Supplement Clarity

Teami Tea Review: Does It Work? Is It Safe?

Joe Cannon

Update 3/1/22. I live under a pretty big rock -but not so big that the Jameela Jamil /Cardi B  Teami weight-loss teas war of words did not get my attention. When rapper, Cardi B started posting videos about her use of Teami Blends detox teas this got the attention of actress Jamila Jamil who called her out on Twitter for her use of “laxatives.” Jamila even posted a satirical video about celebrities who endorse detox teas (see below). So, who's right – Jameela Jamil or Cardi B? Is In this unbiased Teami Tea review, I'll reveal the research on the ingredients in Teami teas (Skinny Tea and Colon Tea). Does Teami Tea really work or is it a scam? Let's see…

Review Synopsis

This review will cover the Skinny Tea and Colon Tea.  Specifically, I'll address :

  1. The ingredients in each – and their research
  2. Call out what I feel are the active ingredients
  3. Address potential side effects
  4. Compare the Skinny and Colon tea ingredients to each other
  5. Compare Teami to other weight loss teas



 Teami Tea Video Review

This review is big. Here's a short video to help if you, if you prefer to just listen to me:

Teami Skinny Tea Review

Each teaspoon of skinny tea has 10 calories and 1 gram of dietary fiber. The ingredients in this tea are:

Teami Skinny Tea
  1. Yerba Mate
  2. Oolong Tea
  3. Jiao Gulam
  4. Lotus Leaf
  5. Lime Leaf Extract
  6. Ginger Root
  7. Rubarb Root

The tea also has “Plant Based Caffeine.”

Let's look at some of the ingredients in Skinny Tea and see if they have any weight loss proof.

Yerba Mate & Oolong Tea

The first 2 ingredients listed For the Skinny Tea are Yerba Mate and Oolong Tea. Both of these contain caffeine.  While caffeine can have a mild fat-burning effect, caffeine -by itself -is not considered an effective weight loss aid. If caffeine really did foster weight loss, then diet soda would work -but it doesn't.

Skinny tea only has 35 mg of caffeine per cup. That's less than a cup of coffee.

At least one study noted Oolong tea caused people to lose about 2 pounds of weight after 6 weeks of use. That's not much.

One small study (12 people) noted yerba mate seemed to reduce the desire to eat. Caffeine can have this effect.

Several studies have connected the long-term use of yerba mate to cancer. Yerba mate seems to increase the risk of:

and others.

This is not something that occurs overnight. It likely takes years to happen. Also, the cancer-causing effects seem to be greater when yerba mate is consumed hot.

I suggest you talk to your doctor/pharmacist for more on this topic.

Jiao Gulam

This is a plant that grows in China and other parts of the world. Its scientific name is Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Some also call this herbal ingredient “Immortality Herb.”

Jiao Gulam contains substances that appear to activate AMPK (AMP-Activated Protein Kinase), an enzyme that can increase fat burning. Burning more fat might mean more weight loss. Because of this, some Jiao Gulam supplements may contain AMPK in their name.

So, is there any proof?

Researchers in Korea noted an extract of Jiao Gulam (called actiponin) promoted weight loss and fat loss more than a placebo when it was given to overweight people for 12 weeks. This study involved 80 overweight people were given either actiponin or a placebo.

The amount of actiponin used was 450 mg per day. I don't know how much actiponin is in Teami Skinny Tea.

Lotus Leaf

The technical name for lotus is Nelumbo nucifera. Some mice studies suggest lotus may have weight loss effects. But, whether or not this happens in people needs more study. Previously reviewed supplements containing lotus include:

The seeds of lotus contain a stimulant called higenamine. This is not found in the leaves which is what Teami Skinny uses – and that's good.

Skinny Tea Ingredients With Evidence

The following ingredients in Teami Skinny Tea have weight loss evidence:

Teami Colon Cleanse Tea

Now, let's discuss the Colon Tea ingredients and research. I believe this is the tea blend Jameela Jamil was referring to when she said Cardi B would poop her pants. This tea has laxative ingredients.

Teami Colon Tea Review

Teami Colon Tea ingredients

Each teabag (2 grams) has 20 calories. Here are the ingredients, in order as they appear on the Nutrition Facts label :

  1. Senna leaf and root
  2. Hawthorn berry extract
  3. Lotus Leaf
  4. Lime Leaf and extract
  5. Psyllium husk seed
  6. Phaseolus calcaratus seed
  7. Rhubarb root
  8. Poria cocos stem bark
  9. Valerian root

This tea also contains “plant based caffeine.”

