Women's health10 min
Hibiscus Tea in the Week Before Your Period
A cup of tart, ruby-red hibiscus tea in the days before your period, a caffeine-free swap that some women find helps with bloating.
What to know about hibiscus
Gudhal (hibiscus) flowers and leaves are used in hair packs and a sour red tea. Some studies show hibiscus tea may modestly lower blood pressure.
Hibiscus (gudhal) tea is caffeine-free and mildly diuretic, which may ease the puffy, bloated feeling before a period. Evidence for period pain itself is limited. It is pleasant hot or chilled.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 dried hibiscus petals or 1 tsp dried flowers
- 1½ cups hot water
- A little honey (optional)
How to prepare
- Steep in just-boiled water for five minutes; strain.
How to use
- Drink one cup a day in the week before your period.
- Swap it for one cup of tea or coffee.
Helpful habits
- Use red single-petal flowers from an unsprayed plant.
Precautions
- Avoid in pregnancy and while trying to conceive. Hibiscus may lower BP; take care if on BP medicine.
- Hibiscus tea can lower BP; take care if you are on BP medicine or have low BP.
- Avoid the tea in pregnancy.
- In pregnancy or while breastfeeding, check with your doctor first.
- A home remedy, not a treatment. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or get worse.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh flowers?
- Use only clean, unsprayed red hibiscus flowers.
Is it safe daily?
- One cup a day is fine for most non-pregnant adults.
Can I use dried hibiscus from the shop?
- Yes, dried calyces sold for tea work well.
