Fix a High Morning Reading: The Hibiscus Tea Recipe

If your blood pressure reading tends to run high first thing in the morning, hibiscus tea is one of the most talked-about natural drinks for it — tart, deep red, and backed by more research than most home remedies in this space.

What you'll need

• 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers (or 2 hibiscus tea bags)
• 2 cups water
• A squeeze of lemon and a bit of honey, to taste

How to make it

1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Add the dried hibiscus flowers and let steep, covered, for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain into a mug or pitcher, add lemon and honey to taste.
4. Drink warm in the morning, or chill and drink cold later in the day.

Why people say it works

Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins, plant compounds that have been studied in clinical trials for their effect on blood pressure, with several showing a modest reduction with regular consumption over several weeks. It's one of the few home remedies in this space with real clinical trial data behind it, not just tradition.

This is a traditional home remedy, not a medical treatment. Hibiscus can interact with certain blood pressure medications, so check with your doctor before drinking it daily if you're on any prescriptions.