Sunday 18 December 2016

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.

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.

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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