Do Detox Teas Really Work? Experts Set the Record Straight

Whether it's part of your morning or bedtime ritual or an afternoon respite, a cup of tea can offer moments of mindfulness like no other beverage. But tea may do more than center you: A glance at the stocked shelves of your local grocery and health food stores reveals tea bags and loose leaf teas that address myriad moods and ailments—including a raft of detox teas that tout cleansing properties. We asked nutrition experts and a tea entrepreneur to explain whether these detox teas really benefit the body—and if they're worth seeking out.

Teas Are More Popular Than Ever

Tea consumption is on the rise, especially among millennials seeking healthier alternatives to alcohol or pathways to easing stress. Detox teas are also gaining traction as consumers, including the same age group, become increasingly aware of traditional herbal practices and remedies and lean into wellness trends. According to Straits Research, a global market intelligence and research company, the global detox tea market size grew from USD 2.45 billion in 2024 to USD 2.94 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 12.63 billion by 2033. "Wellness culture focuses a lot on natural herbal ingredients, which is the essence of tea itself," says Mou Dasgupta, founder and CEO of Brook37 The Atelier, a tea company that sources its exotic varieties directly from tea estates worldwide.

What Are Detox Teas?

Detox teas are herbal and botanical blends that include ingredients such as herbs, leaves, spices, flowers, and roots prized for their beneficial properties. Some formulations purport to rid the body of toxins, aid digestion, and support metabolic function or energy levels. "Many herbs are known for reducing inflammation and improving digestion," Dasgupta says. "Ingredients like ginger, dandelion root, hibiscus, and green tea create well-balanced blends that taste good, have a calming effect, and help with overall gut health.”

Dietary Enhancement

These teas may have a positive impact (more on that topic momentarily), but they're not a magic solution, says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, registered dietitian at Nutrition Now Counseling. "While these ingredients can have benefits, they’re not 'detoxing' your body in the way many brands claim," she points out. Instead, they may complement your body’s natural detoxification processes when paired with a balanced diet or provide relief for specific symptoms, like bloating or indigestion. 

While detox teas may help with hydration and mild digestive comfort, marketing often exaggerates these benefits, agrees Debbie Petitpain, MBA, RDN, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Most claims about detox teas flushing toxins or dramatically boosting metabolism are not supported by strong scientific evidence," she says. 

"It's important to approach these products with realistic expectations and focus on overall wellness, rather than quick fixes," Manaker emphasizes.

The Body's Capabilities

Both nutrition experts say that your body is well-equipped to detoxify itself. "Your body already has an amazing built-in detox system, aka your liver, kidneys, and digestive system, that work around the clock to process and eliminate waste," Manaker explains.

Petitpain adds that supporting your body's natural process means eating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and exercising (which promotes circulation and sweating). She notes that your body filters and eliminates toxins continuously in the following ways:

Liver: This organ breaks down toxins and metabolizes substances so they can be excreted safely, she says.

Kidneys: The kidneys filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, eliminating them through urine.

Digestive system: Your digestive system processes food and eliminates waste through bowel movements.

Sweating: This natural detox mechanism regulates temperature and can help release small amounts of certain compounds and heavy metals.

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Beneficial Ingredients

Many brands may overpromise the efficacy of their products; nevertheless, other formulations contain herbs and botanicals that are, in fact, mildly beneficial. 

Dandelion root: "Some ingredients commonly found in these teas, like dandelion root, can support your body's natural processes," Manaker says. Traditionally, potassium-rich dandelion root has been used for its diuretic effects, while some recent preclinical studies have found that extracts from this plant can help protect against liver damage. "Dandelion root is known to support liver health and may aid in the liver's detoxification process," she points out. 

Green tea: A go-to ingredient in wellness and detox blends, green tea has been used as a medicinal herb and drink in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries to help prevent chronic diseases. "Green tea helps improve metabolism, increases immunity, and is rich in antioxidants," Dasgupta says.

Ginger and peppermint: These herbs may soothe digestion and reduce bloating, Petitpain says. 

Lemon myrtle: Boasting antioxidants and a potent citrusy flavor, this herb helps improve gut health, Dasgupta says.

Moringa: Relied on since ancient times to remedy inflammatory conditions, moringa is now showing potential promise for treating arthritis. It's also among the common tea ingredients that help with cleansing and detoxing, Dasgupta says.

Senna: Oftentimes found in detox formulations, this herb is a natural laxative that stimulates bowel movement, Petitpain says. 

Risks of Detox Teas

There can be a downside to some detox teas, especially if you go overboard. In the case of senna, Petitpain notes that "overuse can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and dependency." And there are risks in consuming teas with strong laxatives or diuretics, which, she says, can cause dehydration, nutrient loss, and a strain on the digestive system. "Always check labels and consult a healthcare professional if unsure," she says.

Dasgupta notes that the caffeine properties in tea can also lead to dehydration if you drink too much. While the fluids generally compensate for the mild diuretic effects of caffeine, that's not universally the case. "Depending on one's caffeine tolerance, consumption of more than 5–6 cups of strong caffeinated tea can contribute to dehydration," she says.