Laura Solla
For many, bloating after meals is common. I used to feel it too—heavy, with a swollen belly until my nutritionist recommended hibiscus tea, a remedy widely used in other parts of the world for reducing inflammation. I started drinking it after meals and noticed a significant reduction in my abdominal bloating.
“Hibiscus flower, known as Jamaica rose or Hibiscus sabdariffa, has medicinal properties. It’s native to Africa but is now grown globally and used to make hibiscus tea, often referred to as ‘Jamaican tea,’” explains nutrition expert Laura Parada. “This tea, consumed hot or cold, is used in many cultures to calm nerves, improve sleep, support heart health, reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and lower blood pressure.”
Why does hibiscus tea help reduce bloating?
“The fruit acids in hibiscus act as a mild laxative and help with digestion. It also relieves heartburn, stomach cramps, gastroenteritis, and gas,” says Parada. Hibiscus tea is also known to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, reduce body fat, and improve kidney function. This is largely due to its high content of iron, vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants like polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits. These properties make hibiscus tea an excellent option for overall health, especially after meals.
How and when to consume hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is best consumed as an infusion, either hot or cold, ideally after meals to maximise its digestive benefits. The preparation is simple: boil water, turn off the heat, and add dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. A traditional ratio is 1/2 cup of hibiscus flowers for every 2 litres of water, but you can adjust this to taste. For an added anti-inflammatory boost, combine it with ginger and a splash of lemon.
However, Parada cautions not to exceed two cups per day. While hibiscus is generally safe in moderate amounts, it is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, or before/after surgery.
This article first appeared on vogue.es
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