Yes you read that right, it isn't a typo, This is SLIMING tea (see box shot right). Can it help with weight loss?

I first found this in an asian supermarket a couple of years ago. I tried it but it played havoc with my system.

From time to time I have tried it again, each time with the same results, but in desperation I have reached for it again.

I have stopped using hot water and followed the box instructions to use cold water. I tend to steep it for a few hours for my evening drink, and then use the teabag a second time overnight for my morning drink.

The results are pretty similar! There don't seem to be any ingredients on the box and it does claim to be all natural. It seems to work by turning your insides out!

Basically it has a very strong diuretic effect on my body. Not instantly, that would be straightforward to deal with, but at seemingly random intervals meaning that straying too far from a toilet is not advisable when you are drinking two cups a day.

I had to pick my parents up from the airport a few days ago and it kicked in on the drive there. I wanted to pull over and use a layby but had my baby son in the car so just had to squeeze my cheeks hard and pray that the urges would subside.

I haven't weighed myself on the scales to see whether I've lost any weight yet, although with the amount of material exiting from my body I must have done. It may be well named given the consistency of said material. Very similar to the colonic irrigation I once had so maybe it really is "unblocking the pipes" and getting rid of toxins.

It does have a very cleansing effect and I'm sure used in short bursts it is probably not harmful.

I have five more teabags left in the box, after which I'm going to take a rest before buying any more. It wouldn't be so bad if it at least tasted OK on the way in but it is a pretty horrible brew.

If long term weight loss is your goal this is probably not the answer. However if you want a good "clear-out" it is certainly very effective!