The start of the periods is a significant move from girly age to womanhood. Whatever hormonal changes happen during periods or menstruation; they prepare a female body for pregnancy. Regular and naturally occurring monthly periods are not only just a positive sign of overall health but also point toward a balanced cycle that starts well and ends well. However, certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors may cause painful and abnormal periods. Menstrual problems severely impact a woman’s day-to-day activities. Herbal medicines have been around for centuries and have been widely used by our ancestors for health-related issues. Hibiscus has been used for a variety of purposes related to menstruation. It acts as an antifertility agent and helps in relieving periods pain, and many other symptoms associated with abnormal periods. This article will delve into the hibiscus tea benefits for periods.
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Hibiscus sabdariffa (Image courtesy: Wikimedia.org)
What is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea is a popular herbal and caffeine-free drink worldwide.
Though there are many varieties of hibiscus, not all varieties are suitable for making hibiscus tea.
Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as roselle or red sorrel, is the most commonly used hibiscus for making this herbal tea.
Hibiscus tea is prepared by steeping the dried red or deep pink parts (called calyces or sepals) of the hibiscus sabdariffa flower in hot water.
These parts are found just below the petals of the flower.
Dried hibiscus calyces (Image courtesy: Wikipedia.org)
The hibiscus tea is tangy and slightly sour, like a cranberry.
People enjoy this traditional herb tea warm or as a chilled cold drink.
It is said to have a refreshing effect on the body and mind.
As per Wikipedia, hibiscus tea likely originated in Africa and is a “national drink of Senegal”.
People worldwide use hibiscus tea for its purported health benefits.
Hibiscus is known as japa Kusuma in Sanskrit and gudhal ka phool in Hindi.
Various Ayurvedic textbooks like Gada nigraha, Sahasrayoga, Chikitsamanjeri, Vaidya Manorama, etc. contain clear evidence of using Japakusuma or hibiscus for curing menstrual problems.
Nutritional Profile of Hibiscus Tea
Believe it or not, hibiscus tea outshines the often-praised green tea when it comes to antioxidant content, making it a powerhouse for overall health.
The antioxidant properties of hibiscus are mainly due to its polyphenol content.
Though occurring naturally in many foods, polyphenols are especially found in high amounts in hibiscus.
Image courtesy: flickr.com
Hibiscus tea is a calorie and caffeine-free herbal beverage.
It contains a high amount of calcium and is a good source of iron too.
8 fluid ounces (237 grams) of hibiscus tea contains trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. (source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)).
Some medicinally beneficial compounds in hibiscus include phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, organic acids like citric acid, and dietary fiber.
Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Periods
Since ancient times hibiscus has shown significant potential in treating menstrual disorders, relieving cramps, regulating periods, and managing heavy bleeding.
Modern scientific research has also established traditional claims.
Let us look at widely claimed hibiscus tea benefits for periods.
1.) Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Irregular Periods
Hibiscus is said to have emmenagogue properties, which means hibiscus tea can make you get your periods.
It works by regulating hormones that impact periods.
It promotes blood flow to the pelvic region and uterus, thus stimulating menstruation.
Hence, hibiscus tea can regulate irregular periods problems due to its emmenagogue properties.
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Image courtesy: emojis.sh
2.) Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Is hibiscus tea good for period cramps?
Well, yes!
Hibiscus tea is good for period pain because of its spasmolytic and analgesic qualities.
The muscle-relaxing properties help ease uterine contractions and reduce menstrual cramps.
It can also help you get rid of migraine or body aches associated with periods because of its natural pain-relieving qualities.
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3.) Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Periods – Manages Heavy Bleeding
Traditional usages suggest the effectiveness of hibiscus in treating menorrhagia.
Menorrhagia is a medical condition of excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Heavy bleeding during periods has a huge impact on a woman’s quality of life.
Flavonoids and tannins in hibiscus tea strengthen blood vessels and help reduce heavy bleeding.
Also, drinking hibiscus tea with milk may increase calcium levels, which helps support blood clotting and reduces excessive blood flow.
4.) Balances Hormones
Hibiscus shows an estrogen-like effect due to its phytoestrogens.
This helps manage hormonal imbalances during the menstrual cycle or menopause.
Image courtesy: ccnull.de
Certain studies have shown that certain compounds in hibiscus also exhibit anti-estrogenic effects.
This means hibiscus can reduce the effects of estrogen in the body, which is helpful, especially in cases where estrogen levels are too high and need to be balanced.
While this property of hibiscus might offer benefits only when hibiscus is consumed in moderation.
If consumed in excess and not under proper guidance, then it might also disrupt the hormonal cycle.
5.) Addresses Oligomenorrhea Symptoms
Oligomenorrhea is a medical condition of infrequent or irregular menstrual periods.
Acne, headaches, hot flashes, abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, impaired vision, and excess hair growth on the face and body are some of the symptoms of oligomenorrhea.
Hibiscus tea has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and white discharge in women having infrequent periods.
