If you’re looking to upgrade your morning routine, I’ve got the best detox tea for you. This cleansing tea will kickstart your day. I started making this tea recipe as a part of my Fresh Start 21-day cleanse program, as it is specifically designed to reset the body, get the metabolism up and running, and curb cravings. It does have a little kick, yet that kick brings a whole host of health benefits along with it.
Benefits of a daily morning cleansing tea recipe
The lemon promotes alkalinity in the body, and also kickstarts the liver for the day — encouraging the release of digestive fluids. Add in cayenne and ginger to bring warmth to the tummy, and boost both the metabolism and circulation system. Parsley is an optional add-in that brings some extra alkalinity and nutrients to your morning routine.
More great detox teas
Using teas/drinks to help cleanse the body is a great daily habit. I love playing with different ingredients to create both hot and cold drinks to benefit my body. Here are some of my latest and greatest creations:
Cleansing smoothie recipes
Along with my love for cleansing drinks, I’ve also created several cleansing smoothie recipes that can be consumed after this detox tea. Blending whole food ingredients can be both delicious and beneficial. Use ingredients that promote health and wellness, like these incredible smoothies:
Adding more plant-based recipes into your daily lifestyle will increase your energy levels and help promote weight loss. I created the Fresh Start cleanse that includes this detox tea recipe, because I was sick of companies marketing cleanses that could only be done with their certain pills, supplements, and powders. Most of these supplements are filled with added gums and chemicals. Instead, this cleanse consists of real, whole food, all found in grocery stores. A whole food, plant based diet provides you with the tools you need to create a healthy lifestyle.
Finding the right ingredients to create the best detox tea
Let’s be honest – sometimes finding that real food at a price your family can live with can be difficult. I often consult EWG’s Dirty Dozen list when deciding what produce should be purchased organically. This list really dictates how I shop, as it is updated yearly to show what foods contain the highest levels of pesticides after being washed and prepped for eating. If an ingredient isn’t on this list, I feel better about purchasing the non-organic (often cheaper) version of it.
I also utilize my Costco membership, which actually has all the ingredients I need to make this tea! I found a great batch of ginger root last time I shopped, and they have beautiful, organic lemons for a great price. Finally, I’ve learned that growing my own herbs cuts down a lot of cost. When I can run to the backyard and clip some parsley, vs. purchasing it each time I need it at around $3.29 per bag, I know I’m doing something right.
How to make a detox tea for weight loss
When I make this recipe for the 21-day cleanse, I like to prep it for all 21 days. I know I’m more likely to stick with this habit while cleansing if it’s ready to go each morning. I take an ice cube tray and measure out one serving of this cleansing tea for each rectangle. The tray then goes into the freezer for 1 hour, to freeze each of the cubes. Once frozen, I put them all in a freezer bag and repeat until I’ve got 21 cubes.
When I wake up in the morning, I heat some water, then add 1 cube to a mug, pouring the hot water over it. This cools down the cube perfectly into the best detox tea. If you aren’t into spicy food, you can omit the cayenne. I often add even more cayenne than the recipe calls for!
Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 inch ginger root - thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- cayenne pepper - optional
- fresh parsley - optional
Instructions
- Heat water just below boiling.
- Add sliced ginger and lemon juice to a mug.
- Pour hot water into mug and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
- Add a dash of cayenne, and parsley, if using.
Notes
- No need to eat the ginger or parsley but we won't stop you if you do! You do you...okay?
This tea has been of great benefit to me.
I’ll admit i wasn’t sure about this recipe while making it, but when I took the first sip it was surprisingly and delightfully good. The lemon and ginger both compliment each other very well. I will definitely keep making this recipe a part of my diet. 🙂
Can’t start my day without this now! Love this!
Rawk on, Kavli!
This is such a soothing way to start my morning. I love the ice cube tray idea, and use it to make my cubes ahead of time. Thanks!
Perfectly portioned and super easy for the morning. Way to rawk it Erin!
The ice cube tray idea is wonderful! Making my second batch today!
Rawk on! Here’s to your health, Cyndy! 🙂
I was hesitant, but it’s actually good. I like the addition of the cayenne.
Love that you tried something new Cyndy!! Rawk on!
