Ancient and Traditional Uses

Burdock Root tea is made from the Burdock root plant, a plant that has been popularly used for holistic health purposes for many centuries. The first recorded name of the Burdock root is thought to be ‘Arcion' derived from ancient Greece. It is recorded to have been used as medicine to treat illnesses like hemoptysis, abscesses, snake bites, burns, and internal pains. Dioscorides, a first-century Greek physician and botanist, recommended the use of it as a treatment for coughs. The Anglo-Saxon, on the other hand, cultivated Burdock for hemorrhoids. Burdock was also popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for its healing properties.

Characteristics of the Plant

The burdock root from the Arctium Lappa, also known as Great Burdock, is a tall-growing plant that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It is native to parts of Scandinavia and the Mediterranean and over time has spread to the Middle East, China, Russia, Japan, and the British Isles. The Burdock plant has reddish-purple and thistle-like flowers which you may find sticking to fur and clothing. The plant has large brown roots with a wrinkled texture, when brewed as tea, it makes a highly nutritious drink that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. 

Modern Medicinal Value

Burdock may be considered a common weed, but when consumed the healing benefits cannot be underestimated. We love Burdock Root tea for its following health benefits

1. It helps lower blood pressure

Burdock root tea can help flush the body of fluids due to its natural diuretic effect,  when consumed it also provides a source of Potassium, a mineral that helps to lower the negative effects of overconsumption of salt. 

2. It can help grow better hair

Burdock Root has been used popularly for hair health both topically and internally for quite some time as many of the vitamins and proteins that make up the plant promote hair health. It is believed to assist overall hair growth by helping relieve itchy dry scalps, restore softness and assist in treating thinning hair.

3. It can treat cough and cold

In most cases, a cough or cold is not serious. Though at times it can be irritating, it usually goes away on its own.  Natural remedies like Burdock root tea which contains vitamin C and anti-bacterial properties can help hasten the recovery process and give relief to those who suffer from it.

4. It can help keep the skin looking youthful

Forget expensive skincare products, Burdock root is a natural and more cost-friendly option to help maintain youthful-looking skin. Burdock root can be found on the ingredients list of many beauty products, this is because it contains quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids which fight free radicals and are believed to combat the signs of aging, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Flavour and summary

Burdock root tea has a deliciously earthy yet sweet taste, which makes it a fantastic coffee substitute enjoyed hot or cold. This tea is a great addition to your diet, providing anti-inflammatory properties and rich in a number of vitamins and minerals.

Precaution