Detox Tea Detriment

Detox Teas are attracting a lot of attention these days for weight loss, increased energy, and general detoxification of the body. The problem with many of these teas is that they are laced with stimulants that increase peristalsis causing bowel cramping, pain and diarrhea. Many of the teas actually leave the consumer more fatigued with a weakened digestive system.


Teas to avoid includes ingredients with purgatives stimulating the bowel aggressively including: Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) and Mang Xiao (Mirabilite or Glauber's Salt) these herbs should only be prescribed by a skilled Herbalist.

Teas that benefit digestion and are mild in effect and are safe for most include: Ginger, Dandelion Root, Peppermint, Fennel and Orange Peel.

Detox teas that include licorice should be avoided with people who have high blood pressure as this herb tends to raise blood pressure.

The best way to detox is to eliminate processed foods, alcohol, cigarettes and stressors in your life. Increase dark leafy greens, Vitamin C consumption (up to 5,000 milligrams), Take EPA/DHA Fish Oil 1,200 mg, and drink Green Tea daily. For an extra boost drink Raw Apple Cider Vinegar 2 TBs. for improved digestion and neutralizing toxins in the body.

For a more serious approach to detoxification I like the 28 Day Detoxification program in The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook- Whole Foods Recipes for Personal and Planetary Health by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre, M.S., C.N. --



www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen N. Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in Parenting Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study.