"A modern lifestyle increasingly exposes us to pollutants found in our food, water, and air," says master herbalist and co-founder of Pukka Herbs, Sebastian Pole. "This creates challenges for our bodies, leaving us feeling sluggish and lethargic with a desire to detox." The thing is, you don't have to do anything crazy to reset your system. In fact, you can use teas to do the work for you. "Cleansing teas support the body’s detoxification process, as well as providing essential nutrients that assist in vital cell function and renewal—leaving you feeling healthy and glowing inside and out," says Pole.
He continues: "An occasional detoxification should leave you clear-headed and relaxed, so you sleep soundly and feel refreshed upon waking. The best times of year to detoxify are at the junctions of the seasons—in the early spring and early autumn—in order to cleanse the accumulated sluggish-mucus from winter and the dry-heat from the summer. It will invigorate you so that you are ready to enjoy the wonders of each season with renewed health and enthusiasm."
Many of the herbs in cleansing teas help our bodies to cleanse naturally. "Ingredients like nettle are great at ridding the body of excess waste, aniseed is a renowned herb for detoxifying, and fennel’s strong anti-inflammatory properties help soothe an upset digestive system and clear toxins," explains Pole. "Turmeric, one of the great liver-loving herbs helps your liver work more efficiently."
To regulate digestion...
A potent blend of aniseed, cardamom, celery seed, coriander, fennel, and licorice will "regulate digestion, clear mucus, and cleanse the liver, blood, and lymphatic system," says Pole. "Fennel, coriander, and celery seeds help with the elimination of inflammatory toxins and uric acid from the blood and flush the urinary system."
To purify the blood...
"A healing dose of peppermint, nettle, and chlorophyll (which has been used for centuries as a blood tonic) will purify your blood, soothe the liver, and cleanse the skin," explains Pole. "Add aloe vera powder to help cool and heal the skin and it'll be the perfect minty blend for healthy skin."
To neutralize free radicals...
"Sencha green tea, Pin Ho Wild Jade green tea, and Indian green tea work really well with matcha powder to bring you a high amount of antioxidants to support lasting good health," says Pole. "Green tea contains catechin polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that act by neutralizing harmful free radicals."
To detoxify your liver...
"Blend Sencha green whole leaf tea (rich in polyphenols) with dandelion root, turmeric root, and lemon fruits, all known for their cleansing properties and support for detoxification in the liver," explains Pole.
To reduce bloating...
"With sweet fennel seed from Turkey, bitter fennel seed from Bulgaria, and fennel leaf from the English countryside, this mixture creates a soothing and balancing tea to restore harmony in the body. It is traditionally known to calm digestive spasms in the gut, reduce bloating, and abdominal discomfort," says Pole.
Next up: This is why Bella Hadid's nutritionist wants you to stop working out so hard.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
