Why I've Been Sipping Hibiscus Tea All Summer
You guys know how much I live for a good medicinal drink. Not only is it a part of my daily rituals, but truly it has become a part of who I am as a thriving 30 year old. I can’t believe I just said I’m 30, ah! Okay, I needed a moment. Back to the tea, honey!
Hibiscus tea has long been used as a deeply restorative liver tonic, helping it to flush out the overwhelm of toxic burden it receives on a daily basis. It’s few hundred species grow all over the world in tropic, temerpate climates. Hibiscus or H. rosa sinensis is a tropical plant with it’s ancestors rooted in India, and has also long been known as a magical skin boosting plant. Hello, healthy summer skin!
To preface, our liver is our main detoxifying organ, helping us to filter out numerous different pathogens that float around in our body. The liver also plays a crucial role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism, blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Drinking hibiscus tea has antihepatotoxic effects that help to improve liver function, lower blood pressure, and balance blood glucose levels. This makes hibiscus tea the perfect caffeine free drink for those who have prediabetes and/or struggling with their weight. It’s therapeutic and anitoxidative effects have positiviely influenced my health and that of my skin, that’s why I just have to share my experience with it!✨🌺
I’ve always struggled with skin issues, however; have been able to manage and heal my skin using food and herbs, and now with a new flower in my arsenal! I noticed that just after a week of drinking 1-2 glasses everyday that my skin felt more resilient, radiant and clear. It’s no surprise though. Since my phase II liver detoxifcation pathways aren’t functioning optimally, yet- this tea is a true testament to how important it is to have fully functioning, healthy detox pathways. If our skin is broken out, our liver may be clogged up. Oftentimes I remind my clients that if they are struggling with skin issues, to first address their liver health. Do you drink everyday? How do you detox your body? Do you consume a plethora of phytonutrients each day? How much water do you drink? What are your stress levels, etc. Hibiscus also reduces the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease because it helps the liver to remove excess fatty buildup that can be caused by poor diet/lifestyle, diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Hibiscus has the ability to inhibit elastase activity which means its incredible for helping improve skin elasticity. Not to mention, it can help speed up cell turnover- something we all need especially in the summer months when our skin is exposed to more sun. It’s cell turnover capabilities + antioxidant properties helps to improve hyperpigmentation, even skin tone and protect against free radical damage! That’s #winning in my book. Hibiscus has slighly astringent properties making it ideal for people like me with larger pores and texture irregularities. Lastly, hibiscus contains mucilage which enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Talk about PLUMP CITY, baby!
Here’s my magic lil liver supporting hibiscus mint infusion recipe:
🌺 3-4 dried hibiscus flowers
🌺 10 oz boiling water
🌺 slice of fresh lemon
🌺 a few fresh or dried mint leaves
🌺 raw or manuka honey
Instructions for prep:
Add fresh mint to a glass mason jar
Add in 3-4 hibiscus flowers to mason jar
Pour boiling water into mason jar
Squeeze in slice of fresh lemon
Add raw or manuka honey and sweeten to taste!
Let sit and infuse for 3-4 hours
Strain and pour over ice
This healing summer drink has been my go-to and I hope it becomes yours. Cheers!✨
*If you are taking medications, are pregnant or have an underlying medical condition, please consult your primary care physician before using hibiscus.