Known for its tart flavor and pretty pink hue, hibiscus tea is an impressive herbal remedy.
It’s packed with antioxidants, naturally free of caffeine, and tastes great hot or cold.
And for most people, hibiscus tea is a drink that makes them feel wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated.
But apparently, this isn’t the case for everyone.
So, what gives?
Is the popular herbal beverage a hallucinogen in disguise?
Let’s delve into the possible reasons behind this rare phenomenon.
Hibiscus tea & hallucinationsis that real?
To date, there’s no scientific evidence that suggests hibiscus tea hallucinations are real.
So, no: Any cases of hallucinations have been purely anecdotal.
Researchers haven’t studied this reported side effect or why people claim they are experiencing these symptoms.
After all, hibiscus is recognized as safe, and it’s usually not associated with serious side effects.
Yet, despite the lack of research, there might be a viable explanation for what people are experiencing.
So what’s going on when people say they get “hibiscus drunk”?
Hibiscus has natural antihypertensive properties, which means it canlower your blood pressure.
In fact, the herb has been used to treat high blood pressure for thousands of years.
For example, a2019 study found that hibiscus significantly lowered blood pressure1in people with Stage 1 hypertension.
Thenitric oxide then relaxes blood vessels3, which decreases blood pressure.
This is howcommon hypertension drugs4, like hydralazine and minoxidil, work in the body.
In a person with hypertension, this effect might make their blood pressure drop closer to normal levels.
It may even lead to nausea or fatigue.
Are there other hibiscus tea side effects?
Yes, but they’re very rare.
In terms ofsafety and tolerability5, hibiscus tea has a solid track record.
But beyond the alleged hallucinations, other complications might be possible.
These side effects are uncommon and haven’t been thoroughly researched.
Plus, they’re typically associated with drinking excessive amounts of the tea.
Consider sipping on a different tea if hibiscus makes you feel all sorts of strange.
Otherwise, enjoy this pink-red tea in moderation to avoid any unwanted side effects.
