Brand: Dr Stuart's
Flavour: Liver Detox
Ingredients: Peppermint, Dandelion Root, Liquorice Root, Chamomile, Centaury Herb, Boldo Leaves, Couchgrass Root, Restharrow Root, Milk Thistle
Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free Organic Ingredients: 100% Price Range: £2-3 Bags Per Box: 15Our Review: It should be noted that the Dr Stuart's Range is really aimed at providing health benefits, rather than flavour.
With that disclaimer out of the way, this is the most shocking tea we've ever tried, bar none. We believe it's the centuary herb that does it. Apparently, this 'fibrous and woody' plant is a bitter herb traditionally used to treat flatulence and anorexia (as it stimulates appetite). The smell is inoffensive enough, which lulls you into a false sense of confidence as you take your first sip.
Initially, the taste is minty. 'Why does everyone tell me this is awful?' you wonder.
Then it hits you, right at the back of your throat - the bitterest thing you have ever tasted. And it doesn't go away! Oh, no. It's the gift that keeps giving. Even if you hold your nose, you can't get rid of that flavour.
We managed to photograph Ginger Tea's first experience with this tea.
'This is what I imagine acid tastes like,' she said.
'Why is [the bitterness] still there? When does it go away?' A little later: 'I'm crying.'
Three Tulsi picked this up for health reasons and somehow got through the whole box (albeit she gave away a few bags to the more adventurous, unsuspecting tea drinkers in her life). By her sixth cup, it became more bearable - but it's definitely not being bought again!
It's more tolerable cooled down. The bitterness becomes more mild and the peppermint comes out more (relatively speaking). That said, it also highlights the liquorice, which isn't necessarily a good thing. It definitely does something to your insides, though, because it leaves your stomach feeling like it's shifting and swishing around, after a few minutes; so maybe there's something to be said for its health benefits, after all.
Best time of year to drink this: Never!
Best time of day to drink this: Never!
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Ah, Tulsi & Ginger! Normally I agree with your reviews, but in this case I beg to differ. I actually LIKE this tea. Not necessarily as a daily staple, but I do like to drink it one or two evenings a week. Regarding the bitterness, I don’t know what ‘centaury herb’ is, but dandelion root IS bitter. In fact, it is often used as a coffee substitute. Bitter herbs (or vegetables) are not very popular these days, but have long been known for their liver-detoxing properties, and many doctors of naturopathic medicine say it is something missing in most of our diets. So while I understand it’s not everybody’s ‘cup of tea’, I would never say ‘never’ to it!
The world is a weird and wonderful place, Lynn 🙂
I like this tea. I made it hot, then let it cool down. It tastes great. Licorice and peppermint are predominant. I had a big mug full tonight. My stomach is rumbling a bit, but no other side effects in the first 2 hours.
I disagree with you on this review. The taste is not great but not undrinkable and most of all everytime i have digesyive problems this tea does the trick in 30 minutes tops! No more medicine to feel better before going to bed or balance a heavy meal. I highly recommend this tea 🙂
The main benefits of Dr Stuart teas (and other herbal teas) are actually on health. The taste is not what you should look for in priority. I restored my liver thanks to this one and to the detox one. I used to have too high liver enzymes, and it’s now back to normal thanks to those teas.
That’s wonderful to hear. We did acknowledge it’s only one you’d drink for health benefits, and you’ve definitely confirmed that 🙂
Thank you for your review. I already bought the tea for medicinal reasons, like high liver enzymes. It reminds me a lot of the Chinese formulas I used to be prescribed. It’s really not as bitter as some of the formulas I’ve had, but still that bitter is supposed to clear heat, which is typical with liver issues. This is not a tea you drink for fun, but it’s sounds like it’s definitely functional.