The tea made of hibiscus flowers is known by many names in many countries around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is well known for its color, tanginess and flavor.

 

Dried hibiscus is edible. It can also be candied and used as a garnish.

 

The tea is popular as a natural diuretic; it contains vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. Polyphenol compounds were discovered in the leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa, which has also shown anti-inflammatory activities.

 

A 2008 USDA study shows consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in a group of prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.  

 

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a number of medical uses in Chinese herbology. In the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, hibiscusis considered to have medicinal properties. 

 

Hibiscus tea also contains bioflavonoids, which are believed to help prevent an increase in LDL cholesterol.