16 Nov 7 Powerful Benefits of Hibiscus Tea – And Where to Buy It

The hibiscus flower might make you think of tropical gardens, but the hibiscus used for tea is a different plant. It’s Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called roselle, and its dried red calyces brew into a tart, cranberry-like drink. Shop our hibiscus teas on FtN.

Hibiscus tea has been a traditional remedy for high blood pressure in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean for generations. Now researchers are taking a closer look, and the results so far are promising. Here are seven benefits of hibiscus tea, what the research says, and how to drink it.

7 Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

1. Hibiscus tea and blood pressure

This is hibiscus tea’s best-researched benefit. Several studies have found that drinking 2 to 3 cups of Hibiscus sabdariffa tea a day helped lower blood pressure in adults with mild to moderate hypertension.

It’s a simple dietary change that may support healthy blood pressure alongside other lifestyle habits. If you’re already on blood pressure medication, speak to your doctor first, as hibiscus can add to its effect.

2. Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants

The dried calyces used to brew hibiscus tea are high in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins (the compounds behind its deep red colour) and other polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect your cells from free radical damage.

Hibiscus also contains vitamin C, which supports your immune system and helps your body absorb iron from plant foods.

3. Hibiscus tea and cholesterol

Research suggests regular hibiscus tea may help improve cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Some studies in people with type 2 diabetes found improvements in LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

It’s also an easy swap for fizzy drinks and sugary juices. Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free and has almost no kilojoules when you drink it unsweetened.

4. Hibiscus and cancer research: early lab findings

Laboratory studies, including research from Taiwan, found that hibiscus extract affected certain cancer cells, such as gastric and leukaemia cells, in a test tube. Researchers link this to hibiscus’s high polyphenol content.

These are early lab results on isolated cells, not studies in people. Hibiscus tea isn’t a cancer treatment, but it’s an area researchers continue to explore.

5. Hibiscus tea and metabolism

Hibiscus extract has shown promise for metabolic health. In small studies, daily doses over about a month were linked to better glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improved insulin resistance.

That’s encouraging for anyone managing weight or metabolic syndrome. Most of these studies used concentrated extract, so a cup of tea is a gentler, everyday way to include it.

6. Hibiscus tea may help reduce chronic inflammation

A 2025 review published in the National Library of Medicine highlighted the anti-inflammatory potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract across a range of health conditions. Its polyphenols and flavonoids appear to calm inflammatory pathways at a cellular level.

This matters because low-grade chronic inflammation is linked to many modern health issues, from gut disorders to heart disease.

Try Karkade Hibiscus tea from our online shop for an easy, unsweetened way to add hibiscus to your day.

7. Hibiscus tea for skin health

Hibiscus is sometimes called “the botox plant”. That’s a stretch, but there’s real science behind its skin benefits:

• Natural AHAs: hibiscus is one of the richest plant sources of alpha hydroxy acids, the same compounds skincare uses to encourage cell turnover and smooth uneven texture.
• Vitamin C: important for collagen production and firmer skin as you age.
• Antioxidants: anthocyanins and polyphenols help fight the free radical damage that speeds up skin ageing.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: these may help calm reactive and acne-prone skin.

Sip 2 to 3 cups a day, or add hibiscus powder to smoothies and DIY face masks. Shop our hibiscus teas here.

How to Make Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea takes about 10 minutes to make, hot or iced.

1. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus calyces to a cup (240 ml) of just-boiled water.
2. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Longer steeping gives a stronger, more tart cup.
3. Strain, then enjoy it plain or with a little honey. Ginger and lime work well too.
4. For iced hibiscus tea, cold-brew the calyces in water in the fridge overnight.

How much to drink: 2 to 3 cups a day is the amount used in most blood pressure studies. More isn’t better.

Hibiscus tea precautions

• Avoid hibiscus tea if you’re pregnant.
• If you take blood pressure, diabetes or diuretic medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking it daily.
• Stick to 2 to 3 cups a day.

Where to Buy Hibiscus Tea in South Africa

You’ll find loose hibiscus, tea bags and hibiscus powder at Faithful to Nature. Shop hibiscus tea on FtN, or start with one of these:

• Buddha Teas Organic Hibiscus Tea: organic tea bags for an easy daily cup.
• Mwanza Hibiscus Flowers: loose dried calyces for brewing hot or cold.
• Organic Choice Hibiscus Powder: for smoothies, baking and DIY face masks.

Learn all there is to know about hibiscus at Faithful to Nature, South Africa’s most trusted destination for health, beauty, and conscious living.

Shop Faithful to Nature

Published November 2016

Updated July 2026

Hibiscus Tea FAQs

What does hibiscus tea taste like?

Hibiscus tea is tart and fruity, a lot like cranberry juice, with a light floral note. It’s lovely with honey, ginger or a squeeze of lime.

Can I drink hibiscus tea every day?

Yes, most healthy adults can drink 2 to 3 cups a day, the amount used in most studies. Avoid it if you’re pregnant, and check with your doctor if you take blood pressure medication.

Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure if you don’t have high blood pressure?

The research mostly involves people with high or borderline-high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already low, or you’re unsure, check with your doctor before drinking it daily.

Is hibiscus tea the same as rooibos or rosehip tea?

No. Hibiscus tea comes from the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa, while rosehip tea comes from the fruit of Rosa canina. Both are tart, red and high in vitamin C, but they’re different plants with different compounds. Rooibos is a separate South African plant again.

Does hibiscus tea interact with medication?

Yes, it can. Hibiscus may boost the effect of blood pressure medication and diuretics, and can affect some anti-malarial drugs. If you take any regular medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Is hibiscus tea good for weight loss?

It can support weight management as part of a balanced diet. Studies link hibiscus extract to better metabolic markers, and swapping sugary drinks for unsweetened hibiscus tea cuts sugar and kilojoules.

Does hibiscus tea contain caffeine?

No. Pure hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it in the evening. Check the label of blends, which may include black or green tea.