Easy-to-Make Detox Teas for Summer

It's that time of year again: summer. The season for vacations, BBQs and long days by the pool or on the beach. It's also a time when we often neglect our health as we get caught up in all the fun stuff going on outside. That includes drinking more alcohol, eating less healthy food, and not getting enough sleep – three things that can lead to one thing: toxin build-up in the body.

How do we get toxins into our bodies? 

Toxins can enter our bodies in various ways, including food, drinks, air, and personal hygiene products.

Food is one of the possible sources of toxins, but, it's something we can have control over. When a food contains chemicals or compounds that we aren't supposed to have, our bodies cannot digest them. Instead, they get stored in our cells and act as toxins that slowly build up over time. We may also be eating foods with minute amounts of chemicals or compounds that can accumulate in high concentrations day after day. 

When it comes to drinks, one of the most common culprits is tap water. Tap water can contain many trace chemicals, including chlorine and fluoride. Both are believed to be harmful in small doses. Other drinks that can cause toxin build-up include coffee, soda, and alcohol. How? Coffee, soda, and alcohol can become contaminated with toxins during the manufacturing process. Also, alcohol can cause toxins to build up in your body when you drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day.

Air contains many things that we don't want to breathe in regularly. One of these substances is formaldehyde, which often shows up as a preservative in cosmetics. It's not a good idea to expose your body to air-borne toxins on a regular basis. Also, the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal can create toxins in the air that we usually breathe daily.

Personal hygiene products can also become a source of harmful compounds. They can be made up of many different substances, some of which are toxic. Most of them contain potentially harmful chemicals that we absorb into our bodies when we use them, and they are not regulated by the FDA because they are cosmetic products.

For instance, shampoos and soaps often contain SLS (sodium laurate), a chemical linked to cancer in lab tests, but the amount humans would experience from using these products is unknown. Other sources of toxins include certain cosmetics and deodorants as well as tanning beds, nail salons and hair salons that rely on sprays with harmful chemicals.

While eating a healthy diet can naturally decrease our exposure to these compounds as well as boost our immune system, some experts believe that we should be sure to replace certain items in our daily routine with toxin-free products in order to decrease our risk of cancer and other health problems.

What is a detox tea?

In the recent years, detox teas have become very popular. But what is a detox tea, and how does it work?

The term detoxification refers to the process in which the body rids itself of toxins that build up over time because of an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Our liver and kidneys naturally excrete many toxins from our bloodstream as part of their regular functions, but they, too, have their limits.

When we make poor diet choices, eat unhealthy foods, or take prescription medications that can leave a residue of harmful compounds in our bodies, it is time to help them (our liver and kidneys) out by detoxifying.

How do detox teas work?

More specifically, there are two different ways in which a detox tea can work:

1. Internal Detoxification:

The teas interact with our bodies to help rid us of harmful residue and even excess fat, as well as other bodily wastes. This is often done through the use of diuretic (meaning it promotes urination) herbs that flush toxins out of our systems naturally; however, because they are also often diuretic, you may need to go running to the bathroom from time to time!

2. External Detoxification:

The teas work through our skin after applying them topically in a mask, as a compress, or even as an infusion mixed with some oil and spread onto our skin. In doing so, they draw out toxic substances from the body in a natural way.

Detoxing benefits of specific ingredients in the tea

Detox teas are beneficial. But depending on what type, there may be some ingredients that give off stronger benefits than others.

For example, herbs like dandelion root, milk thistle seeds, and ginger all carry other properties in them, such as the ability to cleanse the liver.

There are even detox teas that include other ingredients such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients all have their own benefits of improving overall health, so choosing a tea that includes as many different and advantageous ingredients as possible is your best bet!

Antioxidant

The antioxidant properties of oranges, carrots, and broccoli can help to improve strengthen the immune system, which is essential for fighting off illness during our long summer days.

Betacarotene

Summer fruits such as peaches, strawberries, and apples are rich in betacarotene, which are believed to help the body fight cancer cells.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols have been shown to help prevent certain diseases. On the other hand, tea has excellent levels of antioxidants too, which can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring organic compounds, including catechins, flavonoids, theanine, phenolic acid and tannins. Polyphenols are being studied for their potential in cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease protection and as anti-ageing agents.
Tannins are contained in tea have been found to neutralize uric acid, which is associated with gout. Drinking 2-3 cups of black tea every day can help lower uric acid levels that can cause gout attacks.
Types of tea that contain high levels of tannins are black and white, which means green, jasmine, and oolong teas have lower levels. Green tea can also be considered a detoxifier because it contains caffeine which gives you an energy boost making you more alert and energetic throughout the day.

Vitamins and minerals

We know that there are various types of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. Some vitamins and minerals can help promote strong bones, other help improves gut health, and so on.
However, many people dislike the idea of eating meals like vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamins and minerals, which the body requires. The good news is that certain vitamins and minerals can be obtained by drinking teas.

