Teas are a great way to support overall and digestive health! They are a great way to get in additional immune and digestive support as well as enhance detoxification. Food is medicine, my friend.
Below are some of my most recommended teas I use in my private practice with client care and in my own personal life. I just keep them on rotation. They are outlined with emphasis on detox support, gut and immune health.
Dandelion Root
- Detox:
- Dandelion root is a classic detox tea known for its ability to support liver function. It stimulates bile production, helping the liver break down and eliminate toxins more effectively. It also acts as a mild diuretic, promoting kidney health and the removal of waste through urine.
- Gut Health:
- It acts as a mild laxative and digestive stimulant, which can relieve bloating, improve digestion, and encourage regular bowel movements. This tea contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helping to balance the gut microbiome.
- Immune Support:
- Packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols, dandelion root helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are key in supporting a healthy immune system.
Nettle Leaf
- Detox:
- Nettle is a gentle but effective detoxifier. It supports the kidneys in flushing out metabolic waste and excess fluids, which can help reduce puffiness and support clearer skin. It also contains chlorophyll, which supports cellular detoxification.
- Gut Health:
- Rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and magnesium, nettle supports overall digestive function and helps calm inflammation in the GI tract. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the digestive tract, and it’s rich in nutrients that nourish the gut lining. The iron and magnesium content also supports gut motility and regularity.
- Rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and magnesium, nettle supports overall digestive function and helps calm inflammation in the GI tract. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the digestive tract, and it’s rich in nutrients that nourish the gut lining. The iron and magnesium content also supports gut motility and regularity.
- Immune Support:
- Nettle is loaded with immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. It also contains natural antihistamines, making it beneficial during allergy season and for modulating immune response.
Peppermint
- Detox:
- Peppermint supports liver function and encourages bile flow, aiding in the digestion and elimination of waste. It also helps soothe the digestive tract, which indirectly supports detox efforts.
- Gut Health:
- One of the best teas for digestion, peppermint helps relieve gas, bloating, cramping, and nausea. It relaxes the gastrointestinal muscles, making it great for IBS and general digestive discomfort. *note if you have acid reflux or GERD, peppermint might aggravate symptoms due to it relaxing the LES allowing acid to flow back up.
- Immune Support:
- Menthol, the active compound in peppermint, has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps clear sinuses and ease respiratory discomfort, making it useful during cold and flu season.
Milk Thistle
- Detox:
- Milk thistle is renowned for liver detox. Its active compound, silymarin, helps repair liver cells, reduce liver inflammation, and protect against toxins. It’s often used in protocols to cleanse the liver and support long-term liver health.
- Gut Health:
- By supporting liver function, milk thistle helps regulate bile production, which is essential for fat digestion and maintaining gut balance. It can also soothe mild indigestion and promote a healthy gut-liver axis.
- Immune Support:
- Its antioxidant effects protect immune cells from damage. A healthy liver also ensures optimal immune function by filtering pathogens and metabolizing immune-related hormones.
Green Tea
- Detox:
- Green tea is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which supports liver detoxification and helps the body eliminate heavy metals and harmful compounds.
- Gut Health:
- It promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and inhibits the growth of harmful microbes. Green tea can also enhance the integrity of the gut lining, reduce inflammation and improve overall digestive health. *If you have H. pylori, 1 cup of green tea daily has been shown to support the eradication of this bacteria.
- Immune Support:
- Green tea’s combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds supports immune system function and helps protect the body from infections and chronic inflammation.
Red Raspberry Leaf
- Detox:
- Though not a strong diuretic or liver cleanser like others on this list, red raspberry leaf supports detox by toning the uterus and aiding in hormonal balance, particularly in women. This can help eliminate excess hormones or toxins stored in fat.
- Gut Health:
- It contains tannins that help reduce inflammation in the gut lining and can soothe diarrhea or mild gastrointestinal issues. It also supports overall nutrient absorption thanks to its rich mineral content.
- Immune Support:
- Packed with antioxidants like ellagic acid and quercetin, it helps fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation, boosting natural immune defense.
Hibiscus
- Detox:
- Hibiscus has mild diuretic effects, promoting kidney health and flushing excess fluids and waste from the body. It also supports healthy blood pressure, which is an added detox benefit for cardiovascular health.
- Gut Health:
- Its tart, tangy flavor comes from natural acids and polyphenols that aid digestion and gently stimulate bile production. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help maintain gut balance.
- Immune Support:
- Hibiscus is incredibly rich in vitamin C, which supports white blood cell production and shortens the duration of colds. The anthocyanins in hibiscus also protect cells from oxidative stress.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Detox:
- Tulsi is a powerful adaptogen that helps the body detox from physical, environmental, and emotional stress. It supports liver function and promotes elimination of metabolic waste.
- Gut Health:
- Tulsi calms the stomach and supports digestion, especially during times of stress. Its antimicrobial properties also help keep harmful gut bacteria in check. *great tea to support thyroid health
- Immune Support:
- It’s one of the best herbs for overall immune balance. Tulsi modulates immune response, enhances the body’s resistance to pathogens, and reduces inflammation, making it great for both everyday support and during illness.
Chamomile
- Detox:
- Supports the body’s natural detoxification by helping to calm the nervous system. Lowering stress levels allows the liver and kidneys to work more efficiently. It also promotes better sleep, which is essential for overnight detox processes.
- Gut Health:
- Chamomile shines in digestive health. It soothes the stomach lining, relieves indigestion, cramping, and gas, and is often used to calm symptoms of IBS. It has antispasmodic properties, meaning it relaxes the muscles of the GI tract, helping relieve tension-related digestive issues.
- Immune Support:
- Chamomile is rich in antioxidants like apigenin and quercetin, which help combat oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties support immune health and can help reduce the severity of colds and flus when consumed regularly.
Valerian Root
- Detox:
- Valerian root indirectly supports detoxification by promoting deep, restorative sleep — a crucial time when the body performs cellular repair and detox. Improved sleep quality enhances overall hormonal balance and metabolic function, which are key in eliminating toxins.
- Gut Health:
- Though not traditionally a digestive herb, valerian may help soothe the gut by reducing stress-related digestive discomfort. Since the gut and brain are closely linked (via the gut-brain axis), valerian’s calming effect on the nervous system can relieve stress-induced gut issues like nausea or cramping.
- Immune Support:
- By improving sleep and lowering stress hormones like cortisol, valerian supports immune regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation is known to suppress immune function, so valerian’s benefits to restful sleep can play a big role in maintaining immune resilience.
Favorite Brands
- Mountain Rose Herbs (loose leaf, tea supplies, eco friendly tea bags) *they have SO MANY fantastic, delicious blends!!
- Frontier Herbs (loose leaf)
- Traditional Medicinals
- Numi Organics
- Organic India
- Buddha
Favorite Blends
- Happy Tummy Tea (Mountain Rose Herbs)
- Tulsi Delight (Mountain Rose Herbs)
- Green Tea w/ Jasmine (Mountain Rose Herbs)
- Nighty Night
- Tulsi Hibiscus
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