Rosehip and Hibiscus Tea Benefits

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Drinking tea made from rosehip or hibiscus is thought to provide numerous health benefits.

Rosehip is the seed pod of a wild rose plant. It has historically been used to treat indigestion, arthritis, colds, and the flu.

Hibiscus is a red-flowered shrub. It’s commonly used in herbal teas because of its pleasant taste. Medicinally, hibiscus has been used to treat upset stomach, anxiety, and fevers.

Fight Free Radicals

Rosehips are a good source of vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. A water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen, a vital protein that your body needs to make blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It helps keep your bones and teeth healthy.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals. Highly unstable compounds, free radicals damage DNA and may accelerate aging. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports that free radicals may also contribute to the development of various chronic diseases.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure

Drinking hibiscus tea might help manage blood pressure. Research shows that drinking hibiscus tea may help reduce blood pressure.

How much tea to drink and how often requires further study, but evidence suggests daily consumption of hibiscus tea may improve blood pressure and serve as a preventive or complementary therapy for cardiovascular diseases.

May Help Treat Inflammatory Diseases

Rosehip shows evidence of fighting inflammatory diseases, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, due to its antioxidant impact.

In addition, rosehip, unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used for inflammatory conditions, does not inhibit platelet function. It also has no impact on fibrinolysis, a natural body process that prevents blood clots from growing and causing problems, according to MedlinePlus.

Research also reports hibiscus appears to help the body by strengthening immunity.

May Guard Against Cancer

One animal study investigated the anti-tumor effects of hibiscus-derived anthocyanins. Researchers found they had potent effects in mouse cancer models and enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy.

It’s important to note the hibiscus extract was injected into tumors, not drunk as a tea. Additional research is needed to determine the mechanisms and specificity of hibiscus anthocyanins in humans.

Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. They have the potential to fight cancers including breast, stomach, kidney, uterine, and colorectal, says research.

So, enjoy a warm cup of rosehip or hibiscus tea to nourish your body and support your well-being. These remedies are celebrated for their rich antioxidants and potential to help fight inflammation, bolster your immune system, and more.