The hibiscus plant is a flowering bush with over 200 different species. Although it is now grown in many places in the world, it originated in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Five thousand years ago, in ancient Egyptian culture, tea that was brewed from the flowers of the hibiscus plant was considered the drink of the pharaohs. In our world today, hibiscus tea is quickly becoming a popular beverage in western countries but many do not realize that this tea can be used for medicinal purposes as well.