Detox Tea Recipes

If you're looking to detox from the summer heat this year, then look no further. Detox teas are a great way to help your body get rid of any toxins that may have built up from all that BBQing and drinking at backyard parties. These teas also provide a refreshing taste for your palate after having too much sugar and salt! With so many natural ingredients, it's hard not to find one that will suit your preferences perfectly.

Check out these top detox tea recipes perfect for the summer: 

Aloe Vera Detox Tea Recipe

This tea is made with aloe vera juice (about 1/2 teaspoon) and honey. This recipe is for when you have a cold or are feeling stressed out. This drink can help your body detox and feel rejuvenated.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup drinking water
• 1 aloe vera leaf or 2 tablespoons of ready-made aloe vera juice
• 2 tablespoons sweetener like honey or maple syrup 

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut a top and bottom end off of an aloe leaf using a knife.
2. Cut off the sides, removing thorns.
3. The leaves can be peeled open, or you may cut the leaf in half.
4. The green aloe vera skin and yellow or green liquid are toxic, so make sure to remove the contents, clean it again after opening, and discard the entire skin.
5. To remove the clear gel from the plant, use a sharp knife or spoon to scrape across the bottom of it.
6. Hold the gel with your hands under running water or simply rinse it off in a bowl filled with water.
7. Add two tablespoons of the aloe vera gel into a blender.
8. Pour 1 cup of water (and any sweetener like honey or maple syrup if desired).
9. Blend for 60 seconds to combine the ingredients or drink right away.

Drinking aloe juice is excellent for detoxification, weight loss, hydration, digestion, skin conditions like acne and more!  

Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Tea Recipe with Lemon Juice  

This tea is made with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and honey or maple syrup as desired. This

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (or your favourite sweetener!)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 dash cayenne

Instructions:

1. Get a cup of warm water and
2. Add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup (add as much as desired), and cinnamon to the cup of water.
3. Stir to combine the ingredients.

Cinnamon has antioxidant properties which help fight free radicals that come from alcohol consumption. It also helps reduce blood sugar levels already within the normal range, and it slows down your body's absorption of some nutrients like carbohydrates after meals. Cinnamon is great for weight loss!

Chai Base Herbal Detox Tea

Basic detox tea recipes are very simple to make. All you need is a cup and a teapot. Many different herbs can be used in your tea, depending on what kind of energy or health benefits you are looking for. The easiest way to get started in making your own tea blends is to begin with a chai or tisane (herbal) base.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts peppermint leaves
• 1 part basil leaves
• 1 part rosemary leaves
• Cinnamon bark sticks for tea and garnish (or ground cinnamon)

Instructions:

1. Decoct the peppermint, basil and rosemary in water for 5 minutes.
2. Strain the herbs out of the water and add the cinnamon bark pieces into the liquid, simmering gently until desired strength is obtained (about 10–15 minutes).
3. Sweeten with honey if desired.
4. Garnish with cinnamon stick pieces

Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

This Ginger-Turmeric Herbal Tea drink is made with fresh ginger, organic turmeric root powder(a spice), lemon juice and honey or maple syrup as desired. Not only does this combination make an amazing tasting, but it also can help sick people feel better! This drink is especially helpful for those who are dealing with colds and the flu.  

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered drinking water
• ½ teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a small cooking pot
2. Add turmeric and ginger.
3. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain tea into a large glass.
5. Let sit for 4 minutes for the flavours to infuse.
6. Add honey or maple syrup to taste and add a lemon wedge as garnish.

This drink is good for 1 to 2 servings.

Common myths about drinking detox teas debunked 

Drinking detox teas is becoming increasingly popular among individuals looking to eliminate toxins from their bodies. There are a number of purported benefits, including improved mental and physical health, weight loss, boosted energy, and other surprising claims. But is there evidence behind these statements? And what are the most common myths?
Detox teas have been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a way to rid the body of excess poisons or toxins. Today's most popular detox teas often combine conventional remedies with modern scientific knowledge about which herbs can improve specific bodily functions. For example, senna leaves will trigger bowel movements, while dandelion root can act as a diuretic to flush out extra water from the kidneys. Other ingredients simply enhance digestion with their naturally occurring essential oils. A good detox tea brand will offer plenty of options for customization - whether it's tailored toward specific health concerns or more broad.

Myth: Detox teas can make you lose weight

Truth: Detox teas can HELP you temporarily loose weight

While the thought of being able to lose weight without much effort sounds great, unfortunately, it's just not true. Most detox teas provide cleansing without any actual weight loss benefits. Even though some may produce diuretic effects, which can drain excess fluid from the body, this is only temporary. One of the ingredients commonly used for this purpose is a dandelion leaf, which is a natural source of potassium, an essential electrolyte lost when you urinate. However, just because these products act as a laxative doesn't mean they will cause rapid weight loss or somehow magically improve your health. Diuretics might make you gradually eliminate excess fluids from the body. Still, unfortunately, most if not all of the weight that people lose while taking these products comes from 'water weight' and will return once they resume their normal dietary habits.

