Detox teas: Slim claims, heavy consequences

In India, where tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a ritual—detox teas have emerged as the latest wellness fad. They are sold as the ultimate shortcut to glowing skin, weight loss, and overall vitality. Influencers and celebrities have made them a part of their daily routines, claiming that a few sips can help you “flush out toxins” and cleanse the body.

Celebrity endorsements largely propel India’s wellness industry in the age of social media. As a result, many celebrities are taking to the internet to discuss their favourite detox drinks.

Celebrities alongside online fitness influencers have become major brand voices in India's wellness industry, particularly on social media, where many share their favorite health trends. One such trend is the use of natural ingredients like fenugreek seeds (methi) and apple cider vinegar, both promoted for their purported health benefits. Methi seeds are often soaked overnight and consumed in the morning, with claims that they help improve digestion and detoxify the body by flushing out toxins. Similarly, apple cider vinegar is widely touted by celebrities for its potential to support weight loss, improve metabolism, and aid in digestion. These natural remedies have gained traction as part of a broader movement veering towards health detoxes, with many stars incorporating them into their daily routines and vouching for them online.

While such an approach to detoxing might be less chemical- or drug-led, it fits into the larger cultural obsession with "quick fixes" and "miracle" products for health and beauty—especially detox teas. Similarly, many celebrities and social media influencers have contributed to the global—and Indian—detox tea craze, promoting products that promise weight loss, clearer skin, and a sense of rejuvenation. These endorsements, often posted with images of their toned physiques and glowing skin, propagate the idea that detox teas are a shortcut to wellness. But a much darker and complex reality lies behind the glamorous testimonials and influencer culture.

Unboxing detox teas

Detox teas, which promise toxic expulsion and improved digestion, often contain plant-based ingredients like herbs and spices. While these ingredients possess some herbal value, the reality is far from simple.

One common ingredient is senna, a natural laxative made from the leaves and fruits of the senna plant, which is commonly grown in India. While it may temporarily relieve constipation, excessive use of senna can lead to dependence and acute dehydration because senna forcibly clears out the large intestine to combat constipation. Gastroenterologists caution against the frequent use of senna, as it can disrupt normal gut function and lead to electrolyte imbalance.

Iman Hariri-Kia—a recovering bulimic—in her essay for Teen Vogue, underscores how senna-infused teas are a “form of bulimia”. She discusses how senna is viewed as a “natural remedy”, but the truth is that these teas are well-marketed laxatives. Regularly consuming these teas, even for the sake of detoxifying the body or going on a “cleanse,” poses fatal risks to the human body.

Also read: Traditional plant wisdom meets modern health needs

Caffeine, another frequent component of detox teas, offers a potent energy boost. However, caffeine consumption risks the disruption of digestion, and is a well-known cause for anxiety. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar highlights how caffeine is a stimulant, and consuming it in excess through detox teas can lead to more bloating and discomfort. Similarly, dandelion root, often added to these teas for its diuretic properties, seeks to reduce water retention and lend one a fleeting moment of lightness. However, contrary to popular myths purported by wellness brands, it does not aid in weight loss. Nutritionists have also noted that using diuretics like dandelion root may lead to fluid loss and dehydration, which can harm your body in the long run.

Ginger and peppermint are both ingredients in vogue, known to aid digestive issues. While it’s undeniable that some of these naturally occurring ingredients are a net positive for one’s health, do they actually fulfil the far-reaching, outsized, enticing promises of the brands selling them? While the consumer is entitled to a quick energy boost and improved moods, the vague promise of “immediate weight loss” packed as a quick fix is far from the truth.

While consumers may be enticed by the idea this kind of marketing pushes, these claims rarely reflect scientific consensus and can sometimes mask serious health risks. In the short term, such products might cause serious side effects like dehydration, heart palpitations, and painful digestive issues. Over time, reliance on these quick fixes can lead to more severe health problems, such as nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and a slowed metabolism. Moreover, the weight lost here is often unsustainable, leading to a cycle of temporary short-lived results followed by a cycle of regaining weight, which can often contribute to a distorted and debilitating relationship with your body and fitness. 

Overdependence and duplicitous marketing

The allure of making detox teas a staple lies in its marketing as a quick hack to wellness. For a long time, the Indian diet has incorporated concoctions and brews of hibiscus, lemon balm tea, and cinnamon. Traditional teas like matcha, known for their high concentration of antioxidants and ability to boost metabolism, offer genuine medicinal benefits when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

However, the problem arises when industries mislead consumers into believing they can ‘hack’ their health with one product. The way these teas are marketed in the public domain seldom includes precautions and moderation. For instance, the packaging of these ‘wellness teas’ claims to ‘reduce stress and anxiety’ and ‘promote overall mental wellness’. The credibility of these claims, however, is unsubstantiated.

Also read: The surprising culinary uses of jasmine flower

Nutritionists like Meera Bangera from Talwalkars, a chain of health clubs in India, have repeatedly pointed out that the ‘weight loss’ people experience is usually just a loss of water, not fat. As soon as the consumer cuts down their consumption of the tea, their weight tends to return. This illusion of the ‘miracle fix’ fosters an overdependence on these teas, creating a cycle of rampant consumerism, when in reality, these teas provide little to no sustaining health benefits.

Many teas contain laxatives like senna, which force out water and waste but are intended only for short-term use. Prolonged consumption of these teas can disrupt the body’s natural processes, leading to dehydration, nutrient malabsorption, and even dependence on laxatives. Detox culture further exacerbates this issue by perpetuating myths about the body’s ability to cleanse itself. Claims that the colon harbours "toxic sludge" or that detox products can resolve every ailment—from diabetes to fatigue—have no scientific basis. Our bodies already have highly efficient detoxification systems, including the liver, kidneys, and skin, which function far better than any commercial solution. Experts warn that these social media-famous detox teas and colon cleanse products often cause more harm than good, with risks such as dehydration, kidney damage, and even infections from invasive procedures like colonic irrigation, an invasive process that involves cleansing the bowel to prevent further constipation. 

When users become reliant on the tea to maintain regular bowel function, they are more likely to continue purchasing it, effectively turning dependency into a profitable cycle for the industry.

In a society that prizes thinness over genuine well-being, the growing popularity of weight-loss-focussed commodities reflects a troubling trend. Products like detox teas embody the allure of quick fixes, driven by the wellness industry’s push for immediate results over sustainable health solutions like food security and balanced nutrition. Often rooted in unproven claims, these fads have been known to prey on disordered eating habits, worsened by an obsession with idealised body images. Instead of promoting holistic health, they perpetuate a cycle of superficial solutions, neglecting mental well-being and sustainable practices that only serve a hyper-consumerist culture.