Detox tea

Cleanse-style teas are usually herbal blends built around bitter, earthy and green botanicals. Dandelion root has a roasted, almost coffee-like depth; burdock root is sweet and woody; nettle tastes like a mild, mineral spinach; and milk thistle seed is nutty and subtle. Citrus peel, lemongrass and ginger brighten the mix. Green tea and sencha also appear in this category for those who want a light, fresh cup with a little caffeine.

Bitter herbs have long been part of traditional European herbalism, where they were taken before or after meals. Their flavour can be an acquired taste — a squeeze of lemon or a little honey helps.

There is no tea that replaces the work your liver and kidneys already do. What these blends offer is a flavourful, unsweetened way to drink more fluids and swap out sugary drinks, which is a sensible habit on its own. Be cautious of any product that promises rapid results, and avoid blends containing senna or other laxative herbs unless a healthcare professional has recommended them.

Roots like dandelion and burdock are dense, so give them boiling water and a longer steep. Some people simmer them on the stove for 10 minutes for a richer, darker brew.

Root and leaf herbal blends in this collection are caffeine-free, so you can enjoy them in the evening. Green tea and sencha options contain modest caffeine. If you like the idea of a morning cleanse-style ritual, a cup of green tea with a squeeze of lemon is a simple start, followed by a caffeine-free dandelion or nettle blend later in the day.