It’s a fact: the body has an unfortunate tendency to hold onto toxins, produced by bacteria, but also by stress. To maintain good health, these toxins need to be eliminated — otherwise you risk fatigue, headaches and heartburn. To achieve this, herbal teas are powerful remedies! Here are 6 of the most effective ones.
1. Couch grass
Who would have thought? Considered one of the worst weeds, this unloved plant has surprising benefits! Antibiotic and diuretic, it is particularly recommended for relieving urinary tract inflammation such as urethritis and cystitis, as well as gout and arthritis. An ideal remedy if you’re looking for a herbal tea to eliminate toxins. Simply place a handful of couch grass rhizomes, (the underground stems), in one litre of cold water, leave to macerate for two hours, then warm the liquid before drinking. Bonus: as an infusion, couch grass can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite!
2. Dandelion (Taraxacum)
Feeling heavy after a weekend of indulgence or a festive feast? To get back on track, reach for a dandelion herbal tea. Well known among herbalists, it helps ease digestive discomfort. Even better, this decoction helps flush out toxins from the bloodstream! The recommended dose for adults is to steep a generous tablespoon in a cup of hot water, then leave to infuse for at least 3 minutes. Drinking two to three cups a day is sufficient. However, this drink is not recommended for those with liver or gallbladder issues. As a precaution, consulting a healthcare professional is strongly advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
3. Lemon
The benefits of this kitchen staple can never be praised enough! Consumed as a herbal tea to eliminate toxins, this all-natural slimming ingredient is a real asset. A lemon infusion after a hearty meal aids digestion by cleansing the liver and digestive system of accumulated toxins. Following the advice of dietitian-nutritionist Adélaïde d’Aboville, mix the juice of a lemon into a cup of lukewarm water, (to preserve the vitamins), and drink the tea first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. To boost your energy levels, add ginger and honey to the infusion for a winning combination!
4. Milk thistle
Gallstones and liver insufficiency are no match for it! Milk thistle acts as a protective shield for your liver, helping digestive troubles subside. Its therapeutic qualities have been recognised for centuries — it was already used in Antiquity to treat biliary complaints. To prepare this toxin-eliminating herbal tea: 3.5 grams of dried seeds of this plant, (known as achenes), should be boiled in 150 ml of water. Once ready, it is recommended to drink it half an hour before meals. This drink is however contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women and in cases of bile duct obstruction.
5. Blueberry
Here is a fruit that ranks highly among herbal teas for eliminating toxins from the intestinal and urinary systems. And nothing goes to waste! Decoctions made from blueberry leaves are ideal for soothing the stomach and intestines. What’s more, the fruit itself is an effective weapon for fighting the bacteria responsible for gastroenteritis. Pour 30 grams of dried blueberries, (available in shops), into one litre of hot water, bring the pan to a gentle simmer for a good 10 minutes, then pour the liquid into a thermos flask. This way, your preparation can be enjoyed several times throughout the day. The perfect way to revive your digestive system!
6. Orthosiphon: bye-bye toxins, hello weight loss!
Looking to start a diet and searching for a slimming ally? Originating from tropical Asia, orthosiphon — also known as Java tea — is just what you need. But its benefits go even further! It soothes inflammation of the urinary tract, supports healthy blood circulation, helps with liver concerns and helps manage cholesterol levels. Preparing this toxin-eliminating herbal tea requires dried orthosiphon leaves, available in shops in powder form. For the dosage, steep 2 to 3 teaspoons in a glass of boiling hot water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three cups a day, and you’re all set!