Preparations of Hibiscus flower have been traditionally used as a diuretic, for fever, and for digestive and kidney disorders. It is also commonly used in a variety of other herbal combinations for chest congestion, phlegm, and cough. There is one hibiscus combination I have used extensively with patients for stubborn chest congestion for many years now with very good effect. (Infusions of Healing: A Treasury of Mexican-American Herbal Remedies)
Recent research has shown that hibiscus can promote healthy blood pressure, support healthy cholesterol levels, may benefit weight management, and supports kidney health. As these are all “risk factors” in the severity of COVID-19 cases, it stands to reason that drinking Hibiscus Tea on a regular basis may be beneficial.
COVID-19 infection can lead to increased inflammation and severe oxidative stress. Hibiscus tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant effects which also may help mitigate negative effects of the infection. See my previous post on NAC to learn more about the oxidative stress involved with COVID infection.
And interestingly, Hibiscus Tea may help prevent infection of the COVID-19 virus to some degree. Caveat- this is a bit of a reach, but if you follow the research here, it does seem plausible.
Without getting too deep into biochemistry, here is the basic idea. The ACE 2 receptor is the entry point for the virus to infect the cell. Hibiscus tea has been shown (here) to be a an ACE inhibitor working in much the same way as common high blood pressure medications. And while it’s a little more complicated than this, ACE inhibitors essentially bind to the ACE 2 receptor site effectively blocking entry of the virus.
For more in depth information and references of current research on how ACE inhibitors may prevent infection check out this video: The ACE-2 Receptor – The Doorway to COVID-19 (ACE Inhibitors & ARBs).
Dosage
While casual drinking of hibiscus tea can certainly be part of a healthy diet, to get the effects on blood pressure (and therefore the effects of potentially binding to the ACE 2 receptors and blocking some degree of cell infection by COVID), a more “medicinal dose” is likely required.
For me this has meant 2-4 strong cups of the tea daily. This seems to be the general recommendation for it to lower mild to medium high blood pressure. It usually takes at least a month to start affecting blood pressure, so I would venture to guess that it requires that amount of time to start having a “medicinal effect.”
That being said, even if I hadn’t been consistently drinking hibiscus tea, if I were to be infected (with any cold or flu), I would personally start drinking many cups of strong tea daily. One of my go-tos for the first signs of any cold is Hibiscus Ginger tea.
Caution should be taken when drinking larger and consistent doses of hibiscus tea for those with low blood pressure or are taking medication for high blood pressure and/or diabetes. For further safety information: WebMD – Hibiscus.
Preparation
There are a variety of ways to prepare it, but the infusion is the most common. To make a cup or two, I’ll pour boiling water over a few petals and steep for 10-20 minutes. Normally, however, I like to make a large pitcher. For this I’ll bring roughly 2.5 liters of water to a boil and then add a large handful (about 25 grams) of flower to the water. Then turn off the heat, stir the flower, and cover the pot and steep for 20 minutes. At that point, the liquid can be strained off and flower discarded.
Traditionally here in Mexico this infusion is made as an “agua fresca” called agua de jamaica (pronounced HA-MA-EE-KA in Spanish). However it is usually heavily sweetened with sugar (therefor the nickname of Mexican Kool-Aid) which certainly defeats most of its potential medicinal effects.
I recommend drinking it unsweetened. It has a tangy flavor similar to cranberry juice. All is probably not lost if sweetened with little stevia or REAL honey, but go with out if possible. Drink hot or cold.
Where to Buy Hibiscus Tea / Flor de Jamaica
Hibiscus tea is available at most grocery stores throughout Mexico. I have found an organically grown Flor de Jamaica at La Comer in the health food section. It is also available at ethnic food sections and Mexican grocery stores in the US. I’m not sure about the availability in grocery stores in Canada.
US (affiliate link): Hibiscus Tea 1LB (16Oz) 100% CERTIFIED Organic Hibiscus Flowers Herbal Tea (WHOLE PETALS)