Buying guide for best detox teas
These days, many people are looking for ways to rid their bodies of impurities and toxins that can leave you feeling fatigued and bloated. While there are pills, powders, and other supplements that can help you detox, detox teas can be a great option because of the natural health benefits of tea.
Not all detox teas are created equal, though. You not only want to choose a tea that’s safe to use but one that can also deliver the detox results you seek. That means choosing the right type of tea and the best ingredients so the formula can effectively meet your needs. But with so many detox teas on the market, sorting through all the options can soon get overwhelming.
If you’re looking for a good detox tea, our shopping guide offers all the tips you need to choose the best formula for you.
The health benefits of tea
Even if you’re only drinking plain tea, you’ll likely see some health benefits. Most varieties of tea are chock-full of antioxidants, which fight free radical damage and jump-start the body’s natural cleansing process. Some studies suggest that drinking tea can also lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as decrease your blood pressure, increase your energy, help with weight maintenance, and boost your mental focus.
How is detox tea different?
While all teas can help you feel better, detox teas are formulated to target specific organs in the body that help with the natural detoxifying process, such as the liver and kidneys. That allows the tea to help rid the body of toxins and other impurities while also providing additional health benefits.
Some detox teas also contain natural laxatives, which are meant to move waste through the body more quickly. However, these varieties should only be used for occasional bouts of constipation because long-term use can result in diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
Detox tea features to consider
Tea type
As with any type of tea, detox tea is available as whole or loose-leaf tea and in tea bags. Both types can make a tasty cup of tea, but you might prefer one over the other based on how you like to drink your tea.
Loose-leaf detox tea: This is made of whole tea leaves packaged in a bag or tin. To brew a cup of the tea, you either add a spoonful of the leaves to the bottom of your cup or place the leaves in a infuser that you set inside the cup. Next, pour boiling water over the tea and allow it to steep for a few minutes. Lift the infuser out of the cup or remove the loose leaves with a strainer before drinking the tea.
Loose-leaf tea usually offers a better flavor than tea bags because the whole leaves haven’t lost any of their essential oils or aroma. If flavor is your main priority, opt for a loose-leaf detox tea. These varieties require an infuser or strainer, so they can be more difficult to prepare away from home.
Detox tea bags: These are paper packets filled with pieces of tea leaves. To make a cup of the tea, you add the bag to a cup and pour boiling water over it. Allow the tea to steep for your desired time, and then remove the bag before drinking the tea.
The broken leaves in tea bags release more tannins, which can give the tea a bitter taste compared to loose-leaf tea. But detox tea bags are an ideal option if you’re looking for convenience. You can easily take the bags with you so you can brew a cup whenever you want to.
Ingredients
When you’re choosing a detox tea, the ingredients are the most important thing to consider. For a tea to be effective, it must have ingredients that can help detoxify the body and provide other health benefits.
However, when you’re checking the ingredient list of a detox tea, be careful to avoid formulas that contain senna. It is an extremely powerful herbal laxative that’s only suitable for temporary use. If you plan to drink detox tea on a regular basis, opt for a senna-free tea.
Some ingredients to look for in a detox tea include the following:
Green tea is often used as a base for detox tea because it’s high in antioxidants. It’s also known to increase metabolism and help burn fat.
Black tea is another common base for detox tea and is an especially good option if you have digestive issues. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe a variety of intestinal and gastric problems.
Dandelion is often included in detox tea because some research indicates that it may help with the production of bile, which works to move toxins from the liver so they can be excreted from the body. Dandelion can also help protect against liver damage and work as a natural diuretic to increase urine production.
Milk thistle is an herb that’s believed to help protect the liver from common toxins like alcohol or acetaminophen.
Burdock is a plant root that can also be helpful in protecting the liver from the toxic effects of alcohol and over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s also high in antioxidants and believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Artichoke is rich in antioxidants and can help stimulate the production of bile to help rid the body of toxins. It’s also thought to aid in lowering cholesterol levels.
Chamomile is a common ingredient in detox teas because it helps with stress and anxiety. It stimulates melatonin and serotonin production, which help the body react to stress.
Ginger is an ideal ingredient to look for in a detox tea if you have digestive issues. It can help with the absorption of food after eating, reduce nausea, and reduce bloating.
Peppermint is often included in detox teas aimed at weight loss or weight management. It can help reduce your appetite and work to boost the metabolism when used in conjunction with green tea.
Lavender is full of antioxidants, so it can help fight free radical damage in the body. It can also help with arthritis and joint pain.
Pu-erh tea can be a key ingredient in detox tea because it helps to regulate bowel movements and improve regularity. Some research also indicates that it may help lower LDL cholesterol.
- Echinacea might be included in a detox tea to help boost the immune system. It can help kill bacteria and fight inflammation, too.
Detox tea prices
Detox tea varies in price based on the type of tea and number of servings in the package. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $4 and $65.
Budget-friendly
Detox tea bags that include 15 or fewer servings cost between $4 and $10.
Mid-range
Detox tea bags that include 15 to 25 servings cost between $10 and $20. Detox loose-leaf tea that includes 20 to 40 servings costs between $12 and $30.
Expensive
Detox tea bags that include 25 or more servings cost between $20 to $35. Detox loose-leaf tea that includes 40 or more servings usually costs between $30 and $65.
Tips
Read the instructions. Always follow the instructions that come with detox tea to determine how many cups you should have a day. In most cases, you can safely have three servings per day.
Drink detox tea in the morning. For maximum benefits, have a cup of detox tea first thing in the morning. It can energize you as you prepare for the day ahead.
Don’t add milk. It’s best not to add milk to detox teas. The milk may reduce the effectiveness of some of the ingredients.
- Drink detox tea to quell hunger. If you’re using a detox tea to lose or maintain your weight, drink a cup whenever you’re feeling hungry. It can help fill you up so you’re less likely to indulge in sweets or other junk food.
FAQ
Q. Is detox tea safe to drink?
A. Most detox teas are perfectly safe. However, it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully to make sure that you know what all the ingredients are. It’s also a good idea to consult with your doctor before incorporating any herbal product like detox tea into your diet. It’s usually not recommended that pregnant or nursing women drink detox tea, and anyone with kidney or liver issues might want to avoid them as well.
Q. What are some possible side effects of detox tea?
A. Some detox teas contain high amounts of caffeine, which means they could cause restlessness and insomnia, especially if taken in the evening. You might also experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and tremors. Detox teas that target the colon and digestive system can also cause gas, nausea, and diarrhea.
Q. Can detox tea help with weight loss?
A. Some detox teas are designed to assist with weight loss because they can help boost metabolism, curb appetite, and burn fat. However, it’s important to remember that detox tea alone is not enough to help you lose weight. For the best results, combine the tea with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
