Health Benefit of Hibiscus Tea

 

Hibiscus Tea and plant: Photo credit Google

 By Comfort Joseph

 How do you take your Zobo? Hot with a handful of chin chin? cold with a spoonful of honey? if you are a zobo fan, this is to let you know that it is a healthy drink. Studies suggest it can be a powerful ally in improving your health, Traditionally used as a cure for ailments such as minor coughs upset stomach, poor appetite and bacterial or fungal infections. Hibiscus sabdariffa (aka Roselle), the flower from which zobo  drink (aka sorrel in Caribbean) is made is packed with healing plant chemicals such as anthocyanins,polyphenols,and hibiscus acid. this combination of chemicals produces valuable medicinal properties that extend beyond the traditional uses we may be accustomed to.

Hibiscus is a bushy annual plant. zobo has an enjoyable taste. parts of the flower are used to make a popular drink in Egypt called Karkade. Various parts of the plant are also used to make jams,spices,soups, and sauces. The flower is used to make medicine. It is ruby red in colour. there are many species of the hibiscus plant across the world including across Africa.

According to a 2010 study published in the journal of Nutrition, Hibiscus significantly lowered blood pressure by removing excess fluids and allowing the blood vessels to relax in people suffering from pre-and mild hypertension, in fact, adding Hibiscus to the diet was reported to be just as effective as taking the popular anti-hypertension drug, Captopril. with over 43% of Nigerians suffering from high blood pressure and the lack of adequate health care facilities, this finding is important because drinking a beverage like zobo can reduce medical costs and prevent complications such as stroke, heart disease and even death.

In women,zobo drink helps boost ovulation and increase a woman's chances of getting pregnant. some women who once had scanty period, (amenorrhea), heavy flow and painful periods have experienced a significant regularization of their menstrual cycle after taking a daily dose of zobo drink. Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite,colds,heart and nerve diseases,upper respiratory tract pain and swelling(inflammation),fluid retention,stomach irritation,cures premature ejaculation,reduce depressive symptoms and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm;as a gentle laxative and as a diuretic to increase urine output.hibiscus is used as a flavoring. it is also used to improve the odor,flavor,or appearance of tea mixtures.

the fruit acids in hibiscus may work like a laxative. some researchers think that other chemical in hibiscus might be able to ;decrease spasms in the stomach,intestine and uterus: and work like antibiotics to kill bacteria and worms.

Research in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary medicine shows that zobo drink helps lower the levels of (bad) cholesterol from the body,thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage.it is rich in ascorbic acid,also known as vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system.it is used to treat discomfort caused by fever.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid zobo drinks. there is some evidence that zobo could cause a pregnant woman's period to return which could lead to miscarriage. its safety during breast feeding is unknown and therefore it is best to avoid.

Unfortunately, with the increased popularity of sugary fizzy drinks and alcohol, zobo may barely make a dent in the ever-increasing rates of blood pressure in Nigeria and beyond. Be a proponent for health and replace each sugary and/or alcoholic drink with healthy alternatives like zobo. Before long you will be on the road to better health.

Remember to always consult with your doctor about any medical concerns, conditions and supplements that you may be taking. Always take the advice of the medical professional on how to proceed with your treatment.