Best Detox Drinks You Can Make at Home

Do you often feel sluggish or bloated during your day?

Do you struggle to have the energy you need to get through it?

Rather than reaching for an energy drink as a pick-me-up, you may want to consider getting rid of some of the excess toxins from your body.

Our guide teaches you all the benefits of detox drinks that can help you boost your energy, enhance your digestion, and cleanse your liver, including tasty recipes for detox drinks you can make at home.

Detoxifying your body supports your liver, digestion, and other body systems that keep inflammation and other disorders under control.

The use of detoxification therapy is very common among licensed naturopathic doctors in the U.S.

Detox therapies are common for use as preventative medicine, and to treat toxin exposure, autoimmune diseases, and gastrointestinal problems (1).

There are many ways you can detoxify your body at home, and detox drinks made from natural ingredients are a great way to support your health.

You can make many simple drinks at home with detoxifying vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

These ingredients stimulate the detoxification process and provide your liver, kidneys, and other organs with the nutrients and vitamins they need to work properly at eliminating waste from your body.

Our guide will help you create delicious, nutritious detox drinks that can help you feel better, faster.

Detox drinks get you to feel energized and clear-headed, so keep reading to learn more about how to make these beneficial concoctions at home.

What Detox Drinks Can Do for You

Detoxification has many connotations.

Many people think that only fasting or using special medicines or formulas can remove toxins from your body.

As it turns out, detoxification is much simpler than you imagined.

You can make a delicious, healthy detox drink with simple ingredients, many of which you probably have in your kitchen right now.

It’s not necessary to buy anything fancy to enjoy the benefits of detox drinks at home.

Our bodies are exposed all the time to pesticides, heavy metals, preservatives, pollutants, and toxic chemicals.

These toxins enter our bodies when we breathe, eat, and touch objects in our environment, and once they are inside our bodies, they remain in our tissues and cells, sometimes for a very long time.

Toxins can have significant health impacts, including causing cancer, mental health problems, and digestive, reproductive, or metabolic disorders (2).

When you use detox drinks regularly, you can rid your body of these accumulated toxins before they cause significant problems.

If you are overloaded with toxins, you may be experiencing any number of symptoms, including:

• bloating
• constipation
• headaches
• excess gas
• aches and pains
• fatigue
• skin problems
• nausea
• food cravings
• bad breath
• mood swings

If you have one or more of these symptoms, or you’ve noticed a recent increase in symptoms, you may need to detoxify your body and restore it to a healthier state.

Top Benefits of Detox Drinks

Detoxification drinks have many important benefits for your body and mind.

If you’ve ever considered whether a detox drink can help you, you need to know these five major benefits of consuming detox drinks.

Cleanse Your Liver

You are exposed to toxins all the time.

These pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants get stored in your body’s cells and tissues.

Over time, they affect your metabolism, mood, and immune system.

If you don’t have any diagnosed diseases and still have any of the symptoms we described earlier, you could be affected by the toxic buildup in your system.

Your liver has many functions, including removing waste materials and toxins from your blood.

When your liver is working effectively, wastes are removed from the body through your urine and feces.

When your liver is unable to eliminate toxins from your body completely, they are stored in fat tissue inside your liver, where they remain until your liver improves function and can remove them properly (3).

When you consume a detox drink regularly, you can increase your liver’s capacity to remove toxins from your body, which is evident when you see that detoxification can enhance your urinary output and health, indicating improved liver function (4).

Help You Lose Weight

If your energy is lagging or your metabolism is slowing down, this can hinder your efforts to lose weight.

Detox drinks can provide you with energy and improved metabolic function.

Some detox ingredients contain enzymes that help your cells use sugar more efficiently, which can also help you lose weight.

When you detoxify your body, you help all your systems use nutrition properly.

When given a 21-day detox diet, research participants lost weight and experienced many positive side effects (5).

Their diets were rich in detox ingredients and plenty of water.

Reduce Inflammation

When you consume detox drinks instead of a heavy meal, you allow your digestive system and liver a chance to rest and cleanse your system.

Inflammation is known to cause many problems in your body and can lead to significant health problems.

Easing your digestion and providing your liver with beneficial, detoxifying ingredients can allow these systems to do their jobs properly, and get back on track.

Can Benefit Your Skin

Your skin is another place toxins can end up in your body.

Chemicals and pollutants can clog your pores, leading to advanced signs of aging, including dry skin and wrinkles.

Eliminating toxins by using detox drinks can improve the overall look of your skin.

Many detox drinks are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients your skin needs to be healthy and glowing.

These essential nutrients help your immune system work correctly, healing the signs of aging, as well as damage to your skin from your environment (6).

Boost Your Brain Power and Energy

Cleansing your liver and other metabolic systems reduces your inflammation load, giving you more energy for life.

The toxins in your body can make you feel weighed down and sluggish, contributing to fatigue and mental fog.

