Hibiscus tea side effects you should actually know

TL;DR: Hibiscus tea side effects matter if you drink it every day. Studies in the original show benefits for blood pressure at three cups a day for six weeks, but excessive consumption brings headaches, stomach issues, fertility effects, and drug interactions. This piece walks through what the creator actually covered, and who should talk to a doctor first.

Hibiscus tea got famous because of a diet that promises quick weight loss. But burning body fat is only one of the many benefits of this tea. Many studies have shown that hibiscus tea offers benefits to the heart, such as lowering blood pressure.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that hypertensive adults who drank three cups (0.67 ounces) of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks had lowered blood pressure. Did you know that?

What are the common hibiscus tea side effects?

Hibiscus tea is usually safe, but some side effects show up with excessive consumption: stomachache, gas, constipation, nausea, painful urination, headaches, and ringing in the ears. All these symptoms are caused by excessive consumption, not by an occasional cup.

May cause malaises (dehydration and electrolyte loss)

Be careful with the diuretic effect of hibiscus tea. Drinking too much of it leads to dehydration, loss of electrolytes in the body, such as potassium and sodium, which causes changes in muscle contraction, dizziness, weakness, and even fainting.

May cause infertility

Some studies suggest that the continuous, excessive consumption of hibiscus tea may interfere with estrogen levels. This change in hormone levels inhibits ovulation and hinders female fertility.

May interfere with some medicines

Hibiscus tea can potentialize or reduce the effects of certain medications. Its diuretic effect can potentialize hypertensive drugs. On the other hand, some studies suggest that drinking hibiscus tea lowers the effects of some medicines, like paracetamol.

Who should skip hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is contraindicated for pregnant women due to the hormonal changes and uterine contractions that may cause complications during pregnancy or even spontaneous abortion. Nursing women should also avoid this tea since there aren’t enough conclusive studies regarding its toxicity and safe dose.

Some studies say that hibiscus tea benefits high blood pressure patients, thanks to the anti-hypertensive effects of diuretic action. Hypertensive people must avoid hibiscus tea without a medical prescription or if taking medications for blood pressure.

The takeaway

Hibiscus tea can be a useful, flavorful drink, and the research supports a real effect on blood pressure. But the line between helpful and harmful is how much you drink, how often, and what else you’re taking. Now that you know these things, be careful and take care of your health. If a doctor already has you on blood pressure medication, that conversation comes first. If quiet health reads like this are your thing, the newsletter lands once a week.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common hibiscus tea side effects?

Stomachache, gas, constipation, nausea, painful urination, headaches, and ringing in the ears. All these symptoms are caused by excessive consumption.

Can hibiscus tea affect fertility?

Some studies suggest that the continuous, excessive consumption of hibiscus tea may interfere with estrogen levels. This change in hormone levels inhibits ovulation and hinders female fertility.

Is hibiscus tea safe during pregnancy?

Hibiscus tea is contraindicated for pregnant women due to the hormonal changes and uterine contractions that may cause complications during pregnancy or even spontaneous abortion. Nursing women should also avoid this tea since there aren’t enough conclusive studies regarding its toxicity and safe dose.

Does hibiscus tea interact with medications?

Hibiscus tea can potentialize or reduce the effects of certain medications. Its diuretic effect can potentialize hypertensive drugs. Some studies suggest that drinking hibiscus tea lowers the effects of some medicines, like paracetamol.

Should people with high blood pressure drink it?

Hibiscus tea benefits high blood pressure patients thanks to the anti-hypertensive effects of diuretic action, but hypertensive people must avoid hibiscus tea without a medical prescription or if taking medications for blood pressure.