You are exposed to pollutants from the air, the water, and even in the food you eat. And we’ve all had moments where we’ve treated our body with less love and care than we should. For all of these reasons and more, a detox can sound alluring. But when it comes to a tea like Yogi DeTox blend, is there really any validity to the claims on their box?
The makers of Yogi DeTox claim that it helps the body cleanse itself by boosting the performance of the liver and kidney. They recommend drinking three cups per day for up to 30 days, with a one-week pause between cycles.
The ingredients in one bag of Yogi DeTox tea are quite extensive. They are reportedly all natural and plant-derived. The product label lists the following, many identified as organic: Indian sarsaparilla root, cinnamon bark, ginger, licorice, burdock, dandelion, cardamom, clove, black pepper, juniper berry, long pepper berry, Philodendron bark, rhubarb, skullcap root, Coptis, Forsythia, gardenia, Japanese honeysuckle, and winter melon.
The label doesn’t specify how much of each ingredient is present. But many are commonly found in other detox blends and are known for their reported medicinal properties. Some have been used throughout the ages. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Juniper Berries
These have been used around the world and throughout history for things like congestive heart failure, menstrual pain, and to assist in childbirth. Their inclusion in DeTox tea is likely due to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The berries were also historically used to treat urinary tract infections.
Burdock Root
For centuries, burdock has been used therapeutically in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. A known diuretic, it stimulates digestion and can be used to treat kidney and liver ailments.
Dandelion
Yes, the common yard weed has a long history as a medicinal plant. A natural diuretic with antioxidant properties, it is
Black Pepper
The “King of Spices,” black pepper has many beneficial properties. According to a review from researchers in India, it improves digestion and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
Phellodendron Bark
Past studies
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is little evidence that detoxification diets eliminate toxins from the body. People may have a tendency to feel better after a detox because they’ve eliminated processed foods from their diet, not because their bodies have purged themselves of toxins.
In general, a healthy, functioning human body does quite well at removing toxins from within, particularly if you’re following a healthful diet with minimally processed foods. But for people who seek something extra, a detox diet or tea like this one could provide additional, albeit mild, effects.
It’s important to note that herbs can have powerful effects on the body when taken in large amounts, so use the tea as directed. Also, stay hydrated. Because several of these herbal ingredients are diuretics, your body will be losing fluids and you’ll be passing more urine than usual. It’s important to replenish the fluids within your body to avoid dehydration.
The natural ingredients included in this detox tea have been used for ages to promote various aspects of human health. That being said, your body does quite well at detoxing itself through the healthy functioning of your liver and kidneys. There are few risks associated with drinking a tea like this one, so if you enjoy the flavor anyway, you could reap a few additional benefits.
