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Herbal detoxes are one of the most controversial health remedies.
Many natural health advocates claim that they rid the body of toxins and promote weight loss. Meanwhile, medical experts are skeptical of their purported benefits and point to the potential harm they may cause.
This article tells you all you need to know about herbal detoxes, whether they work, and any potential risks.
Herbal detoxes are usually beverages or teas containing various herbs. Despite a lack of evidence, they’re used to promote weight loss and eliminate toxins from the body.
While the durations of these detoxes vary, most are used short term, usually 3–14 days. Still, some detox drinks are recommended as daily “support” for your body on an ongoing basis.
Common ingredients
Most herbal detox products contain natural ingredients that promise to promote weight loss and liver health, improve blood sugar levels, and remove toxins from the body.
The most popular ingredients include valerian root, licorice, cilantro, coriander, chlorella, milk thistle, dandelion root, skullcap root, rhubarb root, ginger, juniper berry, and burdock root.
While some limited animal research has suggested that these ingredients have chelating properties, meaning they’re able to bind to metals, there’s no evidence these ingredients detox your body.
Do detoxes work?
Although herbal detoxes are a popular health trend, most of their claims are overblown and have little scientific backing.
Removing toxins
Most detox product labels feature long lists of natural ingredients. Yet, they fail to mention which toxins will be removed from the body or provide any proof of their effectiveness.
Your body is already equipped with a natural detoxification system. Your liver, kidneys, intestines, and skin work nonstop to remove waste from your body via feces, urine, and to a minor extent, sweat.
To date, no clinical studies have shown healthy individuals have a buildup of toxins in the body, nor that herbal detoxes increase your body’s ability to perform its regular duties.
Effects on weight loss
Although people claim to feel better after a detox, it’s likely due to other healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as limiting processed food and focusing on more nutrient-dense, whole foods.
Though you may experience some weight loss, you will likely regain the weight once you stop the detox. This is because most herbal detoxes contain diuretic ingredients that cause your body to expel water through urine and feces, leading to a rapid drop in water weight.
This type of weight cycling can lead to disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, as you may feel discouraged when you regain weight once the detox is over.
However, the prolonged use of herbal detoxes may lead to muscle and fat loss. Due to an increase in bowel movements, your body expels nutrients faster than it’s absorbing them. This is very unsafe and should be avoided.
Rather than relying on a detox to lose weight, opt for healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels, and getting enough sleep each night.
Other claims
Many herbal detox products boast a variety of claims, such as that they regulate blood sugar levels, decrease bloating and acne, and increase energy levels.
However, no research supports these claims. If you have diabetes or another medical condition, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider first.
