortaliTea sells the best I’ve ever seen. You will see the Hibiscus flower in this photo, as you’ve probably never seen it before.
Yes, many people call it the “Sour Tea,” and the infusion is certainly reminiscent of the tart Cranberry, another nutrient-rich beverage, but Mr. Kenney has some great preparation suggestions.
I have always steeped Hibiscus for great lengths of time (hours). When I asked Ralph about this practice of mine, he claimed that the majority of the nutrients in Hibiscus are released in 10- to 15-minute steepings, and that there wasn’t evidence out there that claimed otherwise. I do believe him, but I still steep mine longer than suggested. Guess that makes me somewhat stubborn! If I wasn’t steeping it long enough, I’d surely make that change.
I always add lemon when I choose to drink Hibiscus cold. I’ll add a bit of honey while the liquid is still hot, but love adding a whole lemon to it all when drinking it over ice. I’m definitely going to try some of Ralph’s recipes, too. If you decide to sweeten this “sour” beverage, at least you are the one in control of how much sugar or the type of sweetener you select, not some large company attempting to keep you hooked and unhealthy.
Summer is coming and iced beverages are indeed the rage in America, but there are healthy choices we can make. Hibiscus is certainly a good one!
Tea lovers, I do hope you’ll give Hibiscus a chance. I did, and I’m so happy with what I have discovered.
Images provided and copyright held by author
This article by Dharlene Marie Fahl has been updated from the original publication, April 2017.
More About Hibiscus on T Ching
Green Tea & Rose Lemonade With Honey Hibiscus Syrup – A tea recipe by Paula Geerligs.
Refreshing Hibiscus Tea by Fyna Ashworth
I’m with you on this one Dharlene. Home brewing is always best. I’ve come to enjoy the flavor of hibiscus all by itself but if one must use sweeteners, I vote for honey and then stevia. As mentioned, adding lemon is another wonderful option to consider. Any time we can break the sugar habit, we’re moving toward a healthier diet and Hibiscus tea is a great place to start.