Hibiscus Tea: How to Make It and What It Does

Hibiscus tea is a tart infusion of dried hibiscus in hot water that takes about 15 minutes to make and yields about 2 cups (480 mL).

What is hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus tea is made by steeping the dried calyces—the fleshy structures around the flowers—of edible hibiscus, commonly Hibiscus sabdariffa. It has a deep red color and a tart flavor, and you can serve it hot or chilled.

It is one option among drinks often described as herbal detox tea. That label does not mean the tea removes toxins; its most direct contribution is fluid for hydration.

Choose dried hibiscus sold for food or beverage use rather than ornamental garden flowers. Check packaged blends if you want plain hibiscus, since they may contain other ingredients or sweeteners.

How do you make hibiscus tea?

This recipe makes approximately 2 servings. Allow about 5 minutes to heat the water and 10 minutes to steep and strain; heating time can vary.

Ingredients

2 cups (480 mL) water
2 tablespoons, or 1/8 cup (about 5 g), dried food-grade hibiscus

Instructions

Heat the water until it comes to a boil.
Add the dried hibiscus to a heatproof pot or pitcher and pour the hot water over it.
Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain out the hibiscus and pour the tea into cups.
Serve hot, or let the tea cool and refrigerate it for a chilled drink.

For another recipe idea, use the AI detox recipe generator.

For best flavor, refrigerate leftover hibiscus tea promptly and drink it within 24 hours. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

What does hibiscus tea do for detox?

Hibiscus tea can help you stay hydrated, but it has not been shown to cleanse the body or remove toxins. Your liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; your lungs and gut also help eliminate waste, while sweat removes only trace amounts.

Plain hibiscus tea can be a low-calorie alternative to a sweetened drink. USDA data for brewed hibiscus tea reports 0 kcal and 0 g of sugar per 100 g, although the amount can change with the recipe and any sweetener you add.

Hibiscus contains plant compounds, and researchers have investigated possible health effects. That does not establish a detox effect for homemade hibiscus tea or make it a substitute for medical care. Read more about hibiscus tea benefits.

How much hibiscus tea should you drink, and when?

One serving of this recipe is about 1 cup (240 mL). There is no established daily dose of hibiscus tea for detox, and more is not necessarily better. See how much hibiscus tea per day for more on serving considerations.

You can drink hibiscus tea at a time that suits you; there is no evidence that a particular time improves detoxification. If its tartness bothers your stomach, avoid having it on an empty stomach. Read more about the best time to drink hibiscus tea.

If you enjoy it regularly, consider your health and any medications rather than treating it as a daily requirement. The guide to whether you can drink hibiscus tea every day covers more considerations.

What are the side effects of hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus tea’s tartness may upset a sensitive stomach, and an allergic reaction is possible. Stop drinking it if you notice symptoms that seem related, and seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

Check with a clinician before drinking hibiscus tea regularly if you have low blood pressure, take blood-pressure or diabetes medication, or need to restrict fluids. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or want to give it to a child, ask a healthcare professional first because safety information is limited. Do not stop prescribed medication to drink hibiscus tea.

See a doctor if symptoms persist or you are concerned about a possible reaction. The guide to hibiscus tea side effects has more detail.

What else should you know about hibiscus tea?

The flavor and color can vary with the dried hibiscus and how long it steeps. For a consistent first batch, measure the ingredients and taste the strained tea before adding anything. The questions below cover caffeine and ways to adjust the flavor.