☠️ Toxic Teas to Avoid: What’s Really in Your Cup?

The Truth About Popular Tea Brands. Why your “healthy” tea might be doing more harm than good…

If you’re sipping on Celestial Seasonings, Lipton, or Twinings and thinking you’re making a healthy choice—you’re not alone. These brands have been household staples for decades. But when you look past the marketing and dig into what’s actually in those tea bags?

🚨 It’s not good.

These popular teas often contain:

• “Natural flavors” – code for lab-created additives that can include solvents, preservatives, and GMOs.

• Citric acid – not the kind from fresh lemons, but often a mold-derived preservative processed with black mold and corn.

• Pesticide residues – Lab tests have found illegal levels of toxic pesticides in teas from major brands. In one study, 91% of Celestial Seasonings teas contained pesticide levels that exceeded U.S. safety limits.

• PFAS (forever chemicals) – These are the same hormone-disrupting, cancer-linked chemicals found in nonstick pans and fast food wrappers. They’ve now been detected in tea bags.

And here's something even sneakier…

The tea bags themselves—especially the silky-looking mesh ones—can leach microplastics or toxic substances when exposed to hot water. So even if the tea leaves inside were decent (which they usually aren’t), you’re still drinking a chemical cocktail.

💔 What about Lipton’s Heart-Healthy Claims?

Lipton proudly flashes the American Heart Association logo—but endorsements like that are often more about money than science. These marketing badges don’t mean the product is actually nourishing or safe. Just like you wouldn't trust "heart-healthy" on sugary cereal, you shouldn't on low-grade tea either.

🫖 What to Look For in Real, Medicinal Tea

Real tea should come from:

• Mineral-rich soil

• Leaves loaded with nutrients like iron, calcium, moringa, and antioxidants

• Zero artificial flavors, citric acid, or pesticides

• No bleached or plastic-heavy tea bags

One of my favorite sources?

Kauai Farmacy 🌿 (use code WAKEUP for 10% off)

It’s based in Hawaii, where they grow everything organically on volcanic soil. Their teas are made with whole herbs, not dusty remnants. You can actually taste the difference—and feel it too. These aren’t just teas… they’re tonics. Think turmeric, tulsi, moringa, ginger, and lemongrass—all dried gently and blended for maximum medicinal benefit.

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👉 Want My Full List of Clean Tea Brands (and Which Ones to Toss)?

I’ve created a downloadable PDF just for paid subscribers that includes:

• A full breakdown of which teas to avoid (with ingredient callouts)

• My vetted list of clean, medicinal, pesticide-free tea brands

• Links to order, plus how to brew for maximum benefits

Upgrade your subscription today to get it instantly.

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Become a paid subscriber and get the Clean Tea Guide now. (paid subscribers - check your email…the list has been sent)

Because you deserve better than a toxic tea bag.

xoxo,

Jen Smiley