15% off £35

Code:BONUS15
OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutlet2 for £60 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for £5 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutletShort Dated3 for £15 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherPukkaTwiningsNakdPerfectTedOptimum NutritionBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventShort DatedOutlet2 for £5 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettHuelPhDNakdSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & MatchShort DatedBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeGluten FreePalm Oil FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.Cannaray CBDCBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadeHeath & HeatherPhDUSNPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionTrekBouncePulsinBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price2 for £12 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & MatchShort DatedBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutlet2 for £12 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Surprising health benefits of hibiscus tea

hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is a popular herbal tea, which has a deliciously fruity yet tart flavour. Here are some health benefits that you may find surprising.

Hibiscus tea is a popular herbal tea, which has a deliciously fruity yet tart flavour, similar to the taste of cranberries and cranberry juice.

Not only is it a tasty hot drink but it also has a number of surprising health benefits too.

What is hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus tea is made from the flowers and leaves of the hibiscus plant.1

These parts of the plant have also traditionally been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.

The flowers are large and ruby red in colour and they bloom in the morning and wilt in the afternoon.2

The hibiscus plant is native to subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.3

Hibiscus tea is ruby red or deep magenta in colour and can be made at home or purchased as hibiscus tea bags.

To make the tea at home, simply steep 1.5 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flower in 150ml of boiling water, for five to 10 minutes.4

You should drink no more than two or three cups of hibiscus tea each day.5

You can choose to drink it hot, for a warming treat or ice cold, for a refreshing beverage when it is warm outside.

Hibiscus tea health benefits

Iced hibiscus tea makes a great healthy alternative to a traditional iced tea.

But is hibiscus tea good for you? Here we have a look at some hibiscus tea benefits.

  • Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants

First up on our list of hibiscus benefits is antioxidants.

Hibiscus tea is packed full of anti-oxidants which may help prevent damage to the cells and oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals.6

Studies conducted on animals have shown that hibiscus extract can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals by up to 92%.7

Free radicals not only cause ageing but they can also heighten your risk of illness and diseases.8

  • Hibiscus tea is a calorie and caffeine free, hot drink alternative

You might be thinking about cutting down on caffeine because of the effects that it has on your health.

Or maybe you are looking to save calories by cutting down on milky cups of tea. Why not try a yummy cup of hibiscus instead?

Hibiscus tea is naturally free from both calories and caffeine.9

  • Hibiscus tea may help to lower blood pressure

Drinking hibiscus may help to lower blood pressure. One study showed that adults with higher blood pressure who consumed three servings of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks saw that their overall blood pressure had decreased.10

If you are already taking medication to lower your heart-rate, then you should consult your GP before starting to drink hibiscus tea for medical reasons.

  • Hibiscus tea may help with weight loss and management

Hibiscus has diuretic properties which means that it helps to increase your urine production and stops you feeling bloated.

A study found that consuming hibiscus extract over 12 weeks resulted in a lower body weight in overweight people.11

Hibiscus tea can also stop you from binging on sweet treats. Try a cup after dinner when you have got a craving for something sweet. It can help to see off the craving because it changes the taste in your mouth to something sweeter.12

Hibiscus tea may also stop you feeling hungry in general. Taking your mind off eating and making yourself a cup of hibiscus tea will distract you from feelings of hunger.

Also, hunger is often confused with thirst, so drinking a cup of hibiscus tea will help to keep you dehydrated.

  • Hibiscus tea may help to lower cholesterol

Research suggests that drinking hibiscus tea could lower cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol.13

  • Hibiscus tea helps to support a healthy digestive system

Keeping yourself hydrated helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Hibiscus tea also might function as a natural diuretic, which helps to remove water and sodium from the body, which can contribute to normal urination and bowel movements.14

  • Hibiscus tea is packed with vitamins and minerals

Hibiscus tea is packed full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C.

Vitamin C has an important role within the body as it helps to lower bad LDL cholesterol, converts amino acids to serotonin to help boost mood and helps to prevent allergic reactions and fight infections.15

All of these vitamins and minerals help to support a healthy immune system.

It is essential that you look after your immune system, especially during the winter months as this will help to ward off common colds and flu.

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 16 April 2021

Related Articles