Herbal Tea for Immune System, Heart Health, Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea promotes general good health through antioxidants, which fight cellular damage and support the immune system. The natural chemicals in the drink also are thought to battle heart issues, including hypertension. They also might promote digestive and bowel regularity, water control, and weight loss and management. Although the evidence toward these benefits is promising, more research is needed to fully determine how safe it is and what dose to take.

Immune System Performance
Similar to many other plants and fruits, hibiscus contains vitamin C, which medical experts believe influences the development and activity of white blood cells. Their role is to fight off infection and reduce inflammation, so drinking this type of tea might keep a person from getting sick as often. It also might help with diseases such as Rheumatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and the swelling, redness and irritation that happens after an injury.

Heart Health
Studies of hibiscus tea show that it does have the ability to reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 7%. Experts think this might be due to the flavonoids, which can help dilate blood vessels. These results show that the beverage potentially could treat problems like hypertension, high blood pressure and connected forms of heart disease. They also are significant because they are very similar to what many people experience while on prescription blood pressure medications, suggesting that this drink might be a viable alternative for people who cannot or do not want to take those drugs. 

Antioxidant Benefits
In the body, oxidation causes two electrons to break apart, leaving two oxygen radicals free to roam about. Sometimes, these damage healthy cells, which then can become cancerous. Hibiscus petals, which are the part of the plant people use to make tea, have a dark red color caused by compounds called flavonoids. More specifically, they contain anthocyanins, plant pigments that give a red, blue or purple shade. These are antioxidants, meaning they fight the negative effects of the oxidation process.

Being able to fight free radicals affects virtually every body function, because it helps cells stay healthy enough to perform and reproduce well. With less damage, cancers often do not form as easily. Many people notice a visual difference in the condition of their skin, which appears soft and flexible with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

Digestion and Bowel Function
The chemicals in this tea have antibacterial properties and serve as a very gentle laxative, which temporarily can relieve Constipation, and related problems such as painful gas and bloating. Keeping the bowels moving is essential because it influences the amount of water and nutrients that get absorbed. A sluggish or blocked bowel also can prevent the stomach from emptying as it should, which in turn can lead to problems like stomach upset and heartburn. The polyphenols in the drink also are thought to stimulate the digestive system while deterring the growth of stomach cancers.