Red Hibiscus Tea

Red Hibiscus Tea, also known as Gul-e-Khatmi (or Gul Khaira) in Urdu, is a refreshing and super healthy beverage made using dried Hibiscus Flowers. It has a refreshing tart flavor similar to cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

This drink has a gorgeous deep red color. When taken in a moderate amount has fantastic benefits to the body, like lowering blood pressure, fighting bacteria, and even aiding weight loss.

Quick facts about Red Hibiscus Tea

Lowers Blood Pressure- High blood pressure over time can strain the heart and cause it to weaken, which in turn can increase the risk of heart disease. One of the most well-known benefits of hibiscus tea is that it may lower blood pressure, particularly if you are at risk for hypertension.
Immunity Booster- Like most healthy teas, hibiscus is full of antioxidants that fight free radical damage caused by poor diet and constant exposure to dangerous chemicals and preservatives in food. These antioxidants are found mainly in the anthocyanins of the plant, the natural pigments that give this flower its red color.
May help in aiding weight loss- While those antioxidants are working to protect your cells, those and other compounds found in hibiscus tea have the potential to encourage weight loss and minimize other related risks as diabetes. It can even help in maintaining healthy blood sugar in diabetes patients.
Natures antidepressant- If you suffer from or are at risk for depression, you may want to consider trying hibiscus tea. Recommended 2 to 3 cups a day will calm your nerves, relax your mind and body, and eliminate fatigue, hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies, and more.
May Prevent Kidney Stones- As it functions as a diuretic, some early studies on hibiscus indicate that it presents an “anti-urolithiatic property,” which means that it may lower the instance of compounds that form kidney stones.

May help prevent cancer and fight off bacteria- Hibiscus tea is high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have proven to possess potent anti-cancer properties and fight of variety of infections, ranging from bronchitis to pneumonia to urinary tract infections.

How to make hibiscus tea (one serving)

1. Boil 1 cup of water in a medium-sized saucepan/container and once it comes to a boil, remove it from heat.
2. Based on your preference if you want it strong or not: add 1 or 2 teaspoons of hibiscus tea to the water.
3. Cover the container and let the color from the flowers steep into the water. Steep for 10-12 minutes.
4. Strain the tea using a tea strainer. Add lime juice to it and mix well. You can add honey or raw cane sugar if you wish to at this stage and mix well.
5. Drink it hot or wait for it to get to room temperature and then add some ice cubes to the serving glasses, pour the tea and serve.

CAUTION

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this tea as it affects the estrogen level of the body. If you are on any birth control pills or any kind of hormonal treatment, please avoid taking this tea. Hibiscus tea is toxic to the liver in extremely high doses. If you suffer from any condition or illness it is best to consult your doctor prior to use.