Hibiscus flower tea is a refreshing and beneficial beverage enjoyed by many. It is said that this tea was the favorite beverage of the Pharaohs of the Nile Valley, which helped them cope with extreme climate in the desert.
Today, hibiscus flower tea is an important part of many cultures, from Mexico, China, India, Caribbean, United States and Europe. This beverage, which can be consumed hot or cold and it is made from green calyces of the flower, is also known by the names red sorrel, agua de Jamaica, flor de Jamaica, bissap and karkady.
Benefits of hibiscus flower tea
The best feature of hibiscus flower tea is the fact it is very rich in vitamin C. this is why this tea is highly recommended for people who suffer from common cold, flu, allergies and various infections, as vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system and fighting bacteria and viruses.
Hibiscus flower also contains other powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are very important because they prevent the harmful action of free radicals from toxins and solution and thus prevent many serious diseases, including cancer.
This tea regulates blood pressure and heart rate, as well as cholesterol levels, which makes it a great means of prevention against heart disease and blood vessel problems.
Because it acts as a diuretic, hibiscus flower tea is great for expelling excess fluids from the body through urination. It also has a mild and natural laxative effect, so it is recommended for people who suffer from constipation.
In addition, this tea is known for its beneficial antibacterial action, especially in pulmonary infections.
Hibiscus tea does not contain caffeine and it is suitable for everyone, including children.
Hibiscus flower tea recipe
Hibiscus tea is inexpensive and widely available in grocery stores. It comes both in teabags and in form of loose leaves.
A delicious and refreshing hibiscus tea can be made from three spoons of dried hibiscus flowers, 48 oz of water, two medium-sized cinnamon sticks, one small orange, sliced, one lemon cut in wedges and one eighth of a cup of sugar or honey.
After the water has boiled, it is poured over hibiscus and cinnamon in a tea pot and left to steep for 15 or 20 minutes, but not longer, otherwise it will be bitter. It is then filtered in a glass full of ice, with sugar or honey and orange slices, and garnished with lemon wedges.
Hibiscus flower tea can be also made with tea bags, one bag per cup, and combined with ginger, cardamom, mint, and other ingredients.
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