Burdock Root Tea: Health Uses, Benefits + How to Make It

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last Updated on June 19, 2024

Burdock Root Tea is a type of tea that not only tastes good but is also full of health benefits. Let’s take a look at what exactly Burdock Root Tea is, its various health uses, and its numerous benefits. And of course, I’ll explain how to make it at home in a simple and easy way.

Burdock Root Tea

Burdock root tea is a type of tea that has all sorts of medicinal properties and health benefits.

It also tastes really mild and slightly sweet, so it’s not difficult to enjoy a warm cup like some herbal teas.

I enjoy drinking tea made from fresh or dried herbs and have found various types to be quite helpful for my autoimmune disorders.

For instance, there are many herbal teas good for inflammation, which is a root cause of autoimmune symptoms.

I’ve even drank Matural tea for h.Pylori before! And if you’re wondering, Yes! It worked.

So, let’s take a closer look at burdock root tea and see if it’s something you might want to consider adding to your tea collection.

What is Burdock Root?

Burdock root comes from the burdock plant, a biennial plant that belongs to the daisy family.

Known for its long history of use in traditional medicine across parts of Europe and Northern Asia, this medicinal herb is praised for its multitude of health benefits.

You can learn about the health benefits below!

The burdock plant’s deep roots are harvested with meticulous care and used in various forms, including as an ingredient for a special herbal drink – burdock root tea.

What Does Burdock Root Tea Taste Like?

A cup of burdock root tea offers an earthy flavor that’s unique among herbal teas.

It has subtle hints of sweetness and a herbal undertone, making it a pleasant drink for any tea lover.

While its taste might be described as having an earthy taste similar to black tea, the tea’s unique taste truly stands on its own.

Burdock Root Tea Benefits

Burdock root tea is not just a mild tea; it’s packed with health benefits!

Here are some reasons why you should consider this tea:

Boosts Immune System

Drinking burdock root tea can help improve your immune system. This is because the burdock plant’s deep roots contain active ingredients that are beneficial for boosting immunity.

Aids Digestion

Burdock tea acts as a digestive aid, helping to promote healthy digestion and prevent stomach issues.

Promotes Skin Health

The medicinal properties of burdock root are known to improve skin health. Regular intake can help with various skin conditions, improving the skin surface.

Detoxifies Body

Traditional Chinese Medicine views burdock root tea as a blood purifier. It helps cleanse the body of toxins, including heavy metals.

Rich in Antioxidants

Free radicals in our bodies cause oxidative stress, leading to various diseases. Burdock root tea is rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids, which combat these free radicals.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Studies suggest that drinking this special herbal drink could regulate blood sugar levels, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Natural Diuretic

Organic burdock root tea acts as a natural diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess water by increasing urine output.

Improves Lymphatic System

The use of burdock root in traditional medicine includes improving the lymphatic system’s functions, which aids in detoxification.

Antibacterial Effects

Recent studies have shown that burdock root extract has antibacterial effects, which can help fight off infections.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Scientific research suggests that burdock root tea may help reduce inflammation, including symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Some test tube and animal studies indicate that burdock tea might help lower blood pressure, although human studies are needed to confirm this.

Good for Kidney Health

As a natural diuretic, burdock root tea could potentially help with kidney problems by reducing the burden on these vital organs.

Rich in Vitamin C

A cup of burdock root tea provides a good dose of vitamin C, which is crucial for overall health.

Cancer-Fighting Potential

Some scientific studies suggest that burdock root extract can kill cancer cells in a test tube. However, more research is needed to validate this finding in humans.

Boosts Blood Circulation

The medicinal uses of burdock include improving blood circulation, which is beneficial for overall health.

Reduces Allergic Reactions

Drinking burdock tea might help reduce allergic reactions due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but always consult your healthcare provider before using it as a remedy.

Relieves Sore Throats

Traditional medicine across different parts of the world has used burdock root tea to soothe sore throats.

Promotes Healthy Hair

The nutrients found in burdock plant roots are known to promote hair health and growth when consumed regularly.

Good for Liver Health

Early settlers in North America used burdock root as a liver tonic. Modern science has shown it has properties that can protect the liver from toxins.

Alleviates Arthritis Pain

Limited research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root might help alleviate arthritis pain.

Improves Mental Health

Although there’s insufficient evidence, some believe that the antioxidants in burdock root tea might have neuroprotective effects that may improve mental health.

Fights Fungal Infections

Some preclinical data suggests that burdock extract has antifungal properties, although more research is needed.

Improves Respiratory Health

In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root tea has been used to treat respiratory conditions like coughs and colds.

Helps in Anemia

The iron content in burdock root can help in anemia by improving the body’s production of red blood cells.

How to Make Burdock Root Tea

Making burdock root tea is simple.

Start with fresh water, bring it to a boil, and then pour over loose tea or an unbleached tea bag containing organic burdock root.
Let the tea steeps for about 10 minutes before enjoying your warm cup of tea.

Where to Source Burdock Root

Are you wondering if you can you collect burdock root from the wild?

The simple answer is no, you shouldn’t (unless you are an expert herbalist), and here’s why.

Collecting it in the wild can pose potential risks. The burdock plant’s deep roots absorb nutrients but may also uptake heavy metals from contaminated soils.

Consuming such roots could lead to health complications.

Instead of risking your health by collecting it in the wild, purchase it from a reputable seller. They ensure meticulous care in cultivation and extraction, providing you with a natural product free from contaminants.

Downsides & Side Effects

While burdock root tea is generally safe for most people, some potential side effects should be noted.

Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction, and those with kidney problems should consult their healthcare provider before adding this tea to their diet.

As always, it’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional advice if needed.

What is burdock root tea good for?

Drinking burdock root tea offers a multitude of health benefits from boosting immune system function to purifying blood and enhancing skin health. It’s also used as a digestive aid and a natural diuretic.

Who should not drink burdock root tea?

Individuals with certain health conditions, particularly those with kidney problems, should consult their healthcare provider before drinking burdock root tea.

Can you boil burdock root for tea?

Yes, you can boil burdock root for tea. However, to preserve its active ingredients and medicinal properties, it’s recommended to steep it in freshly boiled water instead of boiling the roots directly.

How often should I drink burdock root tea?

The frequency can vary based on individual needs and tolerance. As a general guideline, one to two cups per day is often suggested.

What are the side effects of burdock tea?

While generally safe for most people, some may experience allergic reactions. Those with kidney problems should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider.

Does burdock root detox the body?

This herbal tea has been used traditionally as a detoxifier and blood purifier, assisting in the removal of toxins from the body.

Is burdock hard on kidneys?

Those with kidney problems should consult their healthcare provider before consuming burdock root tea as it can potentially cause issues due to its diuretic properties.

Is burdock root safe to take daily?

For most people, burdock root tea can be safely consumed daily. However, it’s always best to listen to your body and seek professional advice if needed.

How long does it take for burdock root to work?

The time it takes for burdock root to work can vary based on individual factors. Some people may notice benefits within a few days, while others might need a few weeks.

Final Thoughts

Drinking burdock root as a tea not only offers a unique earthy taste but also provides numerous health benefits.

While more scientific research is needed to confirm all of its potential benefits, there’s no denying that this multi-purpose plant has been valued in traditional medicine for centuries.