 Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a wonderful plant packed with medicinal and aromatic ingredients that has been famous all over the world as flavorful tea. Its wonderful effects in lowering blood pressure are similar to allopathic medications, but without putting your body at risk of developing adverse effects that can affect your overall quality of life. Hibiscus tea is the perfect drink to savor the relaxing effects of tea, while enjoying the benefits of hibiscus in regulating blood pressure and protecting your cardiovascular health! Understanding HypertensionHypertension is a very strong predictor of heart and blood vessel problems, putting those with uncontrolled levels at risk of having blood clots, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even stroke. It is actually considered the most common long-term medical condition characterized by unregulated rise in blood pressure levels. Guidelines to determine hypertensive status change regularly and may depend on the country you live in, but these have reached a consensus that people with persistently elevated blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg should be subjected to blood pressure management.3 Aside from genetic predisposition to hypertension, nutrition and lifestyle practices greatly affect your chances of developing the condition. Historical BackgroundHibiscus, also known as sour tea or roselle, belongs to the Malvaceae family. The aromatic medicinal plant that originated from Asia is currently grown all over the world. Hibiscus is not only used for the purpose of healing, since its fibers and flowers are also used to produce a variety of food and beverages! Aside from its wonderful benefits, hibiscus is also used as a natural food colorant, making it a safer alternative to artificially-made pigments for food production.1 Effects in Blood Pressure regulationAlthough allopathic medications for blood pressure regulation are effective, these may produce unwanted effects that can negatively affect your quality of life. You may have dizziness, imbalances in your body’s electrolyte levels, and even feel fatigued all the time.2 Rather than having to experience these effects, the naturopathic approach offers a well-rounded course of management that targets nutrition, lifestyle, supplementation, and natural remedies to help regulate blood pressure levels. Interestingly, these natural remedies can also be taken in forms you can actually enjoy! By simply enjoying relaxing hibiscus tea sessions with your family and friends or even pairing this healthy drink with your favorite meals, you are also able to take care of your health as you grow older. Mechanism of action The antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory benefits of hibiscus come from its bioactive ingredients, namely, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, tannins, and carotenoids, all of which work together to widen blood vessels and regulate blood flow, ultimately reducing your risks of developing complications from lack of blood pressure control.2 Hibiscus can also help regulate blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent hormone that increases blood pressure. Interestingly, the blood pressure effects of hibiscus are stronger in people who have higher blood pressure levels.2 Aside from its wonderful effects in regulating blood pressure, the hydroethanol component of hibiscus also exerts antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, helping to kill or inhibit microorganisms that may cause potential harm to the body.1 Safety and ConsiderationsHibiscus tea is generally safe to drink daily and has not been observed to produce side effects, aside from lowered blood pressure and mild gastrointestinal discomfort that may be factored by the way the tea was prepared.2 However, most herbal remedies should not be used during pregnancy and lactation and it is best to talk with your healthcare providers and naturopathic doctors to help you discover the best strategies for your unique case. Additionally, the use of hibiscus in combination with other antihypertensive agents should be further evaluated with your healthcare providers, as this may synergize the effects of your maintenance medications and cause more harm than good. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team will help you discover the wonderful benefits of hibiscus tea for your optimal health and well-being, making sure that this herb is right for you and its therapeutic levels in the body are kept in-check! Regulating Your Blood Pressure LevelsOptimal blood pressure regulation requires a holistic approach that targets nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation, in combination with natural herbal remedies that nurture your cardiovascular health. This means that although hibiscus tea is greatly beneficial in controlling hypertension, nutrition and lifestyle modifications are equally (or even more!) important. At Natural Path to Wellness, our team is committed to guiding you in your journey to health and wellness, helping you discover the best natural and holistic options for your unique case and preference. To learn more about the naturopathic approach for regulating blood pressure levels, talk to us today! This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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