Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, particularly for supporting urinary and kidney health. In many cultures, hibiscus tea is consumed as a diuretic, believed to promote urine production and thus assist in flushing the kidneys and supporting their function. Traditional practitioners have used hibiscus preparations for conditions such as mild urinary tract infections, water retention, and sometimes for general detoxification purposes.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited but emerging evidence that hibiscus may have mild diuretic effects, as demonstrated in small animal studies and a handful of human trials. Most clinical research on hibiscus, however, has focused on its cardiovascular benefits, particularly its ability to lower blood pressure, rather than on direct kidney support. Some studies suggest that hibiscus may help protect the kidneys indirectly via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but robust clinical evidence for direct improvement in kidney function or treatment of kidney diseases is lacking.

Overall, while hibiscus is traditionally used to support the kidney system, modern scientific validation specific to kidney health is limited. Therefore, its use for this purpose should be considered primarily traditional and evidence is rated as modest.

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