Is it really okay to use fresh flowers to make hibiscus tea?

Yes, it is! As with many types of food, the fresher it is, the better. If you have access to fresh hibiscus flowers, remember to clean them well. Remove the stems, leaves, and seed pods and use only the petals. Use around four times as much as you would if you're using dried petals.

Can I dry the flowers at home?

Yes, and it's a great idea, so you'll have a supply on hand throughout the year, even when the hibiscus is not in bloom. Simply remove the stem and stamen from each flower, and cover them with a muslin cloth, placing them on a drying rack for a few days in a well-ventilated area. Store your dried flowers in an airtight jar.

How many cups of hibiscus tea can I drink per day?

In general, you can enjoy one to two cups per day to enjoy the flavor and health benefits without risking overconsumption. Ask your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your personal situation.

Can hibiscus tea help with weight loss?

There is no conclusive evidence that says it can help with weight loss, but it may if you don't add too much sugar and you replace other sugar-sweetened beverages with this recipe. This study showed weight loss benefits from people who consumed hibiscus leaf extract .

Can hibiscus tea help to lower blood pressure?

Yes it can. There is research showing that drinking hibiscus flower tea can help reduce high blood pressure . Speak to your doctor, though, so he or she knows that you are using it for this purpose.

Hibiscus Tea Recipe for Weight Loss (Hot or Cold)

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups freshly plucked hibiscus flower petals or 1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
8 cups water
1/4 cup liquid sweetener of your choice (I use honey, maple syrup, or agave; you can also use a non-nutritive sweetener)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 1/2 limes)
Ice cubes (optional, for serving cold)
Optional additional flavoring. You could try lemongrass, orange zest, mint, ginger, or ground cinnamon

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Instructions

If you’re using fresh flowers, remove the green part of the flower attached to the stem and the thin thread-like tube in the flower’s center.
Place the flowers in a pot with the water and bring them to a boil.
When it starts boiling, turn the flame off and cover the pot.
Add the optional additional flavoring if you’re using it.
Let the tea steep for 15 minutes.
Add the honey and lime juice and stir well.
Strain the tea into a pitcher or a jug.
Serve it warm or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or two and add ice cubes when you serve.

Notes

If you have access to fresh hibiscus flowers, remember to clean them well before making them into tea. Remove the stems, leaves, and seed pods and use only the petals. Use around four times as much as you would if you’re using dried petals.
To dry your own hibiscus flowers, remove the stem and stamen from each flower, and cover them with a muslin cloth, placing them on a drying rack for a few days in a well-ventilated area. Store your dried flowers in an airtight jar.
In general, you can enjoy one to two cups per day to enjoy the flavor and health benefits without risking overconsumption. Ask your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your personal situation.
If you are trying to lose weight, it’s best to leave out the sweetener to reduce the added sugars.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverages
Method: Hot water
Cuisine: Healthy
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 34
Sugar: 8.8 g
Sodium: 19.5 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg