Putting the pieces together: Does sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) lower arterial blood pressure.

This article examined the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (sour tea) on arterial blood pressure.

High blood pressure has become a common illness globally. There currently are many effective drug treatments for high blood pressure. However, because of side effects and expense, a natural method to lowering high blood pressure is attractive. 

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (sour tea) has been used anecdotally to lower blood pressure, but studies examining the effectiveness of the tea have been inconclusive.  

The current analysis combined the results of 5 previous studies, including 390 patients, examining the effectiveness of sour tea. Each study measured both systolic (pressure when the heart is contracting) and diastolic (pressure when the heart is relaxed) blood pressure at the start of the study and throughout. Patients were supplemented with sour tea for between 15 days and 6 weeks.

When results from the five studies were combined, there was a significant drop in patient blood pressure. Sour tea helped to significantly decrease both systolic (average decrease of 7.58 mmHg) and diastolic (decrease of 3.53 mmHg) blood pressure. 

This analysis concluded that sour tea can effectively lower arterial blood pressure.

A larger study needs to be completed. The dose of tea also needs to be determined, as each study used a different dose. There may be an interaction between sour tea and conventional medicines for high blood pressure (such as captopril [Capoten]).

Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal medicine, as they can interact with other medications you may be using.