Hibiscus Tea for Weight Loss: How It Works & How To Use

Clinical review: Tatiana Zanin
Registered Dietitian
March 2022

Drinking hibiscus tea every day can help with weight loss naturally. This plant contains anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that can help to regulate the genes involved in fat digestion, which can boost fat elimination. These substances also help to manage fat cell hypertrophy by reducing the dize of fat cells. 

However, this plant doesn't appear to have any affect on curbing appetite. Therefore people with bigger appetites looking for weight loss results should use hibiscus combined with another plant that specifically target appetite control, like Caralluma fimbriata or fenugreek.

The best way to use hibiscus to get optimal results is to take it in the form of capsules, as this way, you know you are getting an accurate dose. However, you can also prepare it as a te, using the plant species Hibiscus sabdariffa. This can be found in some grocery stores or pharmacies.

Imagem ilustrativa número 1

Unlike green tea, hibiscus has a more pleasant flavor. It is also rich in antioxidants that prevent heart disease and premature aging. There it is a great option for those who don't like to drink green tea.

How to make hibiscus tea

To make hibiscus tea and maintain the flower's properties, the water must be brought to a boil and then removed from heat. Add the hibiscus flowers to the water, cover the pot, and let the flowers soak for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

The correct proportion of hibiscus and water is:

  • 2 tablespoons of dry hibiscus or 2 hibiscus tea bags; 
  • 1 liter of water just beginning to boil

You should drink 3 to 4 cups of this tea daily, half an hour before your main meals. The tea should be taken without sugar to achieve the expected effect, however optimal weight loss results will be noted when combined with a balanced diet and physical exercise.

How to use hibiscus in juice recipes

In addition to hot tea and iced tea, hibiscus can also be added to fruit or vegetable juices. To prepare the juices, instead of water, use iced hibiscus tea and mix with fruits or vegetables in the blender. Fruits that combine well with the hibiscus flavor are passion fruit, pineapple and strawberries. 

When not to drink hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is contraindicated for women who are pregnant, for women during PMS, (as it can worsen their symptoms), and people with low blood pressure. Hibiscus tea may cause hormonal changes and reduce fertility, so it is contraindicated for women trying to conceive.

Excessive consumption of hibiscus tea can also lead to an overdose, changes in blood pressure and muscle weakness, so the maximum daily dose should be 2 to 3 grams or about 6 cups of tea.

How to lose weight fast

Hibiscus is a good way to try to speed up the weight loss process, but you should also eat foods rich in nutrients and avoid everything that contains sugars and fat as much as possible. Ginger tea can also be a good option for weight loss, however be sure to check out other natural teas you can try. 

Going for walks is also very important and staying active is also very important to achieve weight loss results. You engage in some type of physical exercise at least 3 times a week. Check out some chest workouts or leg workouts to incorporate into your exercise routine. 

Was this information helpful?

Written by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse. Updated by Tua Saude editing team on March of 2022. Clinical review by Tatiana Zanin - Registered Dietitian, on March of 2022.

References

  • Jeffery T.D. Richardson M. L. A review of the effectiveness of hibiscus for treatment of metabolic syndrome. J Ethnopharmacol. 270. 113762; 2021
  • IZQUIERDO-VEGA, Jeannett A.; et al. Organic Acids from Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-A Brief Review of Its Pharmacological Effects. Biomedicines. 8. 100; 1-16, 2020
Show more references
  • COSTA Eronita. Nutrição & Fitoterapia. 2º. Brasil: Vozes Ltda, 2011.
  • SERNA Ana; MARHUENDA Javier et al. Effectiveness of a Polyphenolic Extract (LippiaCitriodora and Hibiscus Sabdariffa) on AppetiteRegulation in Overweight and Obese Grade IPopulation: A 8 weeks Randomized, Double-Blind,Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Research Square. 1-33, 2020
  • DA-COSTA-ROCHA Inês et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry. 165. 424-443, 2014
  • AJIBOYE Taofeek et al. Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract. Drug and Chemical Toxicology. 34. 2; 109-115, 2011
  • ROCHA Manuel Augusto. Plantas medicinais mais procuradas na plataforma Google pela população leiga brasileira. Trabalho de investigação e revisão da literatura, 2018. CESPU.
  • JALALYAZDI Majid, et al. Efect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research . 10. 3; 107-111, 2019
  • HONG-CHOU Chang et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and fat accumulation, and improves liver steatosis in humans. Food & Function - The Royal Society of Chemistry. 5. 4; 734-739, 2014
  • EXAMINE.COM. Hibiscus sabdariffa. Available on: <https://examine.com/supplements/hibiscus-sabdariffa/research/#cardiovascular-health>. Access in 11 Feb 2021
  • SINGH Pragya et al. Nutritional and Health Importance of Hibiscus Sabdariffa: A Review and Indication for Research Needs. Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering. 6. 5; 1-4, 2017
Clinical review:
Tatiana Zanin
Registered Dietitian
Graduated in Clinical Nutrition in 2001 and has a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. Licensed to practice under the CRN-3 in Brazil and the ON in Portugal