How to make Hibiscus Tea + its Benefits

Learn how to make hibiscus tea which has some amazing benefits. Make this with either fresh or dried flowers and choose to have it as a hot cup of tea or as hibiscus iced tea because either way it’s delicious and really good for you!

We have a pretty big hibiscus tree in our new garden and everyday we get a few hibiscus flowers. Combined with the hibiscus in our neighbour’s garden there is a LOT of hibiscus. Not complaining because it makes the most delicious hibiscus tea.

I ended up posting how to make hibiscus tea on Instagram stories yesterday and the response was incredible. So many people suggested other ways to use hibiscus which is edible and has a variety of health benefits.

So obviously, I had to write down everything I’ve found out about this superfood and share it with you.

My favourite part of brewing a pot of hibiscus tea at home is the colour of course. It has a gorgeous deep pink hue that’s hard to beat. And so perfect right now because afternoons here are getting warmer and a chilled glass of this is super welcome.

We have an amma who comes to help us and she’s the one who got started us on this. She saw us collecting a bowl of the flowers and was so excited to show us what we could do with it. So far we’ve made a fabulous hibiscus hair mask which works as a conditioner and this tea. She prefers it hot with honey and a squirt of lime juice but I’m all about the hibiscus iced tea. I mean who can resist when it looks like this?

Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea has a ton of benefits. Hibiscus tea has been known to prevent hypertension, lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar levels, keep your liver healthy, help with menstrual cramps, help with depression, aid digestion and help with weight management. Its rich in Vitamin C, contains minerals such as  flavonoids and has laxative properties. And it tastes delicious!

But it can also have some side effects.

Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus Tea can affect estrogen levels which means that it has an effect of both pregnancy and fertility. If you are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant, you should probably avoid hibiscus in your diet. It also lowers blood pressure which can be harmful if you already suffer from low blood pressure.

With anything that has medicinal properties, its really important to see if it works for you. Something that I’m slowly learning while we live here in Auroville. We eat a lot of healthy, local ingredients now and people around us are happy to tell us more about them.

Don’t be afraid to try this out because it’s incredibly easy to make and you can make it with both fresh or dried flowers. If you don’t have access to fresh one, dried hibiscus flowers are easily available online.

How to make Hibiscus Tea + its Benefits

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• Author: Richa

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Description

Learn how to make hibiscus tea which has some amazing benefits. Make this with either fresh or dried flowers and choose to have it as a hot cup of tea or as hibiscus iced tea because either way it’s delicious and really good for you!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh Hibiscus Flowers (or 1/2 cup dried Hibiscus Flowers)
• 8 cups Water
• 1/4 cup Honey (add more if you like your tea sweeter)
• 3 tablespoons fresh Lime Juice

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Instructions

1. Prepping hibiscus flowers: If using fresh hibiscus flowers, remove the calyx or the green part at the base of the flower to which the stem is attached. You can also remove the pistil which is the thin thread like tube in the middle of the flower which has pollens attached to it or you can choose to keep it. You don’t need to do this if you are using dried flowers.
2. Boil the tea: Bring the hibiscus flowers and water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water starts boiling, switch off the flame and cover the vessel. At this point, you can also add other herbs or add ins such as basil, lemon grass, lemon zest etc. Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Mix in the honey and lime juice till completely combined. Strain the tea.
3. Serving Hibiscus Tea: You can either serve hibiscus tea warm or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Either way it tastes delicious!

Notes

• Add Ins: You can add some of your favourite flavours to this tea. Basil, lemon grass, lemon zest and mint all taste really nice with hibiscus
• Sweetness: We prefer our tea moderately sweet but feel free to add more honey or even replace it with sugar if you like