Can Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Pressure?

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Added: Tue. Jan 26, 2010 2:10pm
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Yes, according to researcher Diane L. McKay, PhD, who reported her findings in the February 2009 Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter.

Dr. McKay works in the Antioxidants Research Laboratory November 2008.

Dr. McKay and her colleagues studied a small group of 65 participants. The group was split into two. About half the group drank three cups of hibiscus tea each day for six weeks. The second group drank a placebo beverage that looked like hibiscus tea. Participants were asked to follow their normal routines during the study.

At the conclusion of the six-week period, the average blood pressure of persons who drank the hibiscus tea dropped 7.2 points. These results are comparable those typically achieved with blood-pressure medication. And persons with the highest blood pressure showed the most significant reductions—an average of 13.2 points.

Even a small reduction in blood pressure can have a positive impact on patients’ health, so the results were encouraging. The study needs to be validated with a larger group; however, those who may be at risk for developing high blood pressure might want to enjoy a relaxing cup of hibiscus tea while they await further research results.