Love the ice cube tray idea! Gonna have to try that.
Making a bunch ahead of time in an ice cube try is def a game changer!!
I love this tonic. It’s a great way to start my day!
I agree, Kim!
I have this recipe every morning!!
This tonic is a great way to start the day!
It’s a delicious way to start the day while cleansing!
It really is!
I wasn’t sure about this drink when I first tried it, but now I look forward to drinking it every time I do a cleanse. Such a great way to start the day.
I love having this drink during the cleanse and after!
I work 11 p.m. to 7 a when would be the best time for me to take this
Kathleen, I like to drink this first thing in the morning when I wake up. You could incorporate this into your “morning” routine, whatever time that may be. 🙂
I drink this first thing in the morning and I love how it kickstarts my metabolism, re-alkalinizes my body, and settles my stomach if it’s upset. I make the lemon juice and ginger ahead of time and freeze it in an ice cube tray. Then I can pop one lemon/ginger cube into my mug, add boiling water, and top with cayenne and parsley. It’s simple and easy.
Couldn’t have said it better! 🙂
Is it safe to add turmeric to this recipe of detox morning tonic ?
Hey Naomi! It is safe but if you’re looking for a turmeric tonic, I’d recommend this one instead. And it’s not in the ingredients list but add 1 tsp. of MCT oil or coconut oil. Healthy fats + fresh ground black pepper are both important for increasing the bioavailability of the curcumin in turmeric. 🙂 simplegreensmoothies.com/recipes/healing-remedies/how-to-make-turmeric-tea-and-detox-daily
This is super delicious, I usually add about 1/4 tspn cloves to mine❤
Hey Abiola,
Thanks for sharing what you add to your smoothie to make it your own! 🙂
Can u drink this at night? Like a relaxing evening drink?
Hey Hollis,
You can totally drink this whenever it works best for you — but just keep in mind that it is meant to boost your energy for the morning and wake up your body.
Is it ok to add 1 Tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to this mix?
Hey Bonnie,
Yes, you can definitely add in some ACV to this!
This is sooo good, you just feel the health as you drink it all down. I made it for my spouse today and he kept complaining. I realized later he was chewing everything in the cup, which both my daughter and I did without complaint. I think that chewing it all works for some but not others. Either way, it’s rawks!
I agree, Michelle- some like to eat the ginger and parsley and some don’t. Either way, it’s a great drink!
I love this!!! Seriously who knew the power of this morning tonic? Only thing I had to tweet was adding a little maple syrup. (Just a little).
I leave the ginger in- I actually add a little more bc I love the taste. I prep a head bc it saves so much time esp in morning.
I know! I didn’t think drinking this could help me feel so great in the mornings but it totally does!
This is my no go to morning drink, now that I have given up coffee. I, like other posters, like to add extra cayenne to it.
A little extra cayenne will really help you wake up in the mornings!
When this is done steeping, do you strain out the ginger or just leave it in? Also, I saw mention of prepping ahead and freezing. How would I do this?
Hi K,
It’s totally up to you if you want to strain it before drinking or not. I simply leave everything in and enjoy! And yes, you can totally prep this ahead of time in your freezer. Place a serving amount of ginger, lemon juice, parsley, and cayenne in an ice cube tray and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy pop a cube in your mug + add hot water!
This is great in the morning instead of coffee or tea. Like some other posters, I like to add a little bit more cayenne for some kick/warmth. Also, prepping ahead of time in ice cube trays makes it as easy as using a tea bag.
Prepping makes a huge difference, doesn’t it?!
I have been doing Jen’s Fresh Start 21-Day Cleanse and a morning ritual is this tonic. It is warming, satisfying and invigorating! A perfect way to feel good and give give your morning a jump start. I love the pinch of cayenne. I use a tea filter insert in my mug that I take out when it is done steeping because I like to slice my ginger and chop up the parsley❤️
Def a perfect way to feel good and give your morning a great jump start! 🙂
Have had one of these each morning this week. The tip of freezing the ingredients in an ice tray first is excellent, you boil the kettle, pop a cube in a cup then off you go. This morning I noticed how much I liked the warmth of it.
The warmth of the ginger is really nice, isn’t it?