When you release these toxins, you feel refreshed and able to live and think more energetically.

Detox drink ingredients are known to improve mental alertness, and the important hydration that these drinks offer is essential for healthy body and brain functions (7).

The Most Beneficial Detox Ingredients

Every vegetable, fruit, and herb has specific benefits for your body.

Knowing which combination of these natural ingredients you can use to boost your immune system and detoxify your liver can give you the power to heal it.

Read the benefits of our favorite detox ingredients, then create your ideal detox drink at home.

Cucumber

Cucumbers contain many essential nutrients that make them excellent sources of antioxidants, polyphenols, and natural diuretics.

They help your body fight inflammation from free radical damage, slow the aging process, and help cleanse your liver (8).

As a diuretic, cucumbers stimulate urination, which allows your body to flush out toxins and other wastes.

Watermelon

In addition to being an excellent source of hydration for your body, watermelon is packed with essential nutrients that can detoxify your body and promote better health in many ways.

As a detoxification ingredient, watermelon contains magnesium and potassium, which help regulate the blood flow and hydration that are essential for detoxification.

Watermelon is high in both Vitamins A and B, which fight inflammation and free radical damage.

Watermelon is also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives it its red or pink color.

Lycopene is known to help prevent many chronic diseases, including lowering blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease (9).

Lemon

Lemon’s benefits to your health have been known for centuries.

As a source of ascorbic acid, lemons aid in detoxification, digestion, skin health, and immunity.

Lemons’ nutrients can help you heal faster and fight the signs of aging.

The pectin in lemons provides fiber, which fills you up longer, so lemon detox drinks can also promote weight loss (10).

Grapefruit

There is a reason grapefruit has been included in weight loss strategies for decades.

Grapefruits contain an enzyme known as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

This enzyme is used by your body to metabolize sugar more efficiently (11).

AMPK boosts your weight loss efforts by increasing your metabolism.

Grapefruit is also rich in Vitamin C, which improves immunity.

Grapefruit is an excellent source of hydration for your body and brain, as well.

Lime

Limes provide many benefits to your liver, digestive system, and immune system.

Lime juice stimulates the liver enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), which is important in the detoxification process (12).

Limes are also rich in flavonoids, increasing bile and acid secretion in the digestive system, which can help break down toxins and wastes.

Limes contain Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help keep your immune system healthy, as well.

Mint

Mint has a higher concentration of antioxidants than nearly any other food.

Mint helps improve digestion by enhancing the production of bile, which aids in detoxification (13).

Mint’s antimicrobial properties mean it can help kill germs while also freshening your breath.

Mint calms an upset stomach, and it smells great!

Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants and flavonoids.

Eating strawberries can help slow the aging process and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Rich in Vitamins A and C, strawberries make a great addition to any detox drink.

They are an excellent source of hydration, which helps your skin stay healthy, too.

Strawberries’ antioxidants promote detoxification and lead to lowered inflammation and better digestion.

Raspberries

Raspberries are not only tasty, but they also contain ketones, which can help you lose weight.

Animal trials suggest that ketones help reduce weight gain and the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, which is belly fat (14).

Because raspberries are also high in Vitamins B and C, they are great additions to detox drinks, because they promote healthy skin and contain beneficial antioxidants.

Rosemary

Rosemary provides many of the same benefits as mint, which is part of the same plant family.

Like mint, it enhances bile production, which aids in detoxification and fat metabolism.

Rosemary promotes the proper balance of microflora in your gut, which ensures your digestive system is working correctly to eliminate wastes and toxins.

Rosemary can even boost your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, making it a great combination with other detox ingredients (15).

Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant.

Ginger aids digestion in many ways, which can help eliminate toxins more efficiently.

Ginger is a natural treatment for nausea, constipation, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems (16).

Adding fresh or ground ginger to your detox drinks will improve your digestion, and help your body work to detoxify your system.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can boost your metabolism to assist with weight loss and aid in detoxification.

Apple cider vinegar is high in acetic acid, which naturally revs up metabolic functions.

Its probiotic properties help your digestive system maintain the proper levels of microflora, and it also promotes adequate pH balance to control yeast and other organisms that cause problems.

Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant’s leaves contain a gel that is beneficial for detoxification.

Like apple cider vinegar, it promotes proper gut microflora levels, which helps you digest correctly and eliminate waste and toxins.

Aloe vera can boost your immunity, and reduce inflammation, as well (17).

Many other ingredients, such as dandelions, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and green tea are excellent additives to your detox drinks.

Remember that fruits and vegetables contain many essential nutrients and minerals that will also promote balance and health throughout your body.

Experiment with ingredients to find flavor combinations you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

If you would like a good starting place for your detox drink combinations, though, below are some of our favorite recipes.

Best Natural Detox Drink Recipes

While there are pre-made detox drinks available on the market today, making your own means you have greater control over your ingredients, can select the best fruits and vegetables to include, and can tailor your detox drink to your tastes and needs.

