Sipping detox tea may help nourish your liver and support the body's natural process for eliminating toxins from the body. Herbs that strengthen, tone, and stimulate the secretive functions of the liver are known in the Western herbal medicine tradition as hepatics. Although research is limited, many hepatics (aka 'detox teas') have been found to boost the activity of liver cells and support the functions of the liver and digestive system.

Pre-made versions of detox teas are widely available in health food stores. These products often contain ingredients that have long been used in herbal medicinal teas and Traditional Chinese Medicine, including herbs such as:

• Burdock root, seeds, and leaves are recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, burdock has been used to protect liver cells from damage, particularly for alcohol or acetaminophen-related damage, and to ‘purify the blood.
• Dandelion leaves and roots have long been used by herbalists as a diuretic, antioxidant, and for anti-inflammatory effects.
• Schisandra berries, among the most important herbs of traditional Chinese medicine, are used to protect the liver against inflammation. In some studies, schisandra berry extract has been shown to improve the health and function of the liver in people with fatty liver disease.
• Milk thistle seeds are abundant in an antioxidant silymarin, a free-radical scavenger thought to help prevent toxins from entering liver cells and stimulate liver cell regeneration, among other benefits.

Other common detox tea ingredients include ginger root, licorice root, and fennel seeds to facilitate digestion and decrease inflammation. These herbs also help tame the more bitter flavors from herbs such as dandelion. Fresh lemon and maple syrup can be used to flavor as well.

Some detox herbs interact with medications. As always, check in with your doctor before adding in regular detox herbs. Check with your holistic health practitioner to help you choose the best detox tea for your health goals. Dr. Blandford offers a 15 minute Discovery Visit. This is where you can meet her and see if she's a good fit for helping you find your own detox tea blend.

Resources:

1. Abenavoli, L., Capasso, R., Milic, N., & Capasso, F. (2010). “Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future.” Phytotherapy research : PTR, 24(10), 1423–1432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3207
2. Addissouky, Tamer et al. (2024). “Schisandra chinensis in Liver Disease: Exploring the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Promise of an Ancient Chinese Botanical.” Archives of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 6. 27-33. 10.33696/Pharmacol.6.052.
3. Chan, Y. S., et al. (2011). “A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock).” Inflammopharmacology, 19(5), 245–254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4
4. El-Kott, A. F., & Bin-Meferij, M. M. (2015). “Use of Arctium lappa Extract Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.” Current therapeutic research, clinical and experimental, 77, 73–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.curtheres.2015.05.001
5. Fan, M., Zhang, X., Song, H., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(13), 5022. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135022
6. Marengo, Katherine. (2026). “What You Need to Know About the Purported Benefits and Side Effects of Detox Teas.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/detox-tea-side-effects
7. Mehrandish, R., Rahimian, A., & Shahriary, A. (2019). “Heavy metals detoxification: A review of herbal compounds for chelation therapy in heavy metals toxicity.” Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology.