Burdock Tea
Background and Benefits
Used as an herbal remedy and soothing tonic since the Middle Ages and beyond, Burdock tea is prepared from the leaves and root of the burdock plant, a member of the thistle family. It is commonly used today in traditional Chinese medicine, and in savory cuisine throughout Europe and especially Japan. However, in tea form it can be sipped for either recreational or medicinal reasons. In oils or tinctures, its healing properties are said to help burn victims, and some believe that it may even help prevent hair loss, due to the fatty acids and other nutrients present in its root oil extract.
Some of the health benefits that have been associated with burdock tea include a soothing effect on the skin and in the stomach. Herbalists suggest drinking this tea after meals to aid digestion, particularly if you have had any gastrointestinal difficulties. It also helps to stimulate appetite, reduce liver damage from microbes or bacteria, and help keep the intestinal tract cleansed and flushed. As part of a detoxification program, burdock may help keep you regular and fully cleansed, while at the same time ensuring that you manage to keep your appetite.
When ingested, burdock tea can lower blood sugar to a mild degree, also known as a hypoglycemic effect. Those who are diabetic should be sure to check with their healthcare practitioner to be sure that this is a safe tea to drink, if the blood sugar needs to be tightly regulated, but it could in fact have a positive effect. In the kidneys, burdock shows the same stimulating and cleansing effects that it does in the intestines and liver, and can help to treat some kidney disorders. Rheumatism may also be treated with this tea, under a doctor's or herbalist's supervision.
As a blood purifier, burdock tea can help detoxify and cleanse the blood of any impurities that may have built up. It also acts as a diuretic, flushing urine and corresponding waste products out of the body this way. Although researchers have been unable to identify what the precise compounds are in the burdock plant that are so effective, it has been shown in studies to improve circulation, and work in antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ways within the body. This is why when you feel sluggish or run down, it could be a good tea to turn to, to help cleanse the system and give your body a sense of renewal.