Hibiscus: What Are Its Weight-Loss Benefits?

Hibiscus is a plant or shrub that can grow 2 to 3 metres tall, with beautiful, colourful red, orange, or yellow flowers. It belongs to the Malvaceae family. Native to Africa, its cultivation subsequently spread to Asia and then across the globe, particularly in tropical regions. There are over 300 species of hibiscus, but it is undoubtedly Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Guinea sorrel or karkadé, that is most commonly used and has been the subject of the greatest number of studies.

Its active compounds are concentrated in various parts of the plant:

• The Petals: The richest in anthocyanins, powerful pigments

• The Flower Calyxes: These contain flavonoids and polysaccharides 

• The Leaves: These mainly contain mucilage

Hibiscus has been used for thousands of years for its many health benefits, particularly in the preparation of bissap, a traditional drink from Senegal and the Ivory Coast with refreshing qualities. But we shall see that this is not its only benefit.

• Antioxidant: Hibiscus contains anthocyanins, pigments with powerful antioxidant effects, which belong to the flavonoid family. It is the anthocyanins, found in large quantities in red berries, that give them their beautiful colour. Hibiscus is also rich in Vitamin C, one of the main antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants help protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, particularly oxidative stress. Find out more about antioxidants

• Diuretic: By promoting the elimination of water via the urine, hibiscus also helps to stimulate the kidneys’ elimination of acidic waste products such as uric acid, which is responsible, amongst other things, for the formation of kidney stones. Discover the most effective diuretic foods

• Anti-Inflammatory: The flavonoids and other molecules contained in hibiscus give it anti-inflammatory properties, which are particularly beneficial for relieving chronic inflammatory conditions, both in the joints and on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its diuretic effects, also make it useful in preventing urinary tract infections. A study published in 2016 in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, which ran for six months, demonstrated its effectiveness in women prone to chronic urinary tract infections

• Liver-Protective: This plant has beneficial effects on the liver, helping to protect liver cells, which in turn aids digestion

• Blood Pressure-Lowering: Hibiscus helps to lower systolic blood pressure, which is the higher of the two readings when blood pressure is measured. The antioxidants it contains help to prevent the narrowing of blood vessels, which can cause a rise in blood pressure

• Laxative: This plant also helps regulate bowel movements thanks to its high fibre content, and promotes better digestion

• Weight Management: Hibiscus has various properties that make it a useful aid for weight management. Before going into more detail, it is worth noting its impact on fat and sugar metabolism, as well as its diuretic and laxative effects 

Find out more about the properties of hibiscus

Several properties attributed to hibiscus give it slimming benefits:

• Beneficial Effect on Toxin Elimination and Water Retention: Hibiscus helps increase urine production, which helps stimulate the elimination of toxins from the body and reduce the risk of water retention. Both of these factors have a positive impact on weight loss. Discover slimming herbal teas and their benefits

• Reduced Fat Absorption: Hibiscus may help to slow down the absorption of fats by the intestines, which could contribute to better weight management. A study published in 2002 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry was carried out on rats and concluded that hibiscus reduces the absorption of fats by the intestines and promotes their direct elimination in the stools. However, these findings should be treated with caution as these studies were conducted on animals, and it is not certain that the same effects can be observed in humans

• Reduced Sugar Absorption: A study published in 2011 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology was carried out on volunteers and showed that taking hibiscus before a high-carbohydrate meal helps to limit the absorption of glucose by the intestines and its entry into the bloodstream. This has an impact not only on weight management but also on the regulation of blood glucose levels, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes

• Flat Stomach Effect: By promoting better digestion and stimulating bowel movements, hibiscus helps the body eliminate waste more effectively, which contributes to a flatter stomach

Hibiscus can be used in various ways depending on the desired effects: it is available as a dietary supplement to relieve the sensation of heavy legs. It is also used in powder form to prepare cosmetic treatments for the face and hair. But to make the most of its slimming properties, here are the different ways to use it:

In the Kitchen

• In Jelly: You can add hibiscus to your apple, pear or orange jellies, to which it lends a lovely red colour and a tangy note. To make the most of its slimming properties and lighten your jelly, choose a natural sweetener such as coconut blossom sugar to replace the sugar, and use it in a 40% mixture

• In Sorbet: You can make light sorbets by preparing a hibiscus infusion to which you add agave syrup for its natural sweetness, then freeze the mixture to create a delicious, light, fruity, and tangy sorbet. Agave syrup has the advantage of having a low glycaemic index, which helps to avoid insulin spikes that promote fat storage

• In Baking: The hibiscus powder blends very well into your cake batters and custards, giving them a lovely natural pink colour. For a lighter version, consider replacing the sugar with a natural sweetener, and the butter with blanched almond purée

In Drinks

• As a Herbal Tea: The most common way to consume it to enjoy its beneficial effects is as a hibiscus infusion. To make it, simply leave the hibiscus flowers to steep in gently simmering water for about ten minutes. This produces a refreshing, bright red drink with a tangy flavour. This herbal tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference and the season. Discover our slimming maté herbal tea with hibiscus leaves

• As a Syrup: By replacing ordinary sugar with a natural sweetener such as coconut blossom sugar, you can make a delicious syrup to mix with cold water or a fizzy drink, or to use as a base in your desserts

