It’s no secret that black tea and herbal teas offer many health benefits.[1] Some people consume tea to detoxify the body. However, many of these so-called detox teas, especially those with Senna or Cascara, contain ingredients that act as harsh laxatives and cause more harm than good. On the other hand, certain herbal detox teas contain beneficial, body-detoxifying ingredients. How do you know the difference? And what does detox tea do?
Read on to learn about the two different types of detox teas available and their effects on your body, plus a better detox and cleansing solution.
Why do people drink detox tea?
When over-indulgence makes you feel sluggish, it’s tempting to turn to something simple, like a cup of tea, for a solution. You can look for a detox tea after overeating or simply when you want to cleanse your body of toxins and impurities.
Some detox tea products advertise impressive benefits, such as losing weight quickly and easily or reducing belly fat. You may have seen famous celebrities enthusiastically endorsing certain detox teas or supplements. Be wise. Laxative detox teas cannot instantly melt away the previous night’s excesses. Many of these products should be approached with caution.[2]
On the other hand, drinking organic, natural teas with detoxifying and healing herbs can be a good habit. People often have a tea ritual first thing in the morning, after a meal or just before going to sleep. Be careful what herbs you use in your tea. Healthy tea should become more of a regular lifestyle rather than a quick laxative solution.
What types of detox teas are there?
Detox teas come in two main types: laxative detox teas and herbal detox teas. Know the difference.
Laxative detox teas
Detox teas with Senna or Cascara Sagrada are stimulant laxatives. They affect the intestines by causing contractions in the intestines. These can cause pain, discomfort and cramps, and because they can reduce water weight, they can lead to dehydration.[3]
When you consume too many of these herbal products, they can be harmful to the gastrointestinal tract. They also do not lead to lasting weight control and have minimal effect on calorie intake.[3]
Senna and Cascara can disrupt the delicate balance of flora and fauna in the intestines (your gut microbiome) and even disrupt the functioning of the liver.[4]
Herbal detox teas
On the other hand, herbal teas made with certain herbal ingredients can help you detox your body, as well as reset and rejuvenate your system. These herbal or spice teas are an effective and delicious digestive aid and are much gentler on your system. Some of the best are licorice, lemongrass, ginger, dandelion root and milk thistle.
In Chinese cultures, people use licorice as a medicinal herb because of its powerful ability to deter harmful organisms in the body. It contains nearly 300 health-promoting flavonoids, terpenoids and more, which help develop a robust and resilient immune system.[5]
The milk thistle plant, named for a milky substance in its leaves, is a great natural ingredient in herbal detox teas. Milk thistle supports liver health and detoxification.[6]
Dandelion tea is a great digestive aid after meals. You can use the roots or leaves of the plant. Dandelion is a nutrient-packed herb that promotes the proper functioning of a healthy liver.[7]
Many other herbs aid in detoxification, but these are just some of the most effective. You can also try other detox drinks, such as purified water with apple cider vinegar, green juice, or aloe vera juice.
Are all detox teas bad for you?
Some detox teas – not intended as laxatives – can rid the body of toxins, introduce antioxidants to your body and bring better health. Some of the best herbal remedies for detoxification can be found in tea form. As mentioned, these include detox teas with licorice, milk thistle, lemongrass and dandelion leaf. Buy detox teas with these herbs or make your own.
Be aware that commercially available Senna or Cascara “detox teas” are too harsh on your colon and digestive system. They cause short-term problems, such as cramps and pain, and long-term effects, such as discoloration of the colon (melanosis), cell death, and addiction to the laxative to induce bowel movements.[2, 8] Avoid these products as they do not rid the body of toxins or promote safe weight loss.
If you experience mild or occasional constipation, an oxygen-rich colon cleanser such as Oxy-Powder®. This all-natural magnesium-based product uses the power of oxygen to quickly clear a clogged intestinal tract – and it works overnight without cramping or discomfort.
Healthy detox tea recipes
You can easily make your own detoxifying tea with these natural ingredients that help promote health. Bonus? You won’t get any of the unwanted side effects associated with boxed detox teas.
Lemon & Ginger Tea
Lemon and ginger work together to provide excellent digestion after a meal. They can kickstart your day in the right way. Ginger supports your gastrointestinal health and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.[9]
Lemon has a pleasant palate cleansing effect after a meal and also has a positive influence on your intestinal microbiome.[10] Together they help cleanse your body naturally.
Equipment:
- Tea kettle or saucepan
- Tea cup
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
- 1-2 lemon wedges
- 1 cup hot water
Directions:
- Boil water in a kettle or pan on the stove (avoid the microwave).
- Grate fresh ginger into your cup or use a strainer if you prefer clear tea.
- Add lemon wedges.
- Let it steep in boiling water for up to five minutes. To enjoy!
Body Balance Tea
Licorice can help reduce the symptoms of Candida. Try our delicious recipe for a licorice tea blend to promote yeast balance.
Equipment:
- Tea kettle or saucepan
- Tea cup
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon licorice root
- 1 piece cinnamon bark
- 5 anise seeds
- 1 slice of dried orange peel
- Raw honey to taste
Directions:
- Boil water in a pan or kettle.
- Add licorice root, cinnamon bark, anise seed and dried orange peel to the boiling water.
- Let the ingredients cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Strain all ingredients and let the liquid stand.
- Add raw honey to the liquid tea to taste.
- Pour the liquid into a cup and enjoy.
Natural detox remedies
Are you looking for other ideas to promote the elimination of toxins from your body and promote weight loss naturally? Here are four great natural detox options.
Try an elimination diet
Try an elimination diet, a diet that removes meat, dairy, gluten, processed foods and excess sugar – essentially removing toxins from your system. This can also help you identify foods that you don’t like or that cause intolerances or sensitivities.
During this time, and beyond, add plenty of organic, whole foods to your diet that actively support your health goals by promoting overall nutrition and wellness. A healthy diet will help you get better nutrition. This stimulates your liver function, the body’s own detoxification organ.
Do a colon cleanse
A gentle colon cleanse supports the health of your overall digestive system while detoxifying your body. When your colon is busy processing toxins and impurities, it doesn’t have the same ability to properly absorb nutrients, which can affect your overall health and well-being.
A safe and gentle organic irrigates the bowels to get you back on track. Us 6 week colon cleansing program helps relieve digestive problems such as bloating and excess gas and discomfort gently and easily. You feel lighter and have more energy!
Get moving!
Physical activity naturally improves your health and fitness, helps with weight management and encourages slow digestion to get you moving again. Exercise is so good for you that it can even extend your lifespan![11]
Points to remember
Not all detox teas are the same. The health claims of many boxed detox tea manufacturers are exaggerated and unsubstantiated. You don’t lose body fat overnight! On the contrary, detox teas containing Senna or Cascara have a strong laxative effect on the body and can disrupt the delicate balance in your digestive system. Instead, look for a gentler overnight option, such as Oxy powder.
If you want something to detox and cleanse, detox teas made with healthy natural ingredients such as licorice, lemongrass, ginger root, dandelion or milk thistle have natural benefits for gut health and can improve your overall digestive well-being. You can include these herbs in tea recipes or find them in supplements.
If you want other ways to improve your digestive and intestinal health and give yourself a boost, try exercising more, trying an elimination diet, or doing a colon cleanse. These methods will provide long-term health benefits.
You’ll feel lighter and more energetic in no time!
†Results may vary. The information and explanations provided are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a serious medical condition or health problem, consult your doctor.