Rosehip and Hibiscus Tea Benefits

Rosehip and Hibiscus Tea Benefits
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Rosehip and hibiscus are combined in many herbal tea varieties because they complement each other. Rosehip tends to be a little sour-tasting if standing alone. Hibiscus adds a natural lemon flavor. This tea can be enjoyed hot or cold. When it is made ahead of time, it tends not to lose flavor or become tart. Rosehip and hibiscus can also be found in jams and syrups.

Boost the Immune System

Rosehip and hibiscus tea contains vitamin C. This important immune-support vitamin is found in rosehip and hibiscus tea, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that it cannot be stored and is excreted from the body daily. For this reason, it's important to receive vitamin C every day in our diet. It boosts the immune system because it's a natural antioxidant. The Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University reports that small amounts of this vitamin can be beneficial for the protection against free radicals. This results in healthy, strong cells throughout the body.

Lowering Blood Pressure

The hibiscus portion of the tea has shown to lower blood pressure in human studies. Chronic high blood pressure affects almost 30 percent of Americans. A study reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture discussed the blood pressure-lowering effects in pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults. During this six-week trial, the group drank 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily and had a drop of approximately seven points in the systolic blood pressure. If you have elevated blood pressure, you should discuss herbal and other treatments with your health-care provider.

Arthritis Remedy

Rosehips are used to relieve pain associated with arthritis conditions such as osteoarthritis. This condition is a degeneration of the cartilage that sits between the bones. Cartilage provides a cushion in joints such as knees and hips. Without cartilage, bone rubs on bone and an inflammation process starts. This can be painful. Rosehip found in tea decreases inflammation. A Danish research group identified a component called galactolipid in rosehip that is an anti-inflammatory component.

References

Article reviewed by Avraham Zuroff Last updated on: Dec 9, 2010

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