Why Drink Hibiscus Tea?

Beat the Summer Heat with a Cooling Hibiscus Drink

Every time summer rolls around, I feel my cravings shift from the light, bitter, liver-cleansing flavors of spring to anything that is crisp and refreshing. I am drawn toward floral sun teas, soba noodle salads, and grain bowls packed with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. As the wisdom of the summer season takes over, my body is calling for foods and flavors that have a cooling action. When I honor these cravings, I feel my best.

Each summer brings with it the joys of increased energy, adventure and connection, while simultaneously posing the challenges of dehydration, inflammation and depletion. When the fire element (pitta dosha) increases around us — in the form of brighter sunshine, longer days, and busier schedules — it is more important than ever to prioritize replenishment so that we don't become exhausted or burnt out.

Rather than thinking of replenishment as a periodic recharge or retreat away from everyday life, I encourage you to think of replenishment as something that you can do each day, little by little, to prevent depletion, reduce redness and irritation, and support proper hydration.

Replenish with Organic Hibiscus Tea

Daily replenishment doesn’t have to come from a complicated pitta-soothing* routine — and it certainly does not have to come from chemical packets of natural flavors and hydration salts. What if I told you that you could help support proper hydration, support the skin, and calm inner fire with organic hibiscus flowers?

Hibiscus tea is one of the best natural remedies for cooling excess heat and bringing balance to the body during the summer months. Before we talk about how to make hibiscus tea at home, let’s take a look at the Ayurvedic perspective on this wonderful summertime soothing herb.

*If the term pitta-soothing is new to you, that’s ok! Pitta is one of the three doshas, or functional principles of Ayurveda. The doshas help us understand the qualities of our health challenges based on the wisdom of the elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). People with pitta embody more qualities of fire (like passion, discernment and focus …and also irritability, burnout and IBS). To learn more about how vata, pitta and kapha are showing up in your body, take the Dosha Quiz.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Hibiscus

If you have been wondering… what is hibiscus tea good for? You’re in luck, because the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda has been testing out the potential benefits of hibiscus (along with a vast array of other traditional healing herbs) for thousands for years.

Hibiscus, also called japa in Sanskrit, is astringent and sweet in taste with a cooling action. It decreases pitta (fire) and kapha (earth and water) in the body, and may increase vata (air and space) when used in excess. Hibiscus flower is believed to help support the circulatory system as a whole. In Ayurveda, the blood is intrinsically linked to the skin. Herbs, like hibiscus, that promote healthy blood flow and detoxification tend to also support healthy skin. Hibiscus has traditionally been used internally and externally as a beauty remedy for clear complexion and natural hair growth.

Potential Benefits of Hibiscus

Now, you may still be curious… What are the benefits of hibiscus tea from a more modern or scientific point of view? I love to answer this question because it’s so fun to see how ancient wisdom intersects with modern science. So, let’s take a look at a few recent studies.

Hibiscus syriacus Extract from an Established Cell Culture Stimulates Skin Wound Healing:

“Our data show that HSEE contains compounds capable of stimulating expression of biomarkers relevant to skin regeneration and hydration thereby counteracting molecular pathways leading to skin damage and aging.”

A review on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.:

“Most studies supported and provided the scientific basis for the statement that Hibiscus sabdariffa and their active constituents play an important role in the prevention of conditions that are associated with oxidative stress.”

With research-backed implications for supporting skin regeneration and hydration, soothing properties, and reducing oxidative stress, hibiscus has a lot to offer.

Nutritional and Health Importance of Hibiscus Sabdariffa: A Review and Indication for Research Needs:

Protective property of a compound to inhibit the oxidative mechanisms by scavenging reactive oxygen and free radicals is known as antioxidative activity. It protects lining organelles from premature cell damage and reduces aging. A large number of invitro and invivo studies have shown that Roselle calyxes contain potent antioxidants.

Make Your Own Hibiscus Tea

If you’re curious about incorporating hibiscus into your wellness routine, start by sipping a warm or cool herbal infusion daily, each afternoon.

If you struggle with coldness or dryness in your body related to vata dosha, add cinnamon to your hibiscus infusion. If you're prone to excess heat and inflammation related to pitta dosha, pair your hibiscus with rose petals. And, if you tend toward the congestion and stagnation of kapha dosha, add ginger or tulsi to your hibiscus beverage.

Tea learn more and get specific hibiscus tea recipes, check out How to Make Hibiscus Tea.

Where to Buy Hibiscus Flowers

Order your hibiscus flowers directly from Starwest Botanicals, where we offer it in many forms: Hibiscus Flower Powder, Whole Hibiscus Flower Petals, and Hibiscus Cut & Sift.

At Starwest, we offer an extensive, diverse, and carefully curated selection of premium-quality botanicals, organic herbs, delicious spices, tantalizing teas, and 100% pure essential oils. If you are passionate about highest quality ingredients and all the standards — from USDA Organic, to Non-GMO, Fair Trade, and more — you are in the right place.

Nature is filled with possibilities for healing, wellness, discovery, and adventure — let’s explore together!  

Author Bio

Molly McConnell is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who is committed to cultivating collective wellness. Guided by curiosity, embodied listening, and the rhythms of nature, Molly’s approach to Ayurveda is intentional and intersectional. As the cofounder of Cultivate Balance, she supports purpose-oriented people to come home to their bodies and restore resilience through nourishment, ritual, and routine. For a more immersive experience, Connect with Molly 1:1 or check outThe Reset for Resilience.

1. Frawley, David and Dr. Vastant Lad. The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press, 1992.
2. McKay, Diane L., et al. "Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults." The Journal of nutrition 140.2 (2010): 298-303.
3. Di Martino, O., et al. "Hibiscus syriacus extract from an established cell culture stimulates skin wound healing." BioMed Research International 2017.1 (2017): 7932019.
4. Baatartsogt, Tugsbaatar, et al. "High antiviral effects of hibiscus tea extract on the H5 subtypes of low and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses." Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 78.9 (2016): 1405-1411.