The best time to drink hibiscus tea to lower blood pressure is multiple times throughout the day. Research has shown that drinking hibiscus tea 2 or more times per day can lower blood pressure and effectively manage stage 1 hypertension. More important than the specific time of day to drink the tea is making it a routine so that it is a regular practice.
Drinking Hibiscus Tea in the Morning
Herbal hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free and can be consumed in the morning as an alternative to caffeinated beverages that temporarily spike energy levels and may have other potential side effects.
The following benefits have been found in drinking hibiscus tea:
With these benefits, especially those that increase energy, such as improved blood sugar regulation, increased iron, and reduced inflammation, it can be a great way to start the day.
Since it needs to be consumed multiple times per day for the best chance of lowering blood pressure, starting in the morning increases the likelihood of adhering to at least 2 cups per day.
Drinking Hibiscus Tea at Meal Times
Drinking hibiscus tea before, during, or after meals can offer added benefits.
The benefits of drinking hibiscus tea at meal time include:
While hibiscus tea can improve satiety and suppress appetite in men, this benefit was not seen in women in a clinical study. Mealtime is a good time to drink hibiscus tea to lower blood pressure in men, and it may help prevent overeating and weight gain, which can raise blood pressure. Mealtime may still be a good option for women, given its other benefits.
Drinking Hibiscus Tea in the Evening
Herbal hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free. This means that it can be consumed in the evening. Additionally, hibiscus has been shown to promote relaxation, especially when consumed regularly, which, in turn, aids sleep. The experience of sipping a warm, caffeine-free beverage can be calming, too, enhancing the benefits of encouraging sleep in the evening.
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Creating a Routine for Drinking Hibiscus Tea
One study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks lowered blood pressure. This may mean that consistency is essential when determining the best time of day to drink it.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Convenience – choose the most convenient times to make it easy to stick to the routine. For example, if you sit down to eat breakfast every morning, consider adding a cup of tea to your menu.
- Happiness – incorporate it into enjoyable activities, such as a relaxing hobby, to make the most of enjoyable times of the day. For example, sip hibiscus tea while reading a book or taking a walk.
- Linking – connect the habit of drinking hibiscus tea with an existing habit. For example, drink hibiscus tea after your daily shower so you know that it happens just as consistently as showering.
Find a routine that works for you. Memorable, convenient, and enjoyable times of the day will help make drinking hibiscus tea a consistent practice, thereby increasing its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure.
Pre-Sleep Routine
It is best to drink hibiscus tea either in the morning or before bed, but not both. This is because the brain creates associations that can either make it more difficult to fall asleep or promote sleep. If it is used as an energizing drink to wake up in the morning, it would create mental confusion, and the same drink is also used to relax and promote sleep at the end of the day. Choose a different tea flavor for each time of day to help build distinct associations.
Is Hibiscus Tea Safe for Me?
While it is generally recognized as safe, hibiscus tea may pose safety concerns, including potential interactions with certain medications. Additionally, there may be health risks during pregnancy and while nursing, for younger children, and for anyone allergic to hibiscus or other plants in the mallow family. Research on the safety of regularly drinking hibiscus tea over the long term is limited.
As with any nutritional or lifestyle change, consult your healthcare professional to discuss safety considerations that may be unique to you.