Myth: You can see drastic results with detox teas

Truth: There is NO QUICK FIX when it comes to detoxification

Some detox teas claim to provide you with a multitude of benefits associated with detox aside from weight loss. This can include things like flushing out toxins, breaking down fat cells, and suppressing one's appetite, to name a few.
Unfortunately, when it comes to your body's metabolism and biology, there are no quick fixes like being free from body toxins or free radicals or for losing a great deal of weight in a short period of time.
If you don't have an actual physiological need for detoxification or improved bowel function, then this is very unlikely to play any role in achieving weight loss in the future.

F.A.Q.s about drinking detox tea 

Here are Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s about detox teas) and answers to them:

Does detox tea make you lose weight?

Our body mass index (BMI) is actually a measure of our height versus our weight, where the number says how heavy we are for how tall we are, but not really how healthy we are. Weight loss is more about what you eat than what you drink, as all detox teas will do is aid your metabolism in burning calories rather than having an effect on your appetite or making fat burn off magically with no effort required from us. Any weight loss attributed to drinking detox tea can be put down to metabolic changes that result in the body needing fewer calories to function properly. Thus it's better to focus on eating well and exercising.

What are some other ways I can use my tea blend?

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to mixing different ingredients together. You can add superfoods like goji berries, maca powder or chia seeds; fruits such as oranges, lemons or ginger root; veggies such as cucumbers and spinach; and even herbs like lavender flowers or rose petals into your tea! The possibilities are endless!

What is the best time to drink the tea and why 

Ever wondered when the best time to drink Detox Tea is? Although sipping the tea throughout the day is great, we recommend drinking the detox tea in the morning and at night. This will help cleanse your system for about 24 hours a day as this gives you a fresh start to get rid of any excess toxins after meal times.

Tips on what you should do after drinking a cup of detox tea

So, you've been drinking detox teas. Now, what should you do next?

Exercise, enjoy, and relax.

You can start your day with some activities such as going for a walk or running.

You could also hit the gym, go swimming or even try yoga to relax your mind and body! The most important part is that you must enjoy yourself after drinking detox tea!

Elevate feet above heart level

After drinking your tea, elevate your feet above heart level. This will help push the toxins out of your body more quickly.

Drink plenty of water!

It's important to drink plenty of water after you've had detox tea, so your body can flush out the toxins that it has just released.

Try to avoid caffeinated beverages.

Cutting caffeine out of your daily routine can help you get rid of excess water weight and reduce bloating. Don't forget that decaffeinated coffee is included in your detox as well!

Do not over-exercise or drink too much alcohol while drinking detox teas. 

Do not over-exercise or drink too much alcohol while drinking detox teas. These activities will dehydrate you and make it harder for the tea to work its magic! Enjoy yourself and be healthy!
One last thing...
Try detox teas only after consultation with a doctor who can monitor your health during the process. Some ingredients are not suitable for certain individuals, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or those with chronic conditions. Be sure to consult a physician before using these teas if you fall into any of those categories!
Detox teas are not a substitute for the doctor's recommendation of quitting smoking or treating any other health problems you may have. Be sure to follow a doctor's orders when it comes to your health as well.
Detox teas come in many flavours and varieties, so try one that sounds good to you today! For other products such as health supplements, visit our products page to check what we have to offer! 

Detox and supercharge with Green's Nutrition!

A lot of people find themselves in need of detox teas over the summer. They could be trying to get out of that rut they've been stuck in all winter long, or it could be the effects of foods and drinks during this time that cause them to feel sluggish, bloated, or both. Whatever their reason may be for wanting a boost in energy, we're here to help!
We also have Greens Nutrition Dietary supplement that you can take to supercharge your body with superfoods.

This is completely organic, so you know there are no nasty chemicals inside. We also provide an extensive list of what the ingredients are, so you know what goes into each scoop you pour in your drink. 
You can mix it with hot or cold water with your detox teas to change up the flavour if you'd like. If you're looking for something really refreshing, we recommend combining it with ice cubes! 
Instead of going into a store and finding something you may not enjoy drinking because of its bland flavour, we let you customize and find what works best for you.
We are here to help!
If you have any questions or concerns, don't be afraid to ask us in the comments below, send us an email, or call our customer support..

Cleanse your system with detox teas

When the liver and kidneys are functioning properly, they can manage to eliminate all health-threatening toxins from our bodies. But sometimes, factors like stress or a poor diet can interfere with this. If you are unsure about how toxic your body is, it is always best to consult a doctor before using any detox teas or other detox kits. As long as you drink plenty of water and use the tips mentioned above, detox teas should be an effective way to cleanse your system!