6.) Eases Menopausal Symptoms
Hibiscus tea benefits in relieving menopausal symptoms due to its phytoestrogens that can mimic estrogenic effects.
Image courtesy: ccnull.de
7.) Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Benefits
The antibacterial properties of hibiscus tea can promote menstrual health by fighting off infections.
Its anti-inflammatory effects soothe inflammation in the reproductive system, giving comfort during periods.
8.) Additional Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Periods
Hibiscus tea’s antioxidant properties due to anthocyanins and flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and indirectly benefit menstrual health.
Hibiscus tea is also extremely high in Vitamin C.
This helps in the proper absorption of iron in the body and reduces fatigue caused by menstrual blood loss.
How to Prepare Hibiscus Tea for Menstrual Health
A.) Hibiscus Tea for Periods
Ingredients required –
- 2 grams of dried hibiscus flowers or calyx.
- 2 grams of dried ginger powder (optional).
- 8 oz of boiling water.
- Honey/sugar or lemon juice as desired.
Image courtesy: pexels.com
How to make hibiscus tea –
- Crush the dried hibiscus flowers and put them in the boiling water with ginger.
- Let the mixture steep for 2-4 minutes.
- Add honey or sugar and lemon for added taste.
B.) Ayurvedic Recipe for Heavy Bleeding
Fry hibiscus flowers in ghee and consume them with warm milk to alleviate the problem of heavy bleeding.
Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Periods in Traditions and Ayurveda
Ayurvedic texts and traditional folk practices have mentioned the use of hibiscus in menstrual disorders.
Many of these usages are well-documented and available.
Some of them are given below:
- Hibiscus has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia as an emmenagogue, promoting menstrual flow and regulating periods.
- Hibiscus tea affects the menstrual cycle by initiating delayed cycles and regulating irregular periods.
- Traditionally, people have used hibiscus plant extract to strengthen the uterus.
- Ayurveda mentions its use for menstrual disorders and uterine health, particularly for treating abnormal bleeding (asrigdhara).
- When combined with milk, hibiscus (japakusuma) supports blood clotting and reduces bleeding.
- Hibiscus tea’s light properties (laghu guna) and bitter taste (tiktha rasa) improve digestion and blood health and balance the doshas in menstrual irregularities.
Risks and Precautions
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1.) Avoid during Pregnancy
Avoid taking hibiscus tea if you are pregnant or planning to conceive as it may induce menstruation or reduce the chances of conception.
2.) Avoid during Breastfeeding
Though not many researches are there to support this claim it is best to avoid hibiscus tea while breastfeeding.
3.) Medication Interactions
Consult your doctor regarding the consumption of hibiscus tea if you are on blood thinners or hormonal medications.
It should also not be consumed alongside birth control pills.
4.) Hormonal Disturbances
Hibiscus anti-estrogenic and contraceptive effects may interfere with hormonal or fertility treatments.
5.) Research Limitations
Most scientific research has involved animal studies or hibiscus extract and not specifically hibiscus tea, hence, there are chances of variations in claims or results.
Image courtesy: Wikimedia.org
Takeaway Message
Hibiscus offers a wide range of medicinal and health benefits, which people have recognized since ancient times.
Ayurvedic scriptures highlight its extensive benefits for menstrual health.
People worldwide enjoy hibiscus tea not only for its refreshing taste but also for its overall health benefits.
In Egypt and Sudan, people traditionally toast wedding celebrations with a glass of hibiscus tea.
Hibiscus tea is popular as a folk medicine in Sudan.
While consuming the hibiscus tea, always read the label and avoid overconsumption.
Although hibiscus tea offers many benefits for periods, always consult your doctor before including it in your diet.
A doctor is the best person to understand your medical condition and advise the medication accordingly.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
Readings & References
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343061222_Herbal_Tea_Treatment_of_Oligomennerhea_Condition_with_Hibiscus_Rosa-Sinensis_and_Carica_Papaya
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5878906/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hibiscus-rosa-sinensis
- https://afternoonteareads.com/benefits-risks-hibiscus-tea/
- https://www.drinkfiltered.com/posts/the-effects-of-hibiscus-tea-on-women-s-health
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/544564-hibiscus-tea-and-estrogen/
- file:///C:/Users/akkum/Downloads/Doc2.pdf
- https://keralajournalofayurveda.org/index.php/kja/article/view/172
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_tea
- https://www.udayindia.in/news/hibiscus-flower#:~:text=Hibiscus%20is%20known%20as%20japa,or%20oil%20out%20of%20them.
- https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/hibiscus-tea/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318120#nutrition
- https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/hibiscus-tea-the-best-beverage/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-search?query=&type=Foundation
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7571108/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22834-oligomenorrhea
- https://artfultea.com/blogs/wellness/benefits-of-hibiscus-tea#:~:text=Hibiscus%20tea%20is%20also%20extremely,Vitamin%20C%20in%20your%20diet.
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