This is excellent for starting off the morning – light but not too light, the heat is a great wake up and helps hold off hunger long enough to make breakfast. I don’t feel the need for coffee first thing when I have this instead!
This is def a great substitute for coffee!
Love this morning tonic! I’ve been drinking it every morning since the last 21 day cleanse. Gets me going in the morning…great start without the caffeine❤️
So true, Kim!
I’ve been drinking it every morning! Absolutely love it! It’s like hot lemonade without the added sugar. Much healthier too. The spice from the cayenne is also very nice. I like it spicy, so I usually add a little more. 🙂
I never thought of it as hot lemonade but I like that!
I LOVE this morning tonic. I’m a morning coffee kinda girl normally, but this helped me break that cycle. The ginger and lemon balance perfectly with the cayenne (you can even add more cayenne if you like it that way – I do!)
That’s the beauty of this. You feel great. No caffeine crash. And you can follow the recipe exactly or add a little more or less to taste.
I’m so glad you love this, Jen! And you’re so right, this tonic tastes great if you follow the recipe or you make your own tweaks. Cheers!
I love this drink. The spices make the lemon water much more enjoyable!
The spices are a great combo with the lemon and they’re so warming!
I think i should try this
I think you should too! 🙂
will definitely try skipping my morning cup of tea for this.
Hi Emmah,
This is the perfect pick-me-up + a great swap for your morning coffee or tea. It also gets your metabolism reving! Make sure + reach back out. I’d love to hear how you’ve liked swapping in our Morning Tonic!
If you don’t have fresh ginger root, can you use ground ginger? If so, how much do you recommend?
I love your webpage and thank you so much for kick starting my healthier lifestyle!!
Hi Esther,
Don’t have fresh ginger on hand? You can try and swap in 1 tsp of ground ginger, but you will be missing out on some of the fresh ginger’s health benefits.
LOVE! I will drink this every morning from now on!! Super easy to prep too! Thank you for the ice cube idea!
Awesome! You’re welcome, Krista!
Nice way to start the morning
It is, Clara!
Love this…. great way to start my morning!
I agree, Kim!
Very refreshing way to start the day. Thank you for sharing awesome recipes with us.
You’re welcome, Elsie!
I saw your comment about drinking cool with a straw. Do you think that the tonic as affective if it is cold?
Thanks!
Hi Jessica,
If you’d prefer to drink your morning tonic with a straw. I would follow all of the instructions as seen above, and just wait until it’s cool enough to pass through a straw instead of sip. That way you’re still benefiting from the heat with aids in infusing your glass with ginger + lemon.
Hope this helps!
I really enjoy drinking this in the morning and often have it even when I am not cleansing!
Me too, Kate!
I tried the tonic and the cayenne made my face red and flushed and felt miserable all day. Allergic? Does anyone have the experience? I would rather do without the cayenne in this morning tonic.
Hi April,
Definitely sounds like you may have had an allergic reaction. I’d check in with your physician to look into any food allergies or sensitivities.
And don’t worry about leaving the cayenne out. You’ll still benefit from the lemon + ginger!
Can I add a couple of TBSPs of the Natural cold/Flu Remedy to hot water in replacement of the fresh ginger & lemon juice?
Hi Megan,
The sugar content in the Natural Cold + Flu remedy is a little bit higher than you’d want to have during the cleanse, due to the added honey. But if you need a little added sweetness to stomach the Morning Tonic in the AM. Honey or maple syrup is a great idea.
Thank you for your great recipes. I have a question about the lemon added to hot water. I thought lemon became more acidic when mixed with hot water and could be harmful to your teeth enamel. I’d appreciate reading your reply.
Hi Noreen,
You’re right. Unfortunately some of the healthiest foods for us, like most fruits, are acidic, and can hurt the enamel of your teeth overtime. We’ve kept the ratio of water to lemon here low…to give our body major health benefits while keeping our teeth in mind.
Here are some additional tips if you’re concerned about your dental health…
-Brush your teeth before your morning tonic. It might sound counterintuitive, but it actually creates a barrier to help protect your teeth.
-Rinse your mouth after enjoying your morning tonic with fresh water
-Or wait for your morning tonic to cool and enjoy it with a straw to avoid contact with your teeth.