The hibiscus flower is a well-known herbal remedy used to treat a variety of ailments, and it can also be used as a natural means of losing weight and easing hot flashes during menopause. This article will discuss the various uses and benefits of drinking hibiscus tea for weight loss and menopause.
We will explore how hibiscus tea can help you lose weight and how it can help ease hot flashes. Additionally, we will also discuss what types of hibiscus tea should be used, potential side effects, and other potential health benefits.
Overview of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, also known as roselle, is produced from the dried calyces (sepals) of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower. It has a tart flavor and attractive deep red color. Hibiscus tea has long been used as a traditional medicine in many cultures for various conditions, including menopause symptoms, belly fat reduction, and wound healing.
In modern studies, it has been suggested that hibiscus tea may help to reduce blood pressure values through its antioxidant activity.
Hibiscus tea is prepared by steeping dried calyces in hot water for five minutes or longer. The leaves and sepals of the plant are used to make its brewable beverage, with preparations using either fresh or dried hibiscus flowers being common. It may be consumed alone or blended with other herbs and spices like rosehip and cinnamon for a distinct flavor profile.
The health benefits associated with hibiscus tea are attributed primarily to its abundant levels of organic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds in addition to essential minerals like iron and manganese which act as antioxidants in the body providing anti-inflammatory properties promoting overall good health.
Roselle is potent enough that it should be consumed in moderation because drinking too much of it regularly could lead to adverse reactions such as vomiting and diarrhea due to the excessive laxative action effect of anthocyanins contained within the plant’s cells.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea for Menopause
Hibiscus tea is a popular herbal remedy for menopause that has been used for centuries. It can help to reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain.
It has powerful antioxidant properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In this article, we will explore the benefits of hibiscus tea for menopause.
Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea can be helpful for weight management during menopause. One study found that its regular consumption is linked to significant reductions in both body weight and body fat percentage. Other evidence suggests that the antioxidants in hibiscus tea may help the body burn fat more efficiently by increasing your metabolism and reducing your insulin levels.
Additionally, hibiscus tea helps reduce fluid retention and has a mild diuretic effect, which can help you kick-start your weight-loss program without resorting to harsh laxatives or diuretics. It also contains several compounds that reduce cholesterol, helping to keep your heart healthy.
Finally, many people who experience increased hunger or cravings due to hormonal fluctuations during menopause find that drinking hibiscus tea helps suppress their appetite and keeps them from between-meal snacking or overeating at mealtimes.
For this reason, some experts believe adding a cup of hibiscus tea to your daily routine can help you achieve your weight loss goals while still getting the other health benefits of this versatile beverage.
Hot Flashes
Hibiscus tea is often consumed as a mild herbal remedy for hot flashes related to menopausal symptoms. Compounds in the fruit – such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids – may act on the body to help reduce temperature levels associated with this condition.
In addition, taking hibiscus tea during menopause may help to reduce excessive levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the body, which can cause an increase in associated hot flashes symptoms. This can also help balance hormone levels and mood swings.
Furthermore, drinking hibiscus tea may also be beneficial in helping to effectively manage stress during this often difficult period of life. As with any supplement or supplement-like product, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before consuming hibiscus tea during menopause.
Improved Mood
Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, both of which help to improve mood by making the body more resilient to the effects of stress. It also contains polyphenols that can help reduce inflammation and provide an immunostimulatory effect. According to a 2008 study published in “Food & Function”, polyphenols can also help alleviate symptoms of depression that are common during menopause.
In addition, hibiscus tea can help prevent night sweats and hot flashes commonly experienced during menopause. The diuretic effects of consuming this tea can also promote weight loss—a beneficial side effect if you’re struggling with weight gain during menopause.
Improved Sleep
Sleep disruption is a common symptom for women going through menopause. While many turn to prescription drugs, hibiscus tea can provide a good natural alternative to help with restful sleep.
One study found that women who drank hibiscus tea for four weeks reported significantly improved sleep quality when compared to their baseline assessments. The participants also noted feeling less tired and fatigued after drinking the tea.
The antioxidants present in the tea are thought to play a role in reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, which could be another possible explanation for why the women reported improved sleep quality.
How to Use Hibiscus Tea for Menopause
Many women turn to herbal remedies for relief from menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and weight gain. One of the most popular herbal remedies is Hibiscus tea. This tea has been used for centuries to support menopausal symptoms and is gaining more popularity as a natural menopause remedy today. Let’s examine how to use hibiscus tea for menopause, and the benefits it provides.
Preparing Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus has been traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and weight gain. To make hibiscus tea, take one teaspoon of hibiscus flowers or leaves, which can be found in health food stores or tea shops, in one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste, if desired.
Women over the age of 40 can benefit from consuming two to three cups per day to alleviate their symptoms. It is also important to read labels carefully as some types of hibiscus tea may contain caffeine and other herbs that may interact with medications.
Dosage and Timing
Generally, herbalists suggest that when using hibiscus tea for menopause, two to three cups can be consumed daily. However, a more therapeutic dose might reach up to six cups per day depending on your individual needs. It’s best to avoid high doses of hibiscus tea in one sitting and strive for consistency over the course of each day.
Additionally, timing is essential when taking hibiscus as a part of your overall menopause management plan. Though many women find relief from drinking a few cups a day scattered throughout the day at regular intervals will provide benefits that are especially helpful during the menopausal transition and hot flashes.
Enjoying a few minutes before meals can help reduce the risk of indigestion or other forms of GI discomfort that often accompany this stage of life.
Potential Side Effects
Although there are many potential benefits of drinking hibiscus tea, there are also some potential side effects to be aware of. It is important to note that any herbal supplement can interact with medications, so it is best to consult a doctor before drinking any kind of herbal tea.
Additionally, hibiscus can interact with other herbs and supplements, so it is important to look out for any contraindications. Let’s look at some of the potential side effects of hibiscus tea.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to hibiscus tea are possible, although they’re very rare. Anyone who is allergic to other members of the plant family Malvaceae (which includes okra, hollyhock, and mallow) should not drink hibiscus tea. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, common signs of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, swelling, and a runny nose.
Escalating symptoms may include vomiting and wheezing. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking hibiscus tea or feel woozy or lightheaded, discontinue use and seek medical attention as necessary.
Interactions with Medication
It’s important to be mindful of the potential interactions between hibiscus tea and any medications that you may be taking. While many people anecdotally report positive effects from this herbal tea, it can interact with certain medications and cause unwelcome side effects. Speak with your healthcare provider about possible medication interactions before consuming hibiscus tea to reduce potential side effects.
Hibiscus is known to interact with diuretic medications such as hydrochlorothiazide, which is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure. Patients should not consume hibiscus tea while using this type of medication as it could increase the risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance. This could lead to dizziness, confusion, and even seizures if severe enough.
Hibiscus may also interact with lithium, a medication commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, as well as drugs used to treat high cholesterol. Consuming hibiscus in large amounts also could counteract the effects of certain antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin.
It’s also important to note that consuming large quantities of this herbal tea along with hypotensive medications (medicines used to lower blood pressure) can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure and dizziness or faintness on standing due to postural hypotension. This usually presents itself when going from sitting or lying down to standing suddenly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hibiscus tea may help improve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, and exhaustion. It also has other benefits due to its high antioxidant content and ability to lower cholesterol. However, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking hibiscus tea for menopause symptom relief.
When consumed in moderation (no more than 4 cups a day), hibiscus tea can be enjoyed by just about anyone looking for a tasty, chemical-free way to help reduce their menopause symptoms safely.
