Are liver detox teas silently harming your health? Here’s what you need to know

Health risks of herbal teas: Herbal teas, especially those labeled as detoxifying, often include ingredients like senna, dandelion root, and cascara, all of which can have strong biological effect (Image: Canva)

In the age of Instagram influencers and wellness trends, liver detox teas have been hailed as the latest miracle beverage. Marketed as a natural way to flush out toxins, support liver health, and even promote weight loss, they sound like a dream come true. But beneath the surface of their herbal charm, could these seemingly harmless teas be causing more damage than good?

Scrolling through social media, it's easy to get swept up in claims about liver detox teas promising glowing skin, better digestion, and a clean liver. But beware, warns Dr Anshul Bansal, Associate Consultant, General Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Goa. “Just because something is natural doesn’t make it safe. Many of these teas contain potent herbs that can strain the liver, especially when taken regularly or in large amounts,” he says.

The liver, which already works overtime processing everything you ingest, doesn’t necessarily benefit from a flood of additional compounds, some of which might be more harmful than helpful. “Worse, these teas are often unregulated, with vague ingredient lists and questionable sourcing,” he says.

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Herbal teas, especially those labeled as detoxifying, often include ingredients like senna, dandelion root, and cascara, all of which can have strong biological effects. “While occasional use might not pose a major threat, consistent or high-dose consumption can overwhelm the liver’s ability to metabolise these compounds. Initial symptoms like nausea or fatigue are easy to dismiss. By the time jaundice or other signs appear, the damage may have already occurred,” suggests Dr Bansal.

Moreover, it’s not just about the herbs. If you're also taking medications, the risk of dangerous interactions increases. “People with underlying liver issues, alcohol use, or even just a genetic predisposition to metabolise certain compounds poorly are at a higher risk. In severe cases, misuse of detox teas has led to liver failure, a condition that can require a transplant or lead to fatal outcomes,” he says.

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The following people, Dr Bansal suggests, should be especially cautious with detox teas. He also lists a few simple and smart ways to detox: 

• People with existing liver conditions: Those with liver disease may not be able to process herbal compounds efficiently, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• The ones taking multiple medications or supplements: Herbal ingredients can interact with prescription drugs, sometimes reducing effectiveness or causing harmful effects.
• Heavy tea drinkers: Using detox teas daily or in large quantities raises the risk of overloading the liver with active plant compounds.
• Frequent alcohol consumers: Alcohol puts a strain on the liver, and adding detox teas can double the damage rather than offsetting it.

Simple ways to detox the smart way:

• Choose wisely: Stick to herbs with a well-researched safety record. Avoid trendy blends with exotic ingredients you can’t pronounce.
• Check the source: Reputable brands disclose ingredients and are transparent about sourcing and manufacturing.
• Talk to a doctor first: Especially important if you’re on medication or have preexisting health conditions.
• Use in  moderation: Even the safest herbal teas can become harmful if overused. Think of them as an occasional support, not a daily must-have.
• Listen to your body: If you notice changes like fatigue, appetite loss, or yellowing skin, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.