Q: I am curious to know the health benefits of hibiscus tea.  I’ve heard that it’s good for blood pressure.  If so, how do you make it and how much do you drink?

A: Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a bush with lovely bright-red flowers.  The dried petals can be used to make a pleasantly tart-tasting tea.

This tea has been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of problems, and scientists have confirmed that it lowers blood pressure as well as cholesterol (Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, December 2017; Indian Journal of Pharmacology, September-October 2015).

Another reader shared this experience: “I had high blood pressure and brought my blood pressure down from 170/90 to 140/80 with just hibiscus tea in about six weeks.  For every flower, I use 100 ml of hot water.  I add lemon juice after steeping the flowers for approximately half an hour; then I strain the tea.  I add honey or sugar to taste.  I drink 150 ml three times a day.”

• article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• copyright The Seattle Times