If you are contending with high blood pressure, you are not alone. According to the CDC: “Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg.”
One of my favorite treatments for mild hypertension is hibiscus tea. Shown to lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by an average of 7 points, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) by an average of 3 points, this is a great go-to for mild hypertension.
A study from February 2010 observed a group of 65 pre- and mildly hypertensive adults, aged 30-70, not taking anti-hypertensive medications. One group drank 3, 240mL servings of brewed hibiscus tea versus a second group that consumed a placebo beverage. After 6 weeks, the hibiscus tea lowered the mean systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 7.2 vs 1.3mmHg in the non-hibiscus group. The diastolic (bottom number) decreased by 3.1 in the hibiscus vs. 0.8mmHg in the non-hibiscus group. Furthermore, patients with higher baseline systolic blood pressure showed greater response to the hibiscus treatment.
As mentioned above, this is one of my top go-to treatments for mild hypertension. NOTE: If you have high blood pressure of any severity, always consult your doctor on a treatment plan that is optimal for you.
If you have not tasted hibiscus tea, it has a fruity, tart flavor and a vibrant red color. It can be served hot, but is extra delicious and refreshing when served cold. Thanks to The Spruce Eats for this delicious, easy hibiscus tea recipe:
Hibiscus Tea
Ingredients:
1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
8 cups water
Honey, to taste
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Steep: 24 hrs
Yield: 8 cups
Steps:
1.) Gather the ingredients.
2.) Sift through dried flowers for stems and discard. Place dried hibiscus flowers in cold water and allow to sit for 1 to 2 days, or until the color has faded from the flowers.
3.) Strain the tea through a fine sieve and discard the strained flower pieces.
4.) You can either heat the tea up on the stovetop or in the microwave and serve hot; or serve chilled as iced tea. Sweeten with honey, to taste.
Recipe Variations:
- Add lemon wedges or pieces of orange zest to the flowers to add some citrus flavor.
- Add a cinnamon stick or slices of ginger to the flowers for a lightly spicy kick.
- For a different and fun twist, add some cold soda water.
How to Store:
You can store any leftover hibiscus tea in the refrigerator for up to five days.