What is Burdock Root Tea? Benefits, Side Effects, And More

Mar 01, 2024 By Nancy Miller

Burdock root comes from Northern Asia and Europe and is present in the United States nowadays. The burdock root (botanical name Arctium lappa) falls under the Asteraceae family, which contains sunflowers and daisies. These plants are highly recognizable, with brown colors varying from light to dark as the conventional type has. Like the rest of the plant world, burdock is found in the wild and cultivated for its treatment-giving roots. Burdock is a remedy that helps make up for shortages in a diet or “disease.” Burdock root can be easily added raw or cooked in sweet or savory dishes, stews or soups. Besides its role in the kitchen, burdock root can be found in tea, extract, oil, or powder.

Use Of Burdock Root

The use of burdock root is more pointed than applied by most users and is an especially loved part among the customers. They could advise you to use fresh burdock root immediately; just add it to your meals. Try cooking with burdock root. The use of burdock tea enables you to experience the benefits of this or burdock-dried powder roots that can be used in even different ways. The other forms are burdock oil or extract, which has many benefits of the plant being concentrated. The article will highlight the benefits of burdock tea for its consumers. It will also discuss the side effects of the consumption of the burdock tea.

Benefits of Burdock Root Tea

  • Help Lower Blood Sugar Level: A research study in 2014 found that Burdock Root shows promise in lowering blood sugar to very high levels. The study’s outcome in 2015 showed that rats fed with fermented burdock root experienced a substantial decrease in their blood sugar levels, while those who consumed the raw version of the root experienced no change.
  • Cures Illness: Our ancestors have relied on burdock root to combat the common cold and sore throat for centuries, as traditional healers have used its healing powers. Reportedly, scientific investigations have started to clear the role of the burdock root and its potency against various infections. The facts suppose it is one of the most efficient antibacterials with all its power. It also provides strength against biofilms like dental caries, a common infection. A study in 2015 indicated that burdock root had an antimicrobial effect against biofilm-associated urinary infections. Another study in 2017 suggested its effectiveness in killing other bacteria.
  • Helps in Detoxification and Purification of Blood: However, scientific methods and evidence in modern Western health highlight the need for detoxification. Traditional Chinese medicine has always seen detoxification as beneficial. Most medical professionals emphasize that eliminating toxins from the body or purifying the blood with various chemical agents is an important step. The community of traditional medicine practitioners strongly implies that the burdock root has a role in detoxification, which is said to be causing microbial diseases to worsen.
  • Contains Antioxidants: Burdock root is a natural source of substances that act as antioxidants, namely, quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. Antioxidants have so much value in neutralizing free radicals and backing up the body from contraction of various health complications, including inflammation. Research shows that burdock root in the bloodstream, particularly in people with osteoarthritis, could decrease inflammation markers.
  • Cure for Skin Conditions: Burdock root is often used to combat acne and eczema, conditions that affect the skin in both past and present. Burdock tea may have anti-inflammatory (opening of blood vessels) and low blood pressure impact. As a result, this could improve the skin to a great extent.

Side Effects of Burdock Tea

  • Purchase carefully: Do not consume burdock vegetables, provided you buy them in a reliable place. The FDA warned some manufacturers in 1978 to stamp their products as burdock tea after they had poisoned many people. The issue emphasized that one should buy herbal teas from trusted brands.
  • Natural Diuretic Effects: It is important to note that the intake of burdock root can lead to an increase in urine production. That is why you must be careful not to take it when dehydrated or using other diuretics. You don’t want to add dehydration to an existing condition.
  • Allergy Risks: If you have a pollen allergy to flowers like chrysanthemums or dandelions, you are likely to have a pollination allergy to burdock root.
  • Not for Pregnancy: The Health authorities are advised not to consume burdock root during pregnancy without a doctor’s recommendation. Pregnant women should avoid burdock root and related products because of potential adverse effects.
  • Diabetes Caution: People with diabetes, especially those who use medicines that reduce the level of blood sugar. They should be more careful as, in some cases, the massive use of burdock root can lower blood pressure. If not taken care of, this can be very dangerous for the diabetic patient.
  • Rashes: The most common side effect people often complain about is a rash that could be a sign of contact dermatitis.
  • Chronic Health Conditions: Burdock root consumption can lead to chronic illness and health issues. Anyone affected by chronic illnesses should discuss them with a doctor.

Conclusion

Burdock root tea derives from a plant that has demonstrated its healing attributes over the ages. It gives a few health advantages, e.g., it helps reduce blood sugar, fights against infections detoxifies the body, gives antioxidants, and helps with skin problems. However, it is also essential to consider the side effects of the tra. As burdock root has a diuretic function, it is unsuitable when dehydrated or in the company of other agents that cause dehydration. Those with allergies should be careful. The reported side effect that primarily affects the patient is the occurrence of skin rashes. While burdock root is a promising natural remedy for various health conditions, individuals with chronic health problems must check with their medical practitioner for potential danger to their health before using this root.