Do Detox Teas Promote Weight Loss?

Certain detoxifying herbal teas promote weight loss. The teas that work for weight loss each have different properties, varying from helping to detoxify the liver, to helping to digest carbohydrates, to boosting metabolism. Along with dietary changes, detoxifying teas can help you lose weight.

Types

• The list of teas that help with detoxification and weight loss is long and complex. Get the help of a qualified doctor trained in herbal medicine to help tailor the herbs to your specific needs. A short list of the most useful and most common detoxifying herbs used in detox and weight loss includes: milk thistle and dandelion for liver detox; cardamom seed, black pepper, cinnamon, clove and ginger for blood and colon detox; fennel and hibiscus as traditional European weight loss support herbs; and green tea to increase metabolism.

Liver Detox Function

• Detoxifying the liver can help promote weight loss because one of the liver's main functions is to break down fats and eliminate excess fats in the bile through the small intestine. When the liver is overloaded, as can happen when we are exposed to too much toxicity in our diets, this function can be impaired. With help to do its job better, the liver becomes more efficient at breaking down fats again, and we lose excess fat.

Healthy Colon Function

• A healthy colon is essential to weight loss. If the body is not eliminating toxins at least once daily, there is a danger of the toxins recycling through the body. Keeping a healthy colon ensures that toxins are eliminated. The weight loss effect circles back to supporting the body's ability to detoxify. When this system is working properly, one benefit is losing excess fat.

Fennel

• Fennel tea is generally regarded as safe, according to Dr. James Duke, author of "The Green Pharmacy." It has a long history of supporting gastrointestinal function, and, according to Dr. Duke, was included in the U.S. pharmacopeia until 1970. It is very useful for gastric upset and has some support for obesity, according to Dr. Duke.

Hibiscus and Green Tea

• Hibiscus and green tea are not technically involved in detox but they are both effective as weight loss teas and safe and effective additions to a detox weight loss blend. Hibiscus is a clinically proven herb used in weight loss and is very safe. It is a great addition to any detox weight loss tea blend. According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, obese mice fed hibiscus did lose weight, and the study concluded that hibiscus is effective for weight loss. It is safe, it has a pleasant taste, and there are no known side effects. Green tea will boost metabolism, most likely due to the polyphenols, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Considerations

• Detox herbal formulas are sold pre-packaged and also in bulk form. Always make sure to discuss your weight loss and detoxification plan with a qualified doctor trained in herbal medicine. Any detox program should go along with a healthy diet and exercise program.