Hibiscus Lowers Blood Pressure

Hibiscus iced tea is a refreshing summer pick-me-up that is naturally sweet so you don’t need to add any sweetener.  It has no caffeine, but it offers numerous health benefits.  A review of the research on Hibiscus shows that an extract of this flower lowers blood pressure in animals (Fitoterapia, March, 2013). In humans, daily hibiscus tea consumption has been shown to lower blood pressure (Journal of Nutrition, Feb., 2010). It works by blocking the same enzyme (ACE) as drugs like captopril or lisinopril.  Other studies show that it fights inflammation.  Stay cool and refreshed on these hot summer days with delicious hibiscus tea.  Try raspberry-hibsicus or make the recipe below.

Recipe

Hibiscus Power Iced Tea

Chopped hibiscus flowers (order Amazon) or 5 hibiscus herbal tea bags*

12 mint leaves (optional)

Juice of 1 lime (optional)

2 quarts purified water

Steep hibiscus tea or flowers in water. I put it all in the refrigerator. In about an hour you have iced tea.

*I recommend Hibiscus tea or “Back on Tract”—hibiscus and cranberry—both by Traditional Medicinals (visit their website at www.traditionalmedicinals.com).

From The Juice Lady’s Anti-Inflammation Diet