30 Herb Tea: Villain or Good Guy?

You’ve probably heard that 30-herb tea is super effective for weight loss, even being called by some people “natural sibutramine”.

But if you haven’t tried it yet, you must be wondering: what is this fame owed to? Is he really effective?

Below, Fernanda Granja, a clinical nutritionist specializing in functional nutrition, pediatrics and exercise physiology, answers this and other questions about 30-herb tea.

Herbs present in teas

Fernanda Granja explains that the 30-herb teas, and even the 7-herb teas, do not have a standard for the herbs used. “There is no formula or even pre-established herbs, which can change according to the brand”, she says.

However, according to the nutritionist, the most used herbs in these teas are: cascara sagrada, carqueja, mackerel, centella asiatica, senna, green tea and herb of bugre.

Below, Fernanda Granja talks about the specific properties of these seven herbs:

Cascara Sagrada: is a potent laxative and normalizes bowel functions.

Carqueja: acts on the liver and intestines; it is hypoglycemic and diuretic; fights digestive problems and anemia.

Horsetail: is anti-inflammatory; helps with genital problems and excessive menstruation; clears lung and blood secretions; acts by replacing lost silicon in weight loss.

Centella Asiatica: it is toning; rejuvenates the brain by having alkaloid; normalizes collagen production; It is used for weight loss and for skin treatments.
Senna: It is laxative and purgative.

Green Tea: accelerates metabolism and has antioxidant action.

Bugre’s herb: it is diuretic; reduces cholesterol; decreases swelling of the legs; stimulates circulation and the heart; It is useful in skin diseases.

In the case of 30-herb tea, other herbs that may be present in the composition are, for example:

• avocado tree
• Artichoke
• Rosemary
• star anise
• bancha
• purée potato
• Chilean Boldo
• Chamomile
• Cane do Marsh
• citron grass
• Black tea
• Fennel
• holy thorn
• Fucus vesiculosus
• Ginkgo Biloba
• graviola
• Guacatonga
• mallow
• Passion fruit
• Melissa
• Lieutenant stick
• break stone
• Cat nail

And, in this sense, the 30-herb teas generally promise benefits such as accelerating metabolism, reducing appetite, helping to reduce localized fat, being digestive, diuretic and laxative, and much more.

But, as nutritionist Fernanda has already pointed out, these are just a few examples of herbs, as the composition can change according to the brand of tea.

Teas with 30 herbs can be found in stores that sell natural products, some pharmacies and even, they can be found for sale in the form of capsules.

The harm of this type of tea

Seeing the possibility of a tea offering all these benefits, many people surrender to them. Drinking, often, an exaggerated amount of drink per day. But is 30 herbal tea really beneficial?

Fernanda Granja highlights that the use of teas that contain more than three herbs are not recommended. “This is because herbs interact with each other and can potentiate or inhibit the action of their compounds. Research states that mixing more than three herbs in an infusion is unnecessary since, from this, the active principle of the plants can interact negatively with each other”, she explains.

In addition, according to the nutritionist, the indiscriminate use of herbal medicines can bring several harm to the body, such as:

• low absorption of vitamins and minerals, due to the diuretic effect;
• drop in blood pressure;
• can impair thyroid function;
• provide excessive cramping and bowel movements;
• cause insomnia;
• trigger chronic diseases by its continuous use.

Contraindications

Fernanda Granja highlights that the use of no tea should be continuous.

“Teas should also be avoided by hypertensive, pregnant and lactating women and those with chronic diseases. The ideal thing is that the person consults with a doctor before consuming them”, highlights the nutritionist.

Really beneficial teas

Fernanda Granja highlights that the teas that are well defined in studies, which have the power to help with weight loss, are green tea and white tea. “Both are potent antioxidants, speed up metabolism and are sources of vitamins C, K, B1 and B2,” she says.

The consumption of green tea or white tea, according to the nutritionist, can help reduce the inflammatory process, prevent the development of chronic diseases, in addition to stimulating weight loss, due to the thermogenic effect.

“Green tea acts by inhibiting the activity of intestinal lipase, whose effect translates into a lower absorption of triglycerides and cholesterol, which may lead to less weight gain. However, due to the presence of tannins, substances that can inhibit the absorption of nutrients, it is recommended that this tea be consumed away from the main meals, so that this damage to the absorption of nutrients, especially iron, does not occur. Ideally, it should be taken an hour and a half after meals. In addition, due to the presence of caffeine, it is important that these teas are avoided at night or after 4 pm”, explains the nutritionist.

Also according to Fernanda, the ideal consumption of camellia sinenses (plant from which green and white teas are made) to ensure the benefits of catechins is 4 to 5 cups a day, or 1 liter a day. “It is recommended to drink camellia sinenses tea throughout the day, 1 cup of 200ml every 2 hours. The benefit of ingesting green tea, as well as several other functional foods in fractionated amounts, is that we guarantee greater efficiency in the absorption of the active principles that guarantee the benefits of its consumption”, he highlights.

The teas can be prepared in sufficient quantity to be ingested throughout the day, explains Fernanda Granja. “However, it is important to remember that it should never be reheated. If the preference is for its hot consumption, it is interesting that it is consumed, then, right after its preparation. It is not even indicated that it is sweetened, as it can change the properties of the tea”, concludes the nutritionist.

With all the tips, the question remains: despite all the promised benefits, but also taking into account the harm that this type of tea can offer, is it really worth adhering to 30-herb teas?

If you decide to try this type of tea, remember that it can have side effects and, therefore, talk to your doctor and/or nutritionist before doing so.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.