Hibiscus tea is is an herbal drink consisting of the hibiscus flower, which can be drank iced or hot. The recipe is fairly easy and simple to make, often it is homemade. The following fresh hibiscus tea recipe is for the iced drink.

This recipe serves about 6 to 8:

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups of fresh water
  • 3 tablespoons De Silva dried hibiscus flowers
  • 2 sticks of cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar of choice (approximately)
  • 1 small orange, sliced and cut into slices (optional)
  • 1 lemon or lime, cut into wheels (optional)
  • Ice
fresh hibiscus tea recipe 2

Preparation:

Step 1: Bring 6 cups of water to a slight boil. Proceed to turn off the heat and then add the hibiscus leaves and cinnamon sticks to the water. Steep in water for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Important: steeping herbs in water for longer does not necessarily mean more flavor. Often, bitterness and unwanted tastes will seep through the longer an herb is steeped in water.

Step 3: Strain the tea and add to a pitcher

Step 4: Allow the tea to cool down and refrigerate before serving.

Step 5: Fill a cup with ice and orange slices, pour the tea.

Step 6: Add as much sugar as desired to each cup.

Step 7: Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel

Step 8: Enjoy!

Benefits of Hibiscus:

Whether iced or hot, hibiscus tea has many benefits. Hibiscus is a natural plant and can often be bought dried at most grocery stores (make sure to look for our De Silva hibiscus products at a store near you!). Naturally, hibiscus tea has a sour taste, sugar or sweetener must often be added to enhance its flavor. The benefits, however, are worth noting and may increase your daily intake of hibiscus tea.

Balances High Blood Pressure:

The American Heart Association, published an article on November 2008, stating that consuming hibiscus tea lowers the blood pressure in pre or mildly hypertensive people. It can help stabilize and lower high blood pressure naturally due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure to regularly consume three cups of this tea every day for a few weeks for its benefits to start working.

Relieves Menstrual Pain:

This tea helps assist with cramps and menstrual cramps. It helps in restoring hormonal balance. Hibiscus tea can help with menstrual-related symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, overeating, etc.

Lowers Cholesterol:

It helps lower cholesterol levels, therefore helping to protect against most heart diseases. Hibiscus tea has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties that can be beneficial to anyone suffering from  any blood sugar disorders, such as people who are pre-diabetic or already have diabetes.

Make sure you are including De Silva hibiscus plant into your diet for a maintain a healthy lifestyle!