Burdock root tea, commonly known as burdock tea…
…is a herbal tea prepared from the burdock plant’s root. Long used in Chinese medicine, some herbal medicine practitioners think the drink may boost your immune system, reduce your blood pressure, mend a damaged liver, and even prevent or treat cancer. It is also used to enhance hair health and reverse the symptoms of aging.
What Is Burdock Root Tea?
If you’re a hiker, you’ve undoubtedly come across burdock on your way through the woods. Burdock is well-known for its bur-shaped ball of seed material coated in hooks or teeth that sticks to your clothes and shoes as you walk past. In fact, the bur of this plant is claimed to have inspired the invention of Velcro.
Burdock (Articum lappa) plants, like sunflowers and daisies, are members of the Asteraceae family. Burdock is a plant that grows wild in Europe, Asia, and the United States, although it is also cultivated for its alleged therapeutic qualities. Burdock root can be eaten raw or cooked in stews, soups, and other dishes. In addition to tea, it is available as an oil, extract, and powder. Burdock root tea has an earthy, sweet flavor that may be served hot or cold. It is one of the components of Essiac tea, an unique herbal mix with health advantages.
Burdock Root Tea Health Benefits
Burdock root tea has been utilized in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is also commonly employed in Western herbal medicine techniques. Its roots, flowers, and other plant components are said to offer a range of medicinal properties. Burdock root tea is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which have been proved to benefit health. Traditional medicinal use include:
- Cancer prevention and treatment: Burdock root includes the antioxidants quercetin and luteolin, which may inhibit cancer cells from proliferating and mutating. A 2011 research revealed that free radicals in burdock root may inhibit the spread of some malignancies in the laboratory2, but the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center advises that there is inadequate data to recommend burdock’s usage in treating or preventing cancer.
- Cough and cold relief: Burdock root tea has long been used as a decongestant and expectorant for colds and coughs. While research on this is limited, burdock does contain vitamin C, which has been found to strengthen the immune system; some study has also indicated that it has antimicrobial qualities.
- Improving liver health: For generations, burdock root has been used to cleanse the liver and body. A 2002 research of rats discovered that the herb can help repair liver damage induced by excessive alcohol consumption,5 however a clear link to human outcomes cannot be drawn.
- Ache and pain relief: The burdock plant is said to have anti-inflammatory effects. According to a 2014 research, drinking the tea reduces some inflammatory indicators in people with knee osteoarthritis.
- Blood pressure reduction: Burdock root tea includes potassium, which may help decrease blood pressure and open blood vessels to increase blood flow.
Does Burdock Root Tea Contain Caffeine?
Burdock tea is not a conventional tea since it is not produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, as black or green tea are. It is made from portions of the burdock plant, which contains no caffeine. As a result, burdock root tea has no caffeine.
Burdock Root Tea Side Effects
Burdock root is usually considered harmless; nevertheless, certain people should avoid drinking burdock tea. Burdock tea8 should be avoided by pregnant women since it may stimulate the uterus and cause preterm labor. Burdock root should not be used by diabetics who are on blood sugar lowering medications since it may cause hypoglycemia. A rash is the most commonly reported adverse effect (contact dermatitis).
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