Hibiscus tea for colds: effects & studies

1. Introduction: can hibiscus tea help with a cold?

Hibiscus tea is not only refreshing and fruity; it is also a genuine home remedy for colds. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea may support your immune system and help ease coughs, a scratchy throat and congested airways. At the first signs of a cold in particular, its expectorant and antibacterial effects, as well as its antiviral properties, may help bring relief from the outset.

The abundant polyphenols and vitamin C in hibiscus have an expectorant effect and help clear the airways. But how exactly does hibiscus tea help your body fight a cold? And what scientific studies support its effects?

In this article, you’ll learn about the effects of hibiscus tea for colds, how it supports your immune system and which studies support its positive effects. We’ll also share a simple but effective recipe for hibiscus tea for a cold.

You can find a comprehensive overview of hibiscus, its effects and side effects, how to prepare it, and links to more detailed articles HERE.

Contents

1. Introduction: hibiscus tea for colds
2. How hibiscus tea may support the immune system
3. The expectorant effect of hibiscus tea
4. Studies: how hibiscus tea may help with colds
5. How to use hibiscus tea for colds
6. Can hibiscus tea help with a cough and sore throat?
7. Conclusion: hibiscus tea as natural support during a cold

2. Hibiscus tea and the immune system: why it is so valuable

A strong immune system is essential for fighting off colds. Hibiscus tea provides a concentrated source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which naturally support your defences. 

Hibiscus flowers are rich in vitamin C, which is known to strengthen the body’s natural defences. They also contain flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This combination may help neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body.

A study by Tufts University in Boston found that regular consumption of hibiscus tea may lower systolic blood pressure, which indirectly reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system and therefore supports the immune system. In the study, participants with slightly elevated blood pressure drank three cups of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks, resulting in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. 

You can find out more about hibiscus and its effects on blood pressure in our in-depth article: Hibiscus tea and blood pressure: a natural way to lower it?

In addition, laboratory studies suggest that hibiscus extracts have antibacterial properties that may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. Hibiscus extracts are therefore also used in natural remedies to treat bladder infections.

In summary, because of its valuable ingredients and associated effects, regularly drinking hibiscus tea may help strengthen the immune system and support the body in fighting off colds.

3. The expectorant effect of hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is also known for its potential expectorant properties. The plant compounds in hibiscus flowers, particularly fruit acids such as hibiscus acid, may help loosen stubborn mucus in the airways and make it easier to cough up. This effect makes hibiscus tea a popular home remedy for colds and coughs.

Hibiscus tea may also support the immune system, thanks to its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants, which may aid recovery from respiratory infections. 

4. Studies: how hibiscus tea may help with colds

Hibiscus tea is traditionally used for many health-related purposes, including high blood pressure, weight loss and relief from cold symptoms. Reasons include, for example:

• Antioxidant properties: Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which may strengthen the immune system. These compounds help the body neutralise free radicals and improve its defences.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Some laboratory studies suggest that hibiscus extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that could help with the relief of cold symptoms. 

Two studies are particularly interesting:

1. Antiviral activity against influenza A virus (IAV): A study titled "Antiviral Activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Tea Extract Against Human Influenza A Virus Rely Largely on Acidic pH but Partially on a Low-pH-Independent Mechanism" investigated the effect of hibiscus tea extract on the influenza A virus. The research found that hibiscus has rapid and strong antiviral activity against IAV. These findings suggest that hibiscus tea may be helpful in fighting flu infections.
2. Antiviral effects on avian influenza viruses: Another study titled "High Antiviral Effects of Hibiscus Tea Extract on the H5 Subtypes of Low and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses" investigated the antiviral properties of hibiscus tea extract against various H5 subtypes of avian influenza. The results showed that hibiscus extract significantly reduced the viral load in both low- and highly pathogenic strains. This also demonstrates hibiscus’s natural antiviral properties.

Hibiscus has been used as a medicinal plant by Indigenous peoples around the world for thousands of years, and science is gradually catching up with its medicinal effects.

5. How to use hibiscus tea for colds

To benefit from the possible health benefits of hibiscus tea, it is important to use it properly. Hibiscus tea can be drunk hot or cold, although a warm cup can be particularly soothing when you have cold symptoms. It helps keep you hydrated, supports the immune system and soothes a sore throat.

• Preparation: For the best effect, make an infusion with dried hibiscus flowers. Pour 250–400 ml of hot water over one or two teaspoons of flowers and leave to steep for about 5–10 minutes.
• Combining with other herbs: To enhance its effect, hibiscus tea can be combined with ginger, lemongrass, oranges or honey.
• How often should you drink it? Drinking 2–3 cups a day may help support the immune system and ease cold symptoms.
• Precautions: Pregnant women and people with low blood pressure should be cautious.

Hibiscus tea can therefore be a soothing aid during a cold. Ginger and lemongrass may also be very helpful for colds. Find out more in these articles:

• Lemongrass tea: effects, medicinal properties, mood and side effects
• Ginger: effects, benefits and side effects at a glance

6. Can hibiscus tea help with a cough and sore throat?

Thanks to its high content of vitamin C, antioxidants and organic acids, the tea may help soothe irritated mucous membranes and moisturise the throat.

• Soothing irritation: The mucilage in hibiscus forms a protective layer over the irritated mucous membrane in the throat.
• Antiviral effects: Early laboratory studies show that hibiscus extracts may inhibit the growth of certain viruses. 
• Loosening mucus: The fruit acids may help loosen stubborn mucus and make it easier to cough up.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Polyphenols and anthocyanins in hibiscus flowers may have anti-inflammatory properties and help ease symptoms.

For the best effect, you can combine the tea with honey or lemon juice. These ingredients have additional antibacterial and soothing effects. 

7. Conclusion: hibiscus tea as natural support during a cold

Hibiscus tea is not only a refreshing drink; it may also support the immune system during a cold. Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, its expectorant effect and its antiviral properties, it may help ease cold symptoms. 

The tea is particularly soothing in combination with other natural ingredients such as ginger, lemongrass, oranges or honey. These combinations may further enhance the anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Despite its many benefits, people with low blood pressure, pregnant women and people taking medication should start slowly and see how they tolerate it. Read more on this topic in our articles Hibiscus tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding and Hibiscus tea and blood pressure: a natural way to lower it?

People with histamine intolerance should also consume hibiscus tea in moderation, or gradually increase the amount.

So hibiscus tea can be a useful addition during a cold to ease symptoms and help you get back on your feet quickly.