Q: My husband’s blood pressure was creeping up when I read your article on drinking hibiscus tea to lower blood pressure.  He has been drinking three cups of Tazo Passion tea with hibiscus every day since then, and his blood pressure has gone back to normal range!

Thank you so much. It’s great to be able to avoid taking a medication.  I shared this info with his doctor; she said she wasn’t familiar with it and wanted the article, as she, too, is interested in nonpharmaceutical fixes whenever possible.

A: We’re delighted that your husband’s doctor is interested in evidence-based nondrug alternatives.  Hibiscus has a long history as a folk remedy, but there is substantial research on its ability to help control blood pressure (Frontiers in Pharmacology, Jan 19, 2016).

This lovely red flower works in part by making blood vessels more flexible and by blocking a compound called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

That means it works somewhat like popular blood-pressure pills as lisinopril.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times