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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:31 pm...

A Zinger for High Blood Pressure

If you enjoy herbal tea, you�ve probably sipped Red Zinger�, the popular hibiscus tea introduced by Celestial Seasonings more than 30 years ago. A growing body of scientific research suggests hibiscus tea is more than a refreshing beverage: It also seems to lower blood pressure.

A tropical member of the mallow family, hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) imparts a deep red color and slightly tart flavor to teas, jams, jellies, syrups and other goods. Many countries also value hibiscus as a medicinal plant. In Egypt, the red calyx (seed pod covering) has been used as a diuretic, nerve tonic and treatment for heart problems; Iran and other countries use hibiscus tea to treat hypertension.

After a small clinical trial confirmed the tea�s ability to lower blood pressure, researchers in Mexico conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial, comparing hibiscus tea with captopril, an antihypertensive drug. As reported in a 2004 issue of Phytomedicine, 39 patients in the hibiscus group and 36 patients in the control group completed the study. After four weeks, both groups experienced a significant drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

In 2007, the same researchers in Mexico conducted a larger controlled clinical study involving 193 patients. Again, after four weeks, the hibiscus reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, this time by about12 percent.

Researchers believe the herb�s ability to lower blood pressure stems from its diuretic effect and inhibition of an enzyme that can cause hypertension. More studies are needed to determine the optimum dose, but it is likely to be more than an occasional cup of tea.�Steven Foster

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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seamonster

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Posted Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:12 pm...

It also makes a great iced tea! Smile

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche

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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:36 pm...

I have made ice cubes with it and then used in regular ice tea.....good stuff!

I am going to be adding a Celestial Seasonings Recipe section as soon as I receive permission....it should be fun!!

Nothing like Celestial Seasonings tea!!

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

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