(Natural News) Hibiscus plants are often used as landscape shrubs because of their beautiful and brightly colored blossoms. But according to a study, these pretty flowers can also be used to make tea.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a long-term condition that may cause life-threatening problems, such as heart attack. While Western medicine advocates for the prescription of various drugs that are linked to harmful side effects, there are effective and natural ways that can help lower blood pressure, such as hibiscus tea.
Data from a Nigerian study, which was published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, revealed that hibiscus tea can help lower lisinopril levels and ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) counts. Hibiscus tea can also reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure without any side effects.
Scientists attribute the beneficial effects of hibiscus tea to its ability to inhibit ACE like conventional blood pressure medication. They added that another natural alternative is cherry juice, which can also reduce systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
This discovery is crucial because when left untreated, high blood pressure can cause serious conditions like:
- Heart attack
- Kidney disease
According to a separate 2016 study, which was published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, beet juice is another natural remedy that can reduce blood pressure. Drink a cup of beet juice every day to minimize hypertension symptoms and inflammation. The study also revealed that consuming beet juice regularly can help improve blood vessel flexibility.
Lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure
To best avoid the negative side effects of hypertension medication, drink hibiscus tea made from red Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers. Couple this with some lifestyle changes like those listed below to significantly improve your condition if you’re suffering from high blood pressure.
- Calorie restriction
- Consuming more organic fruits and vegetables
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing meat, processed foods, and simple sugar consumption
- Slower (deeper) breathing exercises
Findings from another study suggested that visiting a sauna can lower blood pressure naturally. For the study, researchers observed Finnish men who visited a sauna regularly at least four times weekly. The men had a whopping 50 percent reduction in stroke risk.
Bitter/dark chocolate is another natural remedy that can help lower blood pressure. Eating less than an ounce of dark chocolate per day is enough to enjoy its health benefits. Other foods that can lower blood pressure include:
- Organic green tea
Instead of taking prescription drugs, live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle to effectively lower your blood pressure, even if you don’t have hypertension. Staying active, following a healthy diet, and drinking hibiscus tea can help improve your health in the long run.
How to make hibiscus tea
To make hibiscus tea, you’ll need:
- Dried hibiscus flowers
- Boiling water
- Honey (optional)
- Limes (optional)
- Add the dried hibiscus flowers to a teapot and pour boiling water over them.
- Let the flowers steep for five minutes, then strain.
- Add some honey or a squeeze of lime juice to sweeten the hibiscus tea before drinking. (Related: Health Benefits of Drinking Hibiscus Tea! How To Make Hibiscus Tea?)
Hibiscus tea, which has a tart taste like cranberries, can be consumed either hot or cold. Buy dried hibiscus flowers from a local health food store or online. Alternatively, you can purchase hibiscus tea in pre-made tea bags.
You can read more articles about other natural remedies that can lower your blood pressure at Heart.news.