Detox Tea For Weight Loss

By Steven Wallace


People often resolve to lose excess pounds and get more exercise after the holidays. Detox tea for weight loss can be of real benefit if used properly. A good herbal formula can help rid the body of toxins, improve digestion and elimination, and boost energy. All of these things help lose weight. However, care must be taken to choose a safe, gentle formula and customize its use to the individual system.

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.

A detox formula will be a cleansing one. However, there are cleansing herbs and then there are others which are mainly laxatives or diuretics. The latter are best used occasionally and for short periods of time. Check each formula for herbs which are classified as purifying, laxative, diuretic, or perhaps mainly added for flavor. You will find that many herbs are commonly included, while others may be unique to a particular brand.

Purifying herbs might have some diuretic or laxative effect, but they have more of an effect on the kidneys and liver, helping these organs clean toxins from the bloodstream. In this category are burdock, dandelion, and milk thistle. Dandelion and milk thistle promote good digestion, while burdock is especially helpful for those with skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema.

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.

Formulas are designed to let herbs buffer each other, keeping any one from being too strong. A formula should not have too many herbs with similar properties. Too much of a laxative or diuretic could lead to dehydration, which is already a common problem in modern society. Detox should proceed gradually, as should weight loss. Herbals are generally safe when used in the time honored way and in the manner that has proved safe over centuries of use.

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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