Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea and blood pressure: a randomized trial of the tea itself, what meta-analyses show, and what is not known about safety, pregnancy and medicines.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
If you take blood pressure medicine, ask your pharmacist or clinician before using hibiscus tea regularly. Studies show it can lower blood pressure, and we found no source we could read on how it combines with blood pressure medicines.
Overview and identity
Hibiscus tea is made from the dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle). It is a tisane, not true tea, and is an ingredient in many herbal blends. [1]What the research shows
Hibiscus is one of the few herbal teas with a randomized trial of the tea itself.| Study | What it found | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 randomized, double-blind trial (65 adults aged 30 to 70 with pre- or mild hypertension, not on blood pressure medicine); 3 servings (240 mL each) of brewed hibiscus tea a day vs placebo drink for 6 weeks | Systolic pressure fell more with tea than placebo (-7.2 vs -1.3 mm Hg). Diastolic fell (-3.1 vs -0.5) but the difference was not significant. [1] | One small, short trial |
| 2025 overview of reviews and dose-response meta-analysis (26 randomized trials, 1,797 people) | Hibiscus lowered systolic and diastolic pressure compared with placebo and other teas; no significant difference from antihypertensive drugs. Moderate credibility for reductions over 10 mmHg, especially in people over 50 and in trials longer than 4 weeks. Also lowered cholesterol and fasting glucose. [2] | Includes different preparations (not only tea) |
Safety
- The 2025 review found a minor, clinically insignificant rise in a liver enzyme (AST) without increased adverse events, and says long-term and therapeutic-dose safety requires careful monitoring. [2]
- We did not find a source we could read on hibiscus in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we make no claim. Ask your clinician.
- Because it can lower blood pressure, it matters for people already on blood pressure medicine or with low blood pressure. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?
A small trial of 3 cups a day for 6 weeks found a lower systolic pressure than placebo, and a larger review of 26 trials supports a reduction, but safety over the long term needs monitoring. [1][2]
Is hibiscus tea safe in pregnancy?
We found no source we could read. Ask your clinician.
References
- McKay DL, Chen CY, Saltzman E, Blumberg JB. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. J Nutr. 2010;140(2):298-303. PubMed 20018807. 65 adults, 6 weeks.
- Norouzzadeh M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Hibiscus sabdariffa in cardiometabolic health: An overview of reviews and updated dose-response meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2025;89:103135. PubMed 39870328.