Detox & Weight Loss Teas: Claim Check

Do not use laxative or "detox" teas to lose weight. They can cause dehydration, dangerous electrolyte imbalances and laxative dependence. [1][2][3]

What "detox" tea claims

Detox and cleanse products are suggested as ways to remove toxins, lose weight or promote health, and approaches include herbs and commercial products, laxatives and drinking only herbal tea. [1]

What the research says

NIH's NCCIH says there have been only a small number of studies of detoxification programs in people, and they were low quality. A 2015 review found no compelling research that detox diets help weight management or eliminate toxins. A 2017 review said juicing and detox diets can cause early weight loss from low calorie intake but tend to lead to weight gain when normal eating resumes. [1] PubMed lists no randomized trial of "detox tea" by that name (see Research).

Why senna is a concern

Many laxative and "slimming" teas contain senna, which is a stimulant laxative. MedlinePlus says senna is used on a short-term basis to treat constipation, advises not taking it for more than 1 week without a doctor, and warns that frequent or continued use may make you dependent on laxatives and cause your bowels to lose their normal activity. It also advises asking about use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or 65 or older, and says older adults should not usually take it over a long period. [2] We did not find a source we could read on the senna content of particular teas, so check the ingredient list for senna.

Documented harms

• NCCIH says the FDA and Federal Trade Commission have acted against detox or cleanse products that contained hidden ingredients or made false claims, and that drinking large amounts of water and herbal tea and eating no food for days can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. [1]
• A case report describes a previously healthy 51-year-old woman with acute severe hyponatremia (low blood sodium, 115 mmol/L) after regularly drinking an over-the-counter detox tea, and notes a growing number of similar reports. This is a single case report, so it shows harm can happen, not how often. [3]

What about diuretic teas?

Some teas are marketed for water loss. Any weight lost from water is not fat loss, and fluid and electrolyte loss is a risk. We did not find sourced evidence that a specific herbal tea is a safe or effective weight-loss method.

Immunity teas

Searches for "immunity tea" are common. We found no sourced trial of an herbal tea that prevents infection, so we make no such claim. The guides for Elderberry and Echinacea describe the evidence for those herbs, which is limited.

If you are worried about toxins or weight

Talk to a clinician. If you took too much of a laxative or feel faint, confused or very weak, seek medical care. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222. [4]