Ever notice how rose hips and hibiscus almost always show up together on tea labels? There’s a good reason for that! This classic pairing isn’t just refreshing—it’s a total powerhouse for your health.
Rose Hips and Hibiscus: The Ultimate Wellness Duo
Rose hips are famous for being packed with Vitamin C, making them a go-to for boosting your immune system. But did you know that Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is also loaded with Vitamin C? It’s fantastic for clearing out congestion and fighting off a stubborn cold. While we use the fruit of the rose plant, it’s those gorgeous, deep red hibiscus petals that do the heavy lifting in your mug. When you brew them together, you’re getting a double dose of healing properties.
Combined, these two are incredible at fighting off free radicals, which helps protect your cells in the long run. They also support wound healing and are great at bringing down inflammation throughout the body.
The Benefits of Hibiscus
- Helps clear mucus and congestion
- Boosts circulation
- Acts as a gentle, natural laxative
- Works as a diuretic to flush out toxins
- Stimulates the appetite
- Can help lower high blood pressure (try drinking 3 cups a day!)
The Benefits of Rose Hips
- High in antioxidants
- Fights free radical damage
- Helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out
- Supports healthy blood pressure levels
- Good for managing cholesterol
- Eases joint pain for those dealing with arthritis
How to Brew Your Own Rose Hip & Hibiscus Tea
Making your own blend at home is super simple and way fresher than store-bought bags. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 teaspoons dried rose hips
- 4 dried hibiscus petals
If you grow your own hibiscus, you can dry the petals yourself; otherwise, you can find food-grade dried petals at most health food stores. Just pop both ingredients into a mug or a small teapot and pour hot water over them. Let it steep for about 6 to 8 minutes—but don’t go over that 8-minute mark! If hibiscus sits too long, it can start to taste a bit bitter. It’s a wonderfully tart and refreshing drink.
Pro Tip: Tea and a Snack
If you want to get the absolute most out of your rose hips, try brewing a plain hibiscus tea (using 6 to 8 petals) and pairing it with some fresh rose hip jam or puree on the side. Since heat can break down some of the Vitamin C in the fruit, eating it “raw” or minimally processed preserves more nutrients. Plus, it lets you really taste the distinct flavors of each plant!