Walk down the tea aisle of your local grocery store, and you’ll see many health claims about teas. Brands like Yogi have dozens of ailment or illness-specific products, from teas for liver detox, a colon cleanse detox tea, and kidney detox teas, among many others. Unfortunately, there’s little science supporting the claims made on those labels. 

What Is Detox Tea?

Detox teas are usually a blend of herbs and flavors designed to promote healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve renal function. Many of these products make strong claims about the efficacy of natural ingredients like:

  • Ginger
  • Dandelion root
  • Green tea
  • Tumeric 
  • Peppermint

How Does Detox Tea Work?

In theory, detox teas help your body remove unstable molecules called free radicals, which have been linked to health problems. They may also improve digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements and exhibit some antioxidant properties. However, the most well-researched function of detox tea is its role as a diuretic. While most detox claims to be naturally caffeine-free, many have ingredients that increase urine production that may flush out excess water weight. It’s worth noting that “slimming” detox teas, products designed to support weight loss, usually only offer short-term results by increasing urination and lowering water weight, which is quickly regained. 

The Science Behind Detox Tea

The existing literature does not support the claimed benefits of detox teas. Little scientific research supports the use of detox products, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), calls these studies “low quality.” The NCCIH cites “study design problems, few participants, or lack of peer review” as prevalent shortcomings of these studies. 

Are Detox Teas Healthy?

Most detox teas contain an herbal blend that is often identical to other available products. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have penalized several detox products, including detox teas, because they contain illegal and potentially harmful ingredients. They have also fined companies for making false claims.

There have been many instances of detox plans, many of which call for both detox teas and laxatives, leading to severe hyponatremia, liver failure, and other issues. 

Read more: Frozen vs. Fresh Fruits and Veggies: What’s Healthier?f

Is Detox Tea Good for Cancer?

There is no sound research that shows tea can lower the risk of cancer diagnosis or support cancer treatments. Much of this information is linked to a specific tea called Essiac, which is made from four herbs: burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, and Indian Rhubarb root. Some variations also include watercress, thistle, red clover, and kelp. Despite persistent claims that Essiac tea cures cancer, there’s no evidence that it impacts cancer risk or treatments in any way. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, the National Cancer Institute, and the CAM-Cancer group have all analyzed Essiac several times, with no evidence supporting the manufacturer’s claims. 

Tea can have positive health benefits, especially for those looking to replace or reduce caffeine intake by switching from coffee or replacing sugary drinks. However, tea is not the cure-all many brands claim. Like any other food or beverage, tea is one component of a healthy diet and lifestyle, not a magic elixir. 

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