Considering the range of side effects that seem to accompany certain blood pressure medications, it is little wonder that many people would like to find natural ways to treat their hypertension. Meditation and slow, relaxed breathing can help. But there are also a number of beverages that can lower blood pressure. One of our favorites is a beautiful bright red tea made from hibiscus flowers.
Hibiscus Tea to Lower Blood Pressure:
Q. Is there a tea that helps lower high blood pressure?
A. The most promising option is tea made from the dried blossoms of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Most people find its tart flavor tasty. In Mexico and Spanish-speaking parts of the Caribbean, this tea is served chilled and dubbed “agua de jamaica.”
The Research Results on Hibiscus Tea:
A review of the research showed that both animal and human studies indicate a blood-pressure lowering effect (Fitoterapia, Mar., 2013). Two or three cups a day seem to provide a therapeutic dose.
More recently, scientists tested an extract of hibiscus flowers combined with olive tree leaves (Journal of Medicinal Food, May, 2016). They noted that this product (Pres Phytum®) appears to act like a calcium channel blocker. Laboratory research indicates that it is likely the combination could help lower blood pressure without causing undue side effects.
A clinical trial in Nigeria found that hibiscus tea was as effective as lisinopril in lowering mildly or moderately elevated blood pressure (Indian Journal of Pharmacology, Sep-Oct., 2015). In a separate trial, hibiscus tea was more effective against mild or moderate hypertension than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, Nov-Dec., 2015). As an additional advantage, the tea did not alter electrolyte balance as HCTZ sometimes does. Although the scientists did not say so, in our opinion hibiscus tea is tastier and far more pleasant to swallow than a pill.
What Else Can You Do?
Some readers have found ingenious ways to combine hibiscus tea with other remedies to bring their blood pressure down. You can read about that here.
In addition to this lovely red tea, there are other beverages that may also help control blood pressure, including beet juice, grape juice, kefir (fermented milk) and pomegranate juice. We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment so you can learn more about these and other non-drug approaches to combating hypertension.
Revised 5/12/16
