It’s no secret that black and herbal teas offer a multitude of health benefits. Many people consume teas to detoxify the body. However, it’s essential to differentiate between beneficial teas and those that might cause more harm than good, especially so-called detox teas containing Senna or Cascara that act as harsh laxatives. On the other hand, some herbal detox teas have genuinely helpful ingredients that can aid in detoxification. But how can you tell the difference? And what exactly does detox tea do? Continue reading to discover more about the different types of detox teas available, their effects on your body, and better solutions for detoxification and cleansing.
Why Do People Drink Detox Teas?
When you feel sluggish from overindulgence, a cup of tea often seems like a simple solution. People might turn to detox teas after eating too much or when they want to cleanse their bodies of toxins and impurities. These products often advertise impressive benefits like quick and easy weight loss or reduction of belly fat, sometimes endorsed by high-profile celebrities. However, it is essential to approach these claims cautiously. Laxative detox teas cannot instantly erase the excesses of the previous night. In contrast, adopting a routine involving natural, detoxifying, and healing herbal teas like green tea can be a beneficial habit. Consuming these teas first thing in the morning, after a meal, or before bed enhances their effectiveness, but it’s critical to pick the right herbs over quick fixes.
What Kinds of Detox Tea Are There?
Detox teas can be classified into two main types: laxative detox teas and herbal detox teas. Understanding the difference between these types is crucial.
Laxative Detox Teas
Senna or Cascara sagrada in detox teas are stimulant laxatives that cause the intestines to contract, leading to discomfort, cramping, reduced water weight, and potential dehydration. Consuming these products excessively can harm your stomach and intestines, provide no lasting weight control, and have minimal effects on calorie absorption. They can disrupt the gut’s microbiome and interfere with liver function, so they should be consumed with caution.
Herbal Detox Teas
On the contrary, herbal detox teas can gently detoxify your body and rejuvenate your system. Some of the best herbal detox teas include ingredients like licorice, lemongrass, ginger, dandelion root, and milk thistle. In Chinese culture, licorice is a medicinal herb with powerful properties for discouraging harmful organisms in the body and promoting a strong immune system. Milk thistle supports liver health and detoxification, while dandelion tea is great after meals to aid digestion and support liver function. Other beneficial herbs can also contribute to detoxification, like apple cider vinegar, green juice, or aloe vera juice, in various detox drinks.
Are All Detox Teas Bad for You?
Not all detox teas are detrimental. Some, free from laxatives, help rid the body of toxins and introduce antioxidants, promoting better health. The best herbal detox teas include ingredients like licorice, milk thistle, lemongrass, and dandelion leaf. Be wary of commercial Senna or Cascara detox teas, which can be too harsh on your colon and digestive system, causing short-term cramping and long-term intestinal issues like colon staining, cell death, and dependency on laxatives. A safer alternative for occasional constipation is an oxygenated colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder, which works overnight without causing discomfort or cramps.
