Hibiscus Hibiscus sabdariffa

Gardeners have always valued the hibiscus is for it's beautiful flowers, but the plant has a very practical side as well. Traditional cultures world wide, from China to the Americas use hibiscus for medicinal teas and natural red dye. In Jamaica it is known as sorrel, in Mexico agua de jamaica. The calyx of the hibiscus flowers is used to make a wine red tea that is naturally high in Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, and gentle diuretic and laxative.

There are two good reasons to add hibiscus herbal tea to your daily routine beyond the great taste, regular consumption of hibiscus can lower blood pressure and help you shed a few pounds. Drinking hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults, according to a study by the USDA.⁹⁵ Hibiscus is a natural source of hydroxycitric acid (HCA, or hydroxycut), the same chemical used in many diet formulas. It also contains other obesity fighting chemicals such as chromium and ascorbic acid.