Matters of the Heart
Have you ever been at the doctor’s office, received a high blood pressure reading, and asked yourself, ‘Well, now what?’
It might help to know that many cultures around the world have used their traditional knowledge to support heart health. One of those salves is a little powerful flower known as hibiscus. Here’s how several cultures refer to the flower: it is known as fu rong ye in China, hibisco in Mexico and hibiskus in Africa, as just a few examples.
There are many reasons that so many cultures intuitively learned what this flower can do. Hibiscus has been shown to render results. In a 2022 Nutrition Reviews article, which features a systemic review and meta-analysis, the findings showed that hibiscus tea significantly reduces systolic blood pressure (SBP), with the strongest effects seen in individuals with elevated BP. The reduction in SBP is comparable to that of medication. Additionally, hibiscus lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol more effectively than other teas or placebo. These findings suggest hibiscus may be a beneficial natural option for blood pressure and cholesterol management.
Chinese medicine treats hibiscus as an air conditioner for the blood. Here’s an explanation of that concept: one concern to a Chinese medicine practitioner can be heat in the blood. It is commonly understood that one of the possible ways that heat in the blood can present is as expansion and damage of blood vessels. If that is so, a person may be at risk of feeling restless, experiencing heart palpitations, a rapid pulse or panic attack, or interrupted, unrestful sleep. If you have noticed any of these conditions, come consult us.
Western medicine views hibiscus as a supporter of cardiovascular health because it lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol. In this world of high stress and anxiety, incorporating preventative interventions into a daily routine is easier to navigate than confronting a larger health issue down the road.
So, pour yourself a little cup of hibiscus tea (sachet, bulk, hot or cold) and cheers to your heart this American Heart Month.
PS. Here’s a little mocktail recipe to share with your person, your friends or yourself for Valentine’s Day.
Sparkling Hibiscus Orange Mocktail
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
- 1 saucepan
- 1 stove
Ingredients
- 3 cups water (DIVIDED)
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (find here or at most tea shops or in the bulk section at health food stores)
- 1 cup cubed ripe mango (fresh, or thawed if frozen)
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 lg orange, juiced (1 orange yields ~1/3 cup or 80 ml)
- 1 Tbsp lime juice (1/2 lime yields ~1 Tbsp or 15 ml)
- 1/3 cup  maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 4 cups sparkling water
- 8 slices orange, for garnish (OPTIONAL)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups (480 ml) water to a boil (adjust amount if altering batch size). Add the dried hibiscus, cover, and turn off the heat. Let steep for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, to a high-speed blender, add 1 cup (240 ml) water, cubed mango, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, and maple syrup. Blend on high until very smooth. Once the hibiscus tea is brewed, strain it and pour into the blender. Give it one more pulse to fully combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- To serve, pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the juice concentrate into a glass over ice and top with 1/3-1/2 cup (80-120 ml) sparkling water — less sparkling water for a more flavorful drink and more sparkling water for a lighter drink. Top with an optional orange slice and enjoy.
- The juice concentrate will keep in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 7 days. Or, pour in an ice cube tray to freeze for longer-term storage.
Video