Senna

This is the first ingredient listed, so it makes up most of what's in the tea. Senna is a well-known laxative. 

The problem with laxatives is the only “weight” they help us lose is water and poop weight. Laxatives do not stop us from absorbing calories. Based on this, laxative ingredients like senna are not long-term solutions to weight loss.

See the 3 Ballerina tea review for more insights.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn may be found in heart health supplements. Hawthorn can improve how well the heart pumps blood. I asked Teami company customer support about this and was told hawthorn is used because it helps cleanse the body of cholesterol and detoxify the body.

While Hawthorn might reduce cholesterol, how this factors into weight loss, I cannot say.

Psyllium

Psyllium is a source of fiber. It's found in Metamucil too. Psyllium is also a laxative. The Nutrition Facts label does not state how much fiber is in the Colon Tea.

Phaseolus Calcaratus

Also called Vigna umbellata and rice bean. No weight loss research on this herbal ingredient can be located.

Phaseolus Calcaratus vs. Phaseolus Vulgaris

Phaseolus vulgaris (AKA, white kidney bean extract) contains a compound called an alpha amylase inhibitor. Alpha amylase is an enzyme that digests carbs.

By blocking alpha amalyase, phaseolus Vulgaris blocks carbohydrate absorption.

Thus, phaseolus vulgaris is a carb blocker. Some studies have noted phaseolus Vulgaris may have weight loss effects. While it's possible phaseolus calcaratus may have similar carb-blocking effects, I could not locate any.

Poria Cocos

Poria- also called Wolfiporia cocos – is a type of mushroom.  While mushrooms are great food, no weight loss research on poria cocos can be located.

Valerian Root

Valerian is a common anti-anxiety and insomnia herbal ingredient. But, I've never seen research for weight loss. Teami appears to be marketed mostly to women. Some research suggests Valerian root may help menopause symptoms.

Laxative Ingredients

Teami colon cleanse/detox tea has the following ingredients with laxative effects:

  1. Senna
  2. Psyllium

Ingredients With Weight Loss Evidence

Clinical studies showing weight loss have been published on the following ingredients:

In theory, you could use these products and get the same effects.  Obviously, for best results, combine these with a little bit of exercise and eating fewer calories per day.

Teami Tea Caffeine Content

How much caffeine does Teami have? There are many different kinds of Teami detox teas. While the labels indicate “plant based caffeine” how much do they contain?

I contacted Teami Tea Customer Support. I was told their teas contain the following amounts of caffeine:

From the ingredients I saw, the caffeine comes from either:

  1. Black tea
  2. Green tea
  3. Yerba mate
  4. Oolong tea

As a side note, “plant based caffeine” is a made-up marketing word. Plant-based or not, caffeine is caffeine.

Celebrities Endorsing Teami Detox Teas

The following celebrities have posted pictures/videos of themselves with Teami blend Tea:

  1. CardiB
  2. Kyle Jenner
  3. Demi Lovato
  4. Sara Palin
  5. Bristol Palin
  6. Blac Chyna

It's unclear if these endorsements were sponsored ads or not. Celebrities are supposed to disclose when they are being paid to endorse products.

Ironically, in 2016 Cardi B was touting the benefits of Fit Tea.

Jameela Jamil Detox Tea Video

This video is worth a look. It's pretty funny.

Detox teas are discussed in this video (first 5 minutes)

Who Makes Teami Teas?

The company is Teami LLC. The Teami website (TeamiBlends.com) lists this address as their Florida Headquarters / Warehouse Facility Headquarters: 10801 Endeavor Way, STE A Seminole, FL 33777.

But this isn't where the tea is made. The labels tell us the teas are a “product of Hong Kong.”

They are made in China.

The labels state the tea is “imported and distributed by Teami LLC.”

Teami customer support informed me they have a factory in Hong Kong where all the ingredients are assembled together. Customer service would not give me the location of that facility.

OK, I'll just say it, why isn't Teami Tea made in America? This tea isn't cheap so how much are they saving by making it made in China?

Contact Teami Blends

Teami Better Business Bureau File

The company has an F rating with the BBB. It was previously an A-.  See the BBB file for updates and more information.

Teami Settles With The FTC

The Teami company has settled its problems with the Federal Trade Commission. The complaint by the FTC alleged that the company said their 30-day detox pack would help people lose weight as well as other things like fight cancer. Originally the FTC fined the company $15 million but this was reduced to $1 million due to the company's inability to pay the fine. In 2022 the FTC reported it returned over $900,000 to people who purchased Teami Tea

The FTC also sent warning letters to 10 social media influencers – including Cardi B – who were paid to create Instagram posts promoting the product – yet did not clearly disclose they were being paid to do so.

