Detox teas the latest craze. And to be honest, we have also jumped on that bandwagon. But as I sat down to write this article, I started to research to find out what they actually have to offer and is all the hype true? Well, let’s break it down!
First and foremost, Detox teas are very effective for short-term bloating and constipation relief. Partied a little too hard last week or even last night and want to shed that extra water weight? Detox to the rescue. Constipated? Detox to the rescue. PMS Bloating? Detox can help. However, they do not offer long-term weight loss results unless coupled with a good weight loss food and exercise plan. Detox teas can help, but they are not effective by themselves. So if you are looking for a quick fix, they are not it!
Now when we talk about Detox, we are talking about more than just weight loss. What about overall health? What about removing bad chemicals from the body – can they help with that? Well, the answer is, sort of. The human body already has 2 organs whose sole purpose is to detoxify the body. The liver and kidneys do all of the heavy lifting. So your best bet is to select a detox tea that provides support for those organs – that is the biggest bang for your buck! Also, herbs that support a healthy circulatory system can be beneficial for detoxing (since our blood is what drives the body). Keep your kidneys and liver healthy, and your body will be a detoxing machine!
Other areas can benefit; however, I hesitate to use the word Detox since it has been overused recently. Teas can help with digestion and intestinal problems fairly effectively, but I would not consider that detox. That falls more in the realm of support. The digestive and urinary tract systems are both responsible for expelling toxins from the body, so teas that support healthy digestion and the urinary tract can also be a big help in the detoxing process.
So when looking at Detox teas, reading the label is critical! What is in your tea, and what does it do to the body? Also, how do all of the ingredients in the tea work together? Are they overlapping or stepping all over each other? And the final issue is, your first stop for detox should be your doctor’s office. Ensure that the herbs in your tea are not contraindicated for you and any medications you are currently taking. Remember, that herbal does not necessarily equal safe! It is always best to check with your doctor before you start any herbal regimen.
Below are some common Detox herbs and what they are generally used for:
- Senna Leaf – This herb is FDA approved for clearing the bowels and helping with constipation. However, make sure you do not have a bowel obstruction before taking it!
- Ginger Root – Improves digestion, relieves nausea, and reduces inflammation
- Burdock Root – acts as a diuretic and anti-oxidant
- Yellow Dock Root – reduces inflammation, Laxative, anti-bacterial
- Red Clover Herb – Aids in reducing menopause & PMS symptoms
- Licorice Root – Aids in indigestion, heartburn, anti-inflammatory (aids in the repair of the stomach lining)
- Yerba Santa – Supports healthy respiratory functions
- Goldenrod – Diuretic, supports healthy liver functions
- Buckthorn Bark – Laxative
Herbs that aid in Circulatory Health:
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Butcher’s Broom
- Cinnamon
- Olive Leaf
Herbs that aid in Kidney Health:
- Milk Thistle
- Marshmallow Root
- Ginger Root
- Dandelion Root
- Turmeric
Herbs that aid in Liver Health:
- Milk Thistle Seed
- Dandelion Root
- Turmeric
- Peppermint
- Burdock
Herbs that aid in Urinary Health:
- Dandelion Leaf
- Horsetail
- Marshmallow Root
- Cranberry
- Goldenseal
Herbs that aid in Digestive Health:
- Dandelion
- Ginger Root
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Fennel
Herbs that aid in Intestinal Health:
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Plantain
- Marshmallow Root
- Turmeric
The bottom line is if you treat your organs well, they will, in turn, not only treat you well but keep your body in total balance! Happy Detoxing!