• In Smoothies and Juices: You can add a few dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus powder, which will give them a fruity, tangy flavour

In Sauces

• In Salad Dressings: A tablespoon of homemade hibiscus syrup adds an original, fruity flavour to your dressings that will liven up your mixed salads

• In a Marinade: Hibiscus powder gives your fish and poultry marinades a lovely pinkish colour and a fruity, tangy flavour

Hibiscus is a plant widely used in cosmetics due to its many beneficial properties for the skin and hair. Here are some of the most common uses of hibiscus in cosmetic products:

• Facial Serums and Creams: To moisturise and combat the signs of ageing

• Face Masks and Scrubs: To exfoliate and brighten the skin

• Shampoos and Conditioners: To strengthen and nourish the hair

• Body Oils and Lotions: To moisturise and soften the skin

Dosage: There is no specific recommended dosage for hibiscus. However, as with any plant, it is advisable to consume hibiscus regularly in reasonable quantities in order to enjoy its benefits. For example, it is recommended to drink 2 to 3 cups of hibiscus tea a day as part of a three-week course of treatment.

Contraindications: Particularly for pregnant women and people prone to low blood pressure, kidney disorders and blood clotting problems.

Anyone taking any form of medication should seek medical advice before consuming hibiscus on a regular basis.

Organic Hibiscus Flowers

These flowers, rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants and powerful colourants, can be used to make herbal teas, anti-ageing skincare products, hair rinses, or even colourful bath products.

Discover Our Organic Hibiscus Flowers

Organic Hibiscus Oil

With an exceptionally high Vitamin E content, this oil, which feels soft on the skin and absorbs quickly, is a wonderful anti-ageing and regenerating active ingredient. Rich in essential fatty acids, it can be used in your recipes to nourish and repair dry or damaged skin and protect against dehydration. Its gentle scent makes it ideal for creating skincare products that you can fragrance to your liking. It is also valued as an active ingredient for beautifying and strengthening the hair.

Discover Our Organic Hibiscus Oil

Organic Hibiscus Powder

Hibiscus powder is an active ingredient renowned for strengthening hair, adding shine and stimulating growth. When combined with henna, it enhances red and mahogany tones and brightens highlights. Rich in antioxidants and fruit acids, it is also a wonderful ingredient for anti-ageing skincare. Also known as Bissap or Karkadé, hibiscus is also prized for making tangy, colourful drinks, which are particularly beneficial thanks to their proanthocyanidin content.

Discover our Organic Hibiscus Powder

Organic Slimming Maté Herbal Tea

Deliciously tangy, the Organic Slimming Maté Herbal Tea will charm you with its beautiful pinkish colour and its fruity, invigorating flavour. It combines Maté leaves, which have stimulating and draining effects, with a blend of organic herbs selected for their detoxifying properties and pleasant taste: hibiscus flowers, blackcurrant leaves, chicory root, and pineapple. With no added flavourings, this Slimming herbal tea, made in France, can be enjoyed hot or cold to support you in your fitness routine. Combining pleasure, beauty and balance!

Discover Our Organic Slimming Maté Herbal Tea

Precious Organic Face Oil

This 100% natural precious oil is a blend of five rare and precious organic plant oils, exceptionally rich in antioxidants, including cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, hibiscus, and sea Buckthorn. A true concentrated elixir of youth, this regenerating and anti-ageing organic precious facial oil reveals the complexion’s radiance, firms and regenerates skin cells for visibly younger-looking skin. This 100% natural facial treatment can be used neat, as an anti-ageing serum, or blended with active ingredients and essential oils for a 100% personalised treatment. Find out about the various possible additions and their recommended dosages in this advice sheet.

Discover Our Precious Organic Facial Oil

Strength & Shine Solid Shampoo

This certified organic, 100% natural and vegan solid shampoo is rich in organic hibiscus and mustard plant oils, as well as organic amla powder, to strengthen and beautify your hair. Particularly suitable for dull hair, its patented, sulphate-free formula gives your hair strength and shine whilst coating it without weighing it down. Great value for money, this organic solid shampoo, concentrated with gentle cleansing agents and active ingredients, is equivalent to using two bottles of liquid shampoo. Handcrafted in France, its formula produces a rich, creamy lather, leaving your hair light and full of vitality!

Discover Our Strength & Shine Solid Shampoo

Taking hibiscus may have laxative effects, due to its fibre content, which stimulates bowel movements. It is therefore recommended that people with sensitive bowels do not consume it in excessive quantities. 

It may also cause mild digestive problems such as stomach ache or nausea. 

To fully benefit from the health and weight-loss benefits of hibiscus, it is recommended that you seek guidance from a nutritionist, who can advise you on how to incorporate it into a weight-loss diet.

Although further studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effects of hibiscus on weight loss, drinking hibiscus tea remains a worthwhile option for better weight management. By increasing fluid intake, it gently stimulates bowel movements and the elimination of toxins, which is beneficial for weight loss as part of a balanced diet, and helps to keep your tummy flat.

After completing a master’s degree in management, Christine spent 20 years working for leading companies in the food supplement and natural cosmetics sectors. She then turned her passion for nature into a career. Today she practises naturopathy for people and animals, as well as sophrology, and mentors aspiring naturopaths and sophrologists at various schools.