Teami Tea Side Effects

The Teami Tea website states “If you have any medical specifications, allergies, heart problems, dietary specifications, etc. always consult your doctor prior to use.”

When it comes to the Colon Cleanse tea, they say “You may experience slight cramping and frequent visits to the bathroom due to the laxative effect.

The company goes on to say that “This should NOT include diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting or severe cramping.” I agree, those are bad side effects.

General things to think about before using detox teas:

  1. Start with less than is recommended for the first week to see how you respond
  2. Speak to your doctor/pharmacist if you take ANY medications
  3. Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
  4. If you are pregnant/breastfeeding avoid or talk to your doctor first
  5. While the teas contain only a little bit of caffeine, avoid taking it close to bed time.

Long-term use of senna can change the color of your colon. This is called melanosis coli.  While this condition is usually thought to be harmless, some preliminary evidence (that means not in humans) has suggested long-term senna use could be a risk for colon cancer. There is no human proof senna causes colon cancer.

What about the microbiome? If you are concerned with the health of your gut, preliminary evidence (mice) suggests short-term laxative use (just 6 days) can lead to a less healthy gut by killing off common gut bacteria and allowing less common types to flourish. Some of these friendly bacteria do produce compounds that are thought to protect us from colon cancer and other health problems. That said, the long term effects of colon cleanse on microbiome health need more study.

Teami Colon Tea vs. Teami Skinny Tea

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Skinny Tea and Colon detox Tea ingredients:

Teami Skinny Tea Teami Colon Tea
Yerba Mate Senna Leaf and Root
Oolong Tea Hawthorn Berry Extract
Jiao Gulam Lotus Leaf
Lotus Leaf Lime Leaf and Extract
Lime Leaf extract Psyllium Husk Seed
Ginger Root Phaseolus Calcaratus Seed
Rhubarb Root Rhubarb Root
Plant based caffeine Poria Cocos Stem Bark
Valerian Root
Plant Based Caffeine

As can be seen, the Colon Cleanse Tea contains senna as its first ingredient. Senna is a laxative.  Where does the Plant-Based caffeine come from?

Teami Tea vs. Fit Tea

Fit Tea is another detox tea. Before Cardi B was promoting TeamiBlends, she was touting Fit Tea. How are they different? Here's a side-by-side comparison of their ingredients:

Teami Skinny Tea Teami Colon Tea Fit Tea 14 Day Detox
Yerba Mate Senna Rooibos
Oolong tea Hawthorn Green tea
Jiao gulam Lotus leaf Ginger
Lotus leaf Lime leaf Oolong tea
Lime leaf extract Psyllium Pomegranate
Ginger root Phaseolus calcaratus Stevia
Rubarb root Rhubarb Guarana
Poria cocos Citric acid
Valarian Sea salt
Lemon Juice
Honey
Matcha Green tea
Garcinia camboga extract

 

Teami Blends vs. Flat Tummy Tea

Flat tummy tea is another popular detox product. While no studies have compared Flat Tummy Tea to other supplements, from the review of Flat Tummy tea, I discovered senna as an ingredient in one of the blends.

Teami Tea vs. Skinny Mint Tea-Tox

SkinnyMint TeaTox also contains yerba mate as a key ingredient. It also has over 1000 mg of green tea per bag. Green tea contains caffeine as does guarana which SkinnyMint also has. I've not seen any studies comparing the TeaTox to Teami.

See Dr. Bill Sukala's review of SkinnyMint TeaTox for much more information.

My Weight Loss Supplement Suggestions

Here is a list of weight loss products that have evidence:

  1. Psyllium Fiber
  2. Konjac Root / Glucomannan Fiber
  3. MeraTrim
  4. Saffron
  5. Apple Cider Vinager

Each of these products has various studies supporting weight loss and/or appetite suppression.

Teami Tea Pro & Con

Pro Con
Contributes to total water/fluid  intake Expensive
Easy to use No clinical research
Portable Some questionable ingredients
Does not contain much caffeine Contains laxative ingredients
Made in China

These are my opinions after reviewing the Skinny Tea and Colon Tea.

Does Teami Tea Work?

Drinking extra water can help fill us up and make us less likely to over-eat. Drinking more water can also help give us extra energy by addressing sub-clinical dehydration. Drinking the tea may also help by giving us something to do when we are hungry. And then, there is the placebo effect. It works because you think it works.

Beyond that, no special weight loss /detox ingredients in Teami teas that I can determine. My advice: make your own tea and drink that instead.

Comments Or Questions?


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