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Nutrition and daily life

Hibiscus: red colour, sour taste, some caution

Hibiscus infusion (karkade) is known for its bright red colour and sour taste. This section explains what hibiscus does and who should be careful during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Dried hibiscus calyces and a deep red infusion.
Figure 1.Hibiscus, a red drink.

01Short answer

Hibiscus is a sour, red, caffeine-free drink. Some studies suggest it may lower blood pressure slightly; if you take blood pressure medicine or your pressure is low, talk to your doctor. There are reports that hibiscus may affect how the body handles some medicines, such as paracetamol. 1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems. Hibiscus does not treat leukemia.

02Simple explanation

Hibiscus is a red, sour drink.

It may slightly lower blood pressure.

Interactions with medicines are possible.

Mild brew, 1–2 cups.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: in small studies hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure slightly; the evidence is limited.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Blood pressure

In people on blood pressure medicine, or with dizziness, hibiscus may lower pressure further.

A cup of hibiscus and a home blood-pressure monitor.
Figure 2.Watch your blood pressure.

Medicines

Hibiscus may change how some medicines are processed; during treatment check every drink with your pharmacist or doctor.

Hibiscus turning the water red in a glass teapot.
Figure 3.Hibiscus in a glass teapot.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Blood pressureIn people on blood pressure medicine, or with dizziness, hibiscus may lower pressure further.
MedicinesHibiscus may change how some medicines are processed; during treatment check every drink with your pharmacist or doctor.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Karkade
Another name for hibiscus infusion.
Anthocyanins
Pigments that give red colour.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Hibiscus is a sour red drink.
  • It may affect blood pressure.
  • Check your medicines.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

My blood pressure is low; can I drink it?

With caution, or not at all; tell your doctor if you feel dizzy.

Can I drink it cold?

Freshly brewed, chilled and drunk soon, usually yes; during neutropenia not if it has stood for hours.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. My blood pressure is low; can I drink it?

  2. Can I drink it cold?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  4. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  5. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  6. European Food Safety Authority. Hepatitis A virus in frozen berries
  7. NHS. Probiotics
  8. American Cancer Society. Food Safety During Cancer Treatment
  9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Green Tea
  10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Green Tea
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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