When it comes to detoxification, the liver plays the most important role in the body. It not only removes toxins from the body, but also produces bile to carry waste away, along with breaking down fats in the intestine. The liver also helps to break down and store fat soluble vitamins and glucose, for future energy needs. Because the liver is the largest internal organ in your body, it’s important to regularly detox, to allow your body to function optimally.
I like to prepare my own cleansing herbal blends rather than buying packaged ones. This way not only I control the taste and add my favorite ingredients, but I’m also sure that my tea is made with quality, clean herbs (packaged tea blends, especially the ones in bags, often contains unwanted flavorings or preservatives).
There is a special magic in every little minute of your own tea preparation – you root yourself, you get conscious of your own needs, your mind calms down and you give your body the full attention it’s been craving for. Making a healing tea is medicine for my mind and body too.
There are many herbs with liver cleansing properties, but I’ve chosen the ones with a wider healing span, to give my body’s natural detox processes a boost and help every organ and cell in my body wake up and make its own natural magic. A balanced blend of healing herbs and Ayurvedic spices turns your detox tea into medicine but also a lovely flavored treat.
Calendula leaves (or marigold leaves) are found to carry anti-inflammatory properties and also anti-spasmodic properties. If you find that you suffer from stomach cramps during menstruation, sipping on this detox tea will be beneficial in reducing your symptoms. That’s because calendula leaves contain flavonoids that help to relax muscles and increase blood flow.
These leaves have a very high level of antioxidants that hunt out free-radicals, which is damage caused by less-than-healthy habits, such as drinking alcohol and consuming too much refined food throughout your diet. Enjoying a cup of this detox tea regularly, greatly reduces the chance of disease developing in the body.
Dandelion root is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C, and is also high in antioxidants to protect cells from damage. Surprisingly dandelion root is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion to better flush toxins from the body. High fiber diets have also been linked to a reduction in menstrual symptoms.
Cardamom pods help to boost circulation throughout the body, and are also an anti-spasmodic. Along with the calendula leaves, they both help to reduce painful cramps experienced throughout menstruation by relaxing the muscles.
Because cardamom boosts circulation, this helps to increase the efficiency of the anti-spasmodic properties, which increases blood flow to the affected area. Cardamom contains many nutrients including calcium, copper, magnesium and vitamin A.
Milk thistle is particularly popular as a liver detoxifier, again because it’s an excellent source of antioxidants. Multiple studies have revealed milk thistle’s incredible ability to protect the liver against disease. Milk thistle has also been linked to improving PMS symptoms, much like the other ingredients in this tea.
Keep your tea blend into an airtight container to preserve the flavors and essential oils, brew the tea with grated ginger for extra antioxidants and combine the brew with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a balanced taste.
If you’re into healthy or detox drinks, another easy to make recipe is my Detox Water for Weight Loss, which you can drink all day long, no matter the season, my Juice for Liver Cleanse , my Intermittent Fasting Tea , or Shot of Wheatgrass. Also, detox works hand in hand with hormone balancing so you might as well this ACV for hot flashes resource.
If you make any of these recipes don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @theawesomegreen so I can see them and share with the community!
Liver Detox Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried calendula leaves
- 3 tsp dried dandelion root
- 3 tsp fennel seeds
- 10 cardamom pods
- 3 tsp milk thistle
- 3 tsp burdock root
- 1 tsp licorice root
- 1 tsp crushed fenugreek seeds
- 3 cups purified water boiling hot
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- Optional: fresh lemon juice maple syrup or any preferred sweetener
Instructions
- In a large airtight jar add all the tea ingredients, lid the jar and shake to combine the herbs.
- To prepare the tea add 3 tsp of the herbal mix into a kettle, add grated ginger and cover with boiling water.
- Let infuse for 7 - 10 minutes, then strain and let cool until comfortable to drink.
- Add lemon juice and sweetener before serving.
- Note: You can have this tea twice a day between meals, or you can prepare it in the morning and drink it during the day. Herbal infusions have results after at least a month of daily drinking.
Sasha Swerdloff says
Love this tea! And I just found your blog through Pinterest and it looks like we have a lot in common. I noticed your PMS relief beet smoothie…I just did a similar recipe on my blog. Great minds think alike…Anyways, keep up the good work. XO
Ana says
We do have A LOT in common! I love your approach and holistic philosophy, happy to find you too! XO
Adrienne says
I’ve always been a fan of Ayurvedic spices for their healing properties so this liver detox tea recipe is next on my to do list!
Vartika Vaish says
Where do you get these spices?
Camryn Jazmine says
Wow, this recipe seems very simple, even I can easily get those ingredients. Can you please tell me, how does this tea tastes like?
McKenzie says
Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe! Where’s a good place to purchase the ingredients?
Ana says
I’m usually buying them from a local health store, but also from online sources, such as iherb.com
Teresa Hulce says
I have not started any cleanses. I’m 68 and had my first heart attack in December 2019. Stents were put in my heart. I’m on a lot of meds including blood thinners. I have asked my cardiologist when can I get off of meds. A year long regime of meds. I’m almost to my one year mark. Yes, I believe in holistic health and am slowly moving forward. Thank you for your continued support for all of us.
Ana says
Hi Teresa, thank you for writing me, I am really happy you didn’t give up and you’re on your way to a med free life! I too believe in holistic health, in our body capacity to heal. Sometimes meds can play an important role but only taken for short periods and prescribed by doctors that understand the simple fact that we are all different and treatments should be adapted to each individual. Stay safe!
Kristen says
Hi there,
This is a great recipe. So yummy. Only thing, I can’t find Calendula leaves, but I have found the flowers. Is it the same? Is not, any suggestions on where to find the leaves?
Thanks,
Kristen
Ana says
The flowers are perfect!
Kiki says
Hello Ana,
I am loving your site!
I’ve tried a few smoothies, purchased your 3-day Detox.
But I have a question/concern.
My gall bladder was removed over 10 yrs ago, and recently found out I have fatty liver…are your detox recipes good for my particular situation??
Thanks
Kiki
Ana says
Hi Kiki, they are ok for fatty liver. You can also add dandelion root powder in your smoothie and add more green leafy vegetables to your salads and smoothie whenever possible.
Kiki says
Thank you Ana,
I will definitely try the dandelion root powder and greens.
Happy to have found your site.
Kiki
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