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.

Herbs are strong medicine, but they have been used for centuries and their properties are well-established and often validated by modern research. However, their use with prescription drugs (a relatively recent development) is less well-known. Care must be taken when combining pharmaceuticals and herbals.

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 include burdock, which is a blood cleanser and skin tonic. Dandelion is another well-know plant; research shows that it has beneficial actions on the liver and kidneys, as well as on intestinal health. Milk thistle helps detoxify and heal the liver; it also aids digestion.

These nutritive and tonic herbs must still be considered as diuretics and laxatives when combined with more targeted herbs. In other words, consider the effect of the formula as a whole when deciding what to use. Stronger diuretics include horsetail, lemongrass, parsley, juniper, hawthorn, and hibiscus. Losing water weight can help reach a 'pounds lost' goal, but care must be taken. Those on prescription pills for edema or water retention should be doubly 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.

Using herbs in combination is considered a good practice, as the effects of one herb can be enhanced or buffered by those of another. Anyone using detox formulas must closely monitor the results. A particular formula with several of the laxative herbs might be too strong for daily use. Similarly, too many diuretics in one product might lead to dehydration, which is already a common problem for many.

Other common herbs found in these formulas are ginger and peppermint, as well as fennel or licorice. These are usually added for flavor and aroma, but also for their beneficial effects on digestion. Proper digestion and elimination are both valuable in any weight control program. Using a cleansing tea can help you to your ideal weight in a sensible and healthy way.




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