Many avoid this harmful tea, yet it is still very popular

Despite a lack of scientific confirmation of their purported benefits, many of us are tempted by the allure of "detoxification" and rapid weight loss, leading us to consume various teas without much thought. While teas are typically considered healthy, certain blends can be problematic and cause several health issues.

Green or black tea can be beneficial for your body. They're packed with antioxidants, and aid in supporting brain functions and the immune system. However, not all brews are equally beneficial. Frequently used detox teas claim to cleanse your body of toxins, but in reality, they might cause serious harm.

We often find ingredients such as senna, horsetail, or black salsify in detox teas, which all have a laxative effect. Regular consumption of these teas can lead to an excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes, ultimately disrupting the body's water-electrolyte balance. Moreover, there's no strong scientific evidence to prove that detoxifying tea removes toxins from the body. After all, our bodies have a natural cleansing system based on the liver and kidneys.

In certain countries, detox teas containing potentially harmful ingredients like senna and comfrey are either banned or discouraged. Comfrey contains substances that can damage your liver. Therefore, it's usually not administered orally but used for skin treatments. Senna, on the other hand, is a plant with a potent laxative effect. People who regularly drink teas containing senna or misuse them risk experiencing chronic diarrhea, painful abdominal cramps, or disruptions to their bacterial flora.

The German consumer magazine "Öko-Test" carried out extensive testing on 24 different types of tea, revealing that leaves can contain pesticides, including some banned in the European Union. Merely two of these teas were free of chemicals while one black tea contained seven different pesticides, two of which are banned in the EU. While these chemicals were found in the dried material (only negligible amounts were detected in the brew), it signifies that these substances are commonly used.

Pesticides not only pose danger to consumers, but also to plantation workers. Thousands of people die each year in countries outside the EU due to misuse or incorrect application of potent chemicals. According to "Öko-Test" magazine, plants dried with pesticides banned in the EU are often sourced from countries outside the bloc. The Union has yet to ban the import of this tainted food into its territory.