Hibiscus tea and histamine: compatibility & alternatives
1. Introduction: Hibiscus tea and histamine intolerance
For people with histamine intolerance , the question arises whether hibiscus tea really contains histamine and is therefore tolerable or problematic, because hibiscus tea is actually one of the healthiest fruit teas available.
In this article, you'll learn whether hibiscus tea is low in histamine , how the body reacts to histamine intolerance, and what healthy alternatives there are. We'll also take a look at current studies that shed light on the connection between hibiscus tea and histamine.
If you would like to learn more about its health-promoting properties, we recommend our overview article " Hibiscus Tea: Effects, Side Effects & Preparation ," which also links to further articles.
Table of contents
- Introduction: Hibiscus tea and histamine intolerance
- Is hibiscus tea low in histamine?
- How does the body react to histamine intolerance?
- Hibiscus tea for histamine intolerance – compatibility check
- Low-histamine tea alternatives to hibiscus tea
- Conclusion: Hibiscus tea and histamine intolerance
2. Is hibiscus tea low in histamine?
Although hibiscus tea is made from the flowers of the hibiscus plant , it is not a typical source of histamine. Hibiscus does not naturally contain histamine , but in sensitive individuals, it can promote the release of histamine or interfere with histamine breakdown.
The reason for this is secondary plant substances such as polyphenols and flavonoids , which offer health benefits but can be problematic for people with histamine intolerance.
Certain plant substances can inhibit the activity of the enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase) , which is responsible for breaking down histamine. However, this doesn't mean that hibiscus tea is problematic for everyone—many people with histamine intolerance tolerate it well, especially in small amounts .
Whether hibiscus tea is tolerated depends largely on individual histamine sensitivity . Therefore, it is recommended to try the tea in small amounts first and observe your personal reaction.
3. How does the body react to histamine intolerance?
With histamine intolerance, the body cannot adequately break down excess histamine. This is usually due to an enzyme deficiency , particularly the enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase) , which is responsible for breaking down histamine. If histamine is not broken down effectively, it can accumulate in the body and trigger various symptoms.
Typical symptoms of histamine intolerance are:
- Skin reactions: redness, itching, hives
- Gastrointestinal complaints: flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Circulatory problems: headaches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
- Breathing difficulties: Blocked nose, asthma-like symptoms
The severity of the reaction varies from person to person. While some people are only sensitive to histamine-rich foods, others also have difficulty tolerating histamine-releasing substances (such as certain plant compounds in hibiscus tea).
Therefore, if you suspect histamine intolerance, it is important to keep a food diary and observe your own reactions.
4. Hibiscus tea for histamine intolerance – compatibility check
Hibiscus tea is often classified as low in histamine because it naturally contains no histamine. However, the issue of tolerance in cases of histamine intolerance is more complex, as not only the histamine content but also the ability of a food to promote histamine release or inhibit histamine breakdown plays a role.
The secondary plant substances such as polyphenols and flavonoids , including quercetin , are also present. Interestingly, quercetin is considered a natural antihistamine that may inhibit the release of histamine.
Despite this potentially positive effect, some people with histamine intolerance report intolerance reactions.
Possible reasons for this are:
- Individual sensitivity: Everyone reacts differently to plant substances.
- Processing and storage: Hibiscus flowers stored for a long time can release histamine.
- Accompanying substances: Additives in tea blends could trigger reactions.
Our recommendation is to start with small amounts of hibiscus tea and observe how your body reacts.
4.1. Studies on hibiscus tea and histamine intolerance
The scientific data on hibiscus tea and histamine intolerance is currently limited. While there are numerous studies examining the health-promoting properties of hibiscus tea, direct studies on histamine tolerance are largely lacking.
Until detailed clinical studies on this topic are available, it is best to try the tea slowly and carefully observe your own reaction.
With our hibiscus tea from Ecuador, cultivated in permaculture forest gardens, you can be sure you're not consuming any harmful substances. Furthermore, our " Flor de Jamaica " variety is one of the most intense varieties with the highest antioxidant content.
5. Low-histamine tea alternatives to hibiscus tea
For people with histamine intolerance who are sensitive to hibiscus tea, there are numerous low-histamine tea alternatives . These herbal teas naturally contain no histamine and are considered well-tolerated. However, you should always consider your individual reaction.
Recommended low-histamine teas:
- Lemongrass tea : Refreshing, mild and anti-inflammatory.
- Peppermint tea: Soothing for the stomach and low in histamine.
- Chamomile tea: Anti-inflammatory and soothing for the digestive tract.
- Fennel tea: Supports digestion, especially mild.
- Rooibos tea: Caffeine-free, rich in antioxidants and well tolerated.
- Guayusa tea : Natural energy booster without known histamine problems, ideal for starting the day.
Tip: Make sure to choose pure herbal teas without artificial flavors or additives. These additives can cause intolerances .
6. Conclusion: Hibiscus tea and histamine intolerance
Hibiscus tea is a refreshing and healthy beverage, valued by many for its antioxidant, blood pressure-lowering , and general health-promoting and immune-boosting properties during a cold . However, its consumption may be less tolerable for people with histamine intolerance .
Although hibiscus tea itself does not contain histamine, certain plant substances such as polyphenols may influence histamine release in sensitive individuals.
While some people can enjoy hibiscus tea without any problems, others report intolerance. Therefore, everyone reacts differently . It's best to start with small amounts and observe how your body reacts.
If you can't tolerate hibiscus tea, there are numerous low-histamine alternatives such as lemongrass tea , peppermint tea or guayusa tea that you can try without hesitation.
