Using 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.

Of course, anyone taking prescription medicines must be especially careful. Most laymen and even most doctors don't know how a drug might react when used with an herb. Many medical practitioners recommend avoiding all herbs, but this really does limit their patients' ability to regain health and well-being. Detox teas often contain some of the more potent herbs, however, so caution is important.

There are many different formulas of cleansing teas, but there are a familiar few that are standard in products of this description. Some herbs are alright for daily use, but most are better when used occasionally or for a short period of time. Herbs that work as diuretics, laxatives, purifiers, and flavor additives are on this list.

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.

Laxative herbs are also found in detox formulas. Mild ones include cascara sagrada and flax, while senna and rhubarb are considered slightly stronger. Fenugreek and chickweed are other mild laxatives. Aloe vera is an herb that is soothing to the skin and intestines but can have a strong purgative effect when used internally.

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.

Other herbs are often added for their effect on digestion and for their tasty flavor and aroma. Ginger, peppermint, and licorice (or fennel) add a pleasant taste and smell, but they are all valuable digestive aids, too. These mild herbs can also dilute the stronger, more targeted herbs in a formula and make the product gentle though effective. Each person should understand the effects of a tea and use it accordingly. The results should never include cramping or purging; which are signs that a mixture is too strong.




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