Certain teas, such as hibiscus and green tea, have been shown to help lower blood pressure by supporting blood vessel relaxation and promoting cardiovascular health.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for serious cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, and heart attacks.

While medications and lifestyle changes are common treatments, natural remedies can also complement these approaches.

For instance, chamomile and hawthorn berry tea may provide additional support for managing blood pressure. Incorporating a couple of cups of these teas into your daily routine can be a simple and enjoyable way to enhance your cardiovascular health.

1. Should You Drink Tea to Lower Blood Pressure?

Incorporating heart-healthy teas, such as hibiscus or chamomile, into your daily routine can be part of a holistic approach to managing blood pressure. Research from 2019 suggests that the active compounds in tea may help relax blood vessels, improve arterial function, reduce inflammation, and regulate processes that influence blood pressure.

2. What Are the Best Teas for High Blood Pressure?

Several types of tea may support blood pressure management, although their effects can vary between individuals.

Hibiscus Tea

Made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower, hibiscus tea is known for its vibrant red color and tart, slightly sour flavor. It contains anthocyanins and polyphenols, which may help relax blood vessels and lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Green Tea

Green tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are linked to various health benefits, including reducing blood pressure. A 2023 study involving over 76,000 participants in Southwest China indicated that regular green tea consumption—regardless of quantity or duration was associated with lower systolic blood pressure.

Olive Leaf Tea

Olive leaf tea, with its mild, herbal flavor, contains compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which help relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. In a 2017 study involving 31 participants with type 2 diabetes and prehypertension, drinking olive leaf tea twice daily for 28 weeks significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure within the first four weeks.

Hawthorn Berry Tea

Hawthorn berry tea, made from the berries of the hawthorn tree, offers a sweet yet tart flavor. Known for its heart-supporting properties, this tea may dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. A 2020 review of four randomized trials found that hawthorn-based preparations significantly reduced blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension when used for at least 12 weeks. While the research didn’t focus on hawthorn tea specifically, the beneficial compounds in the tea are believed to have similar effects.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea, derived from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile), is prized for its calming properties. It may help reduce stress, which indirectly supports healthy blood pressure. Chamomile contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins that contribute to its therapeutic effects.

3. How Much Tea Should You Drink to Lower Blood Pressure?

The amount of tea needed to support blood pressure reduction varies depending on the individual and the type of tea. For example, evidence suggests that drinking two cups of hibiscus tea daily may help reduce blood pressure over time. However, other factors, such as your overall diet, lifestyle, and current blood pressure levels, also play a role.

4. How Long Does It Take for Tea to Lower Blood Pressure?

The time required for tea to impact blood pressure depends on several factors, including the type of tea, your frequency of consumption, and individual response. Generally, regular tea consumption over several weeks or months may lead to modest reductions in blood pressure.

Does Green Tea Lower Blood Pressure?

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