Dried flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa which are used for making tea. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Commonly known as Roselle or by its name in a tropical country’s native tongue, the Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. has been pursued by horticulturists as a colorful and easy-to-maintain ornamental plant. It’s also been lauded by the alternative medicine community as an effective solution to hypertension relief. Even though the market is awash with numerous anti-hypertensive medication, many people continue to shift to alternative treatments, which include drinking home-brewed tea or taking herbal supplements made from parts of the hibiscus plant.
We all know that cases of hypertension or an abnormally elevated blood pressure have been on the rise as more people now struggle with their weight and the illnesses associated with obesity and excess body fat. If there’s a chance that hibiscus could be an inexpensive answer to most hypertension sufferers, then so be it. It seems they have a reason to trust the therapeutic claims made by makers of hibiscus-based health products.
Several studies since the late Nineties have already proven the effectiveness of hibiscus tea in lowering high blood pressure levels in patients. The flower’s medicinal effects have been proven to be strongly related to the presence of a natural ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) activity of Anthocyanins, which are available in high concentrations in hibiscus flowers. The herbal treatment also resulted to some diuretic effects that help flush out toxins via urination.
Hibiscus has been used as a homemade remedy for hundreds of years. Herbalists in Asia and Africa have used it to treat a wide range of maladies, including cardiovascular diseases and regular coughs. The medicinal tea is prepared by steeping the the dried flowers of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa plant in boiling water.
Studies further revealed that the amount of hibiscus tea or herbal supplement you need to take varies depending on your age, weight and health status. In most instances, the herbalist or alternative medicine practitioner has the knowledge and experience to provide guidance and recommendations to the individual regarding the appropriate dosage. Thus, it’s advisable that you consult a licensed specialist or a practitioner who’s duly recognized by a professional association before starting your treatment for hypertension.
To lower blood pressure, most professionals recommend that you mix one cup of water with at least one or two tablespoons of the dried hibiscus flowers. You can drink a maximum of 3 cups of hibiscus tea on any given day. You can also drink at least half a liter (500ml) of hibiscus tea every day before breakfast to assist in lowering your blood pressure.
When used as directed by a physician or licensed herbalist, hibiscus has very minimal side effects to the human body. It is worth noting though that not everyone with high blood pressure can use the herb. Its safety on lactating and pregnant women is still being evaluated an women who fall under this category need to see a doctor first before drinking hibiscus tea or taking the herbal supplements.
References
1. http://naturalsociety.com/hibiscus-foods-that-help-lower-blood-pressure/
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/401437-how-much-hibiscus-to-lower-blood-pressure/
3. http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20081110/hibiscus-tea-may-cut-blood-pressure
4. http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=108309
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