Homemade detox drinks offer you all the benefits of detoxification right in your own home with a few simple, natural ingredients.

Before you start a detox process, you may want to consider cleaning your digestive system with a salt-water cleanse.

Dissolve one to two tablespoons of sea salt in one quart of warm water.

Drink the water, then wait.

Stick close to the restroom during this time, as the salt water will quickly expel wastes from your system.

This cleanse can prepare your body for future detoxification, and assist with weight loss, as well.

Detox Waters

Detox waters are great drinks to sip on throughout the day.

The following suggestions are to be used with 12 ounces of water, but you can change the proportions to suit your tastes.

Place water and ingredients in a pitcher, and let them sit for at least five hours.

You can drink them with ice if you prefer.

Because you now understand the power of these detox ingredients, you can create a combination that works for you, as well.

To a pitcher of water, add:

• Several mint leaves, one lime cut into wedges, and two cups watermelon cut into cubes.
• One cucumber sliced and the juice of one lemon.
• The juice of one lemon and three tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
• The juice of half a lemon and one tablespoon freshly grated ginger root.
• One cup of strawberry slices, two sprigs of rosemary, and two cups of watermelon cut into cubes.
• The juice of one lemon, two tablespoons of maple syrup, and one-eighth teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Detox Teas

Teas are brewed using fresh or dried ingredients that are steeped in boiling water.

You can drink them hot or cold.

• Steep dandelion flowers or roots for 30 minutes in boiling water. Strain the liquid before drinking.
• Green tea leaves are widely available. Steep for three to five minutes, then drain before sipping.
• Ginger tea is also widely available, or you can steep fresh ginger root in boiling water for ten minutes. Lemon juice and raw honey are excellent additives that complement ginger tea’s flavors and detox properties well.
• Brew green tea normally, then add a few fresh basil leaves while it is steeping. Drink this hot or iced for a refreshing detox tea.

Detox Smoothies

Smoothies are tasty blends of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and liquid.

Use a high-powered blender to get the best results.

The combinations listed below will help you detox your body, and also taste great and will fill you up with lots of fiber and nutrients.

• Superfood Smoothie – Soak two tablespoons of Goji berries in hot water for five minutes. Drain the water, then add the berries to a blender, along with one cup fresh pineapple, one cup blueberries, and the juice of one grapefruit. Blend until creamy and smooth.
• Oatmeal Detox Smoothie – In your blender, combine one-quarter cup rolled oats, one cup almond or other plant milk, one-half cup coconut water, one-half of a green apple, one-quarter cup each parsley and cilantro, one tablespoon of raw honey, and a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth.
• Ginger-Berry-Beet Smoothie – Add one cup plant milk to your blender. Add one cup of frozen berries of your choice, three-quarters cup of frozen pineapple, and one-quarter cup frozen beets. Add one teaspoon freshly grated ginger, one-half teaspoon freshly grated turmeric, one-quarter of an avocado, one tablespoon of chia seeds, and two teaspoons of raw honey. Blend until smooth, adding more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
• Citrus Smoothie – Rinse and peel one navel orange, one tangerine, two bananas, one Meyer lemon, and one Meyer lime. Add the whole orange, tangerine, and bananas to your blender. Add one quarter to one half of the lemon and lime, depending on your taste preferences. Add one-quarter cup of plant milk and ice cubes. Blend until smooth. You can add additional fruit or milk to achieve your desired flavor.
• Cranberry Smoothie – To your blender, add one cup frozen cranberries, one apple that has been peeled and cored, one-half cup plant milk, one-half cup water or coconut water, and one-half teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and turmeric. Blend until smooth.
• Green Kiwi Smoothie – Blend together two peeled kiwis, the juice of one lemon and one lime, one cup coconut water, the juice of one large orange, one sprig of parsley, a handful of spinach leaves, one tablespoon of chia seeds, one-half teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of sea salt, and ice cubes.

Precautions

Consuming detox drinks is a great way to cleanse your body of wastes and toxins that may be holding you back or affecting your health.

If you are experiencing skin problems, mood swings, fatigue, or digestive issues, trying a detox drink regimen could be the right solution for you.

The ingredients in detox drinks promote good liver function, reduce inflammation, boost your immunity, and can even help you lose weight.

With so many fresh, tasty ingredients that have detoxification properties, you can’t go wrong in finding a drink you will love that is also good for you.

Read all the benefits of each ingredient, then choose a combination that matches your tastes.

Or you can try one of our tasty detox drink recipes.

Whether you enjoy detox water, tea, smoothies, or juices, combining fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and liquids to make detoxification drinks is a healthy, natural choice that will help your body heal itself.

Detox drinks are also a great way to promote weight loss and improve other symptoms, such as inflammation and pain.

As a part of a healthy lifestyle, detox drinks can contribute to your overall health and happiness.