High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common and serious health problem that increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. Herbal supplements, such as hibiscus, may be beneficial in controlling blood pressure. Presently, there is insufficient scientific information to recommend hibiscus for treating hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, first consult with your doctor before using hibiscus medicinally.
Treatment
Hypertension is referred to as the silent killer because you typically do not have symptoms when your blood pressure is too high. Various treatment options are available to control blood pressure. Changing your diet and exercise habits, smoking cessation and minimizing stress may help to control your blood pressure. If these are not effective, you may need medications. Some use herbal supplements to help lower their blood pressure, but should do so with supervision from their doctor.
About Hibiscus
Hibiscus has long been used medicinally in Africa and other tropical regions for managing various conditions, including high blood pressure. It is also is used to make foods, such as jams and jellies, and assorted drinks. Hibiscus is commonly added to herbal tea mixtures, and it is the main constituent in the Red Zinger herbal teas. Studies have shown that hibiscus is rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which may offer various benefits, such as antioxidant and muscle spasm-relieving properties.
Effectiveness
Two preliminary research studies have shown that hibiscus may lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. One small study compared hibiscus to black tea in hypertensive individuals and found that hibiscus lowered blood pressure significantly more than black tea after 10 days of treatment. Another preliminary trial in people with high blood pressure showed that hibiscus lowered blood pressure about the same amount as the prescription medicine, captopril, after 4 weeks of treatment.
Preparations and Dosing
Hibiscus is most often taken as a tea. Research studies have used 1 to 2 tsp., or 3 to 6 g, of dried flower infused in 1 cup, or 250 ml, of water, taken three times a day. Hibiscus has been studied in doses of 2 tsp., or 5 to 6 g, of dried flowers brewed as tea, then taken two to three times a day for lowering blood pressure.
