Detox Tea For Weight Loss

By Steven Wallace


Those interested in looking and feeling better often begin with a diet, since losing a few pounds is a common goal. Using a detox tea for weight loss is one way to attain an ideal weight. However, these teas, usually herbal in nature, require the user to have some knowledge of the properties of the ingredients and how each individual herb should be used. Even natural remedies can be harmful if used improperly.

First of all, herbs can be strong medicine. Anyone taking prescription drugs should be aware of interactions with herbs (and even foods). Things like anti-depressants and blood pressure medicines may not work well with a particular herb, even if it is a plant that has many health benefits. Ask a knowledgeable person, like a doctor or pharmacist.

Teas that purport to cleanse the body of toxins often contain standard herbs that have been used for this purpose for centuries. This list includes purifying herbs, diuretics, laxatives, digestive aids, and plants added for a pleasing taste and aroma. Tradition may say that an herb is OK for daily use, or the recommendation might be to use it sporadically.

Purifying herbs clean the bloodstream and help kidneys and the liver remove toxins. The list includes burdock and dandelion. Milk thistle is known to be beneficial to the liver, promoting healing and new cell growth. These are fairly well-known plants and will be familiar to many.

These are considered nutritive and tonic herbs, but you should be aware that they may have diuretic and laxative properties, too. Stronger diuretics include parsley, horsetail, hawthorn, juniper, lemongrass, and hibiscus. Of course, diuretics are often used in weight loss products, and losing 'water weight' can help shed pounds, but diuretics should not be overused. Anyone taking prescription drugs for water retention or edema should be especially cautious.

Detox teas usually contain one or more laxative herbs. Cascara sagrada is considered a mild laxative, while senna is a bit more powerful. Senna is very common in over-the-counter laxatives. Fenugreek and chickweed are considered mild, but aloe is classified as a purgative (very strong). Rhubarb is another plant with definite laxative properties, as well as working to cleanse several organs.

Formulas are designed to balance the effects of one herb with that of another, which is considered a good and safe practice. However, a consumer should check the ingredients of a formula before choosing to use it. You would not want too many diuretics in combination, or too many herbs with laxative effects. Dehydration, which some consider to be an epidemic already, is not a result to be desired.

A formula based on ginger or peppermint, both of which boost digestion and add a tasty flavor to a tea, could have some mixture of the herbs listed above and be a pleasant help in shedding excess pounds. Consumers should monitor the effects of any herbal product and make sure it is gentle as well as effective. When formulated and used properly, a detox tea can be very helpful. Most detoxes are suggested for a one or two week period, not for continuous use.




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