Detox teas can be purchased in boxed forms at a variety of stores. But these boxed teas can become expensive if used daily over a long period of time, and you don't have a choice of the ingredients in the product. Making a daily detox tea at home is easy, and there are a variety of herbs available for the process.
Dandelion Leaf
One of the ingredients that is beneficial in a homemade daily detox tea is dandelion leaf. That is because dandelion leaf is a mild diuretic, according to natural health writer C. J. Puotinen in her book, "Herbs for Detoxification." This helps to rid the body of excess fluids without disrupting the body's balance of potassium and other minerals, adds Puotinen. Use two parts loose dandelion leaf, which can be purchased in bulk at most health food stores, to other ingredients in your tea.
Burdock Root
Burdock root is another herb that is important in a daily detox tea according to Shari Lieberman, PhD in her book, "User's Guide to Detoxification." This root has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to eliminate uric acid. It also helps the kidneys filter out toxins, while moving them through the bloodstream and out the skin. Use an equal amount of burdock root to other herbs in your mix.
Goldenseal
Lieberman also recommends goldenseal as an herb to include in a daily detox tea. Berberine, a component of goldenseal, is antibacterial and is an immune system booster. Goldenseal also helps to cleanse the blood and the liver. Though often sold in capsule form, it can also be purchased in root form that can be ground. Again, use one part goldenseal to other herbs in your detox tea.
Ginger
Though ginger may be known more as a spice for food, it can also be used in tea form to help detoxify the body. Ginger both aids in digestion and is very effective in detoxification, according to Dr. Sandra A. McLanahan in her book, "Surgery and Its Alternatives: How to Make the Right Choices for Your Health." This occurs mostly through ginger's heating properties, which increase circulation and moves toxins out of the body through the skin. Ginger root can be found at most grocery stores, or can be purchased in powder form. Since ginger has a strong flavor, the amount should be specified to your taste.
References
- "Herbs for Detoxification"; C. J. Puotinen; 1999
- "User's Guide to Detoxification"; Shari Lieberman, PhD; 2005
- "Surgery and Its Alternatives: How to Make the Right Choices for Your Health"; Sandra A. McLanahan, PhD; 2003
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