Abdominal bloating is a common symptom of eating in excess, but it can also occur when you haven’t overindulged. This became my issue recently. I noticed my stomach was swelling up like a balloon after eating—even if I’d only had a small snack.
Annoying, yes—until my trusted nutritionist recommended something I’d never heard of before: hibiscus tea. Since taking her advice and drinking the gorgeous red tea after meals, my abdominal inflammation has remarkably decreased. Now, I’m a convert of the infusion and have been singing its praises to everyone I know.
Curious about hibiscus tea and how it works to help ease digestion? Read on to learn all the benefits—and more.
What is hibiscus tea and what are the benefits?
You have probably seen the gorgeous red blooms of the flowering hibiscus plant on tropical vacations or in your neighborhood without realizing that its seeds, petals, and stems have been used for thousands of years as a traditional plant medicine. Hibiscus has a tart, floral flavor similar to cranberries and is native to Africa. However, it is popularly consumed in Asia, South America, and the Caribbean, and Central America as well.
“This red flower with medicinal properties is known as Jamaica rose or hibiscus sabdriffa,” explains nutrition expert and author Laura Parada. “Its calyx—or the part at the base of the petals that protects the flower—is used to prepare an infusion called hibiscus tea. This tea is usually consumed hot or cold, and is known in many cultures as a remedy to calm the nervous system, aid insomnia, moderate heart problems, accelerate metabolism, and reduce inflammation.”
Additionally, Parada points out that hibiscus has antioxidant properties that can protect against free radicals thanks to its high content of polyphenols, beta-carotene, anthocyanin, and vitamin C.
And the results aren’t just anecdotal folk lore: in several scientific studies, hibiscus has been proven to potentially help lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, lower “bad” cholesterol, and possibly even improve the metabolism.
Hibiscus tea for digestion
When it comes to stomach bloating, hibiscus can help digestion and reduce bloating thanks to the diuretic properties of its flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins—all of which are known to help reduce excess fluid retention. “The fruit acids present in hibiscus can work as a mild laxative,” explains Parada, noting that it has a digestive effect that can help “fight heartburn, stomach spasms, gastroenteritis, and gas.”
How and when to consume hibiscus tea
Parada recommends taking advantage of the flower’s diuretic properties by drinking hibiscus tea—also known as hibiscus water—after meals.
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