“A herbal tea and off to bed!” At first glance, this may sound a little old-fashioned. Yet plants, consumed as infusions, remain very popular, as shown by the current renewed interest in herbalism. But what about slimming herbal teas? What can they really do? A closer look at the plants in these infusions, and at what we know, or don’t know, about their effects.
Which plants are found in slimming herbal teas?
Many plants are used in herbal teas designed for slimming. All sorts of virtues are traditionally attributed to them, but these traditional uses are not proven effects on your figure. Among these plants, a few stand out.
Couch grass: the unloved weed of gardens is actually highly appreciated in herbal teas. Its roots are used in infusions or decoctions, and it has long been one of the plants used in herbalism. With its mild flavour, it is the ideal companion for other plants in a blend.
Lemon: a truly remarkable fruit, need we say more? A strip of zest or a few slices add a tangy note to an infusion, and lemon contains vitamin C. It does not act on body fat, but it makes an unsweetened drink more pleasant.
Hibiscus: a beautiful flower, beloved by Polynesian women who wear it in their hair as a natural adornment. It is also a treasure trove of flavour, as hibiscus is traditionally used to make a deep red infusion with a tangy taste, to enjoy hot or iced. No herbal tea will make water retention disappear, however: if your legs often swell, talk to your GP.
Peppermint: a classic ingredient in all kinds of herbal teas, including slimming blends. It is loved above all for its freshness at the end of a meal. When it comes to achieving a flat stomach, however, it is your diet and physical activity that count, not herbal tea.
Meadowsweet: a plant that truly lives up to its name, with its white flowers found in damp meadows! Meadowsweet contains flavonoids as well as salicylates, from the same family as aspirin. From a safety perspective, it is therefore not recommended if you are allergic to aspirin or taking anticoagulant medication. Ask a pharmacist for advice before drinking it regularly.
Are slimming herbal teas effective?
Let’s be clear: no slimming herbal tea has a demonstrated effect on your figure. The “slimming”, “draining” or “detox” effects often attributed to plants have not been validated by the European health authorities. A herbal tea simply fits into a balanced approach to wellness: regular physical activity, a balanced diet, restorative sleep and avoiding excess. What a herbal tea does offer, for certain:
- water: an unsweetened infusion helps you stay well hydrated throughout the day;
- a hot drink with virtually no calories, in place of a fizzy drink or a pudding after a meal;
- a moment to pause, especially pleasant in the evening;
- a variety of flavours, which help you drink more regularly.
Our herbal infusion is taken in 21-day courses, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Here is what it contains:
- hibiscus and meadowsweet, for colour and floral notes;
- couch grass, peppermint and lemon, for mildness, freshness and a tangy touch.
A little extra tip: taken in the evening, a warm cup makes a lovely ritual to end the day. Be wary, however, of laxative teas (senna, alder buckthorn and so on) sold as slimming herbal teas: they do not make you lose fat, and prolonged use is not recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Which herbal tea should I choose if I’m watching my weight?
Above all, choose a tea you enjoy: couch grass, lemon, hibiscus, peppermint and meadowsweet are the most common plants. None has a demonstrated effect on your figure, but an unsweetened infusion counts towards your hydration and is a good swap for a sugary drink.
Is a herbal tea enough to change my figure?
No. No herbal tea has a demonstrated effect on your figure: your diet, physical activity and sleep are what count. A herbal tea is simply a pleasant drink that contributes to your hydration throughout the day.
When is the best time to drink herbal tea?
Whenever you like. In the evening, a warm cup makes a pleasant ritual to end the day. Our infusion is taken in 21-day courses.
Can I drink these herbal teas if I’m pregnant or on medication?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before drinking these teas. Meadowsweet is not recommended if you are allergic to aspirin.
Related articles
- Herbal teas: 5 reasons to enjoy them
- Herbal plants you need to know: a mini glossary
- 9 Grandmother’s Herbal Teas for Cold Weather
Useful categories: Slimming Nutrition, Weight Management.
