Burdock Root Tea Benefits and Side Effects

Burdock root tea is loved for its aromatic, rejuvenating and nutritious qualities. Its roots especially, have been applied across oriental cultures and history as a nutritious and strengthening food. Some even call it the best natural purifier of the blood. What exactly is burdock root tea and what are its efficacies? Read on to find an interesting scoop of this herbal tea you won’t want to miss!

What is Burdock Root Tea?

Burdock root tea is a herbal tea made by cutting burdock into smaller pieces, then drying and roasting them. It has a natural-derived sweetness and earthy aroma among other herbal teas. Burdock was originally brought from China to Japan as a medicinal herb with many excellent effects such as detoxification. It has also been used for myriad purposes across Asia and Europe, and more recently in North America.

In recent years, burdock root tea gained attention due to its rejuvenation and health benefits. Fermented burdock root tea for one, is a water-soluble dietary fibre consisting of inulin and saponin which is also contained in ginseng, as well as polyphenol which is often lacking in our human body.

Burdock is a common vegetable found on many dinner tables in Japan. The root can either be enjoyed fresh or cooked, whereas the leaves are usually sautéed like any other vegetable. The stalks have a taste somewhat like asparagus and can be eaten raw in a salad, boiled, or candied with sugar.

Fermented Burdock Root Tea

Compared to unfermented burdock, the polyphenol content in fermented burdock stands out. Burdock root tea is not the easiest to drink, so fermenting and aging the burdock allows the earthiness and natural sweetness to emerge. Fermented burdock root tea is smooth and calming without the bitter and powdery aftertaste.

At Kawashimaya, fermented burdock tea are made by yeast fermentation. Using the wine yeast in fermentation for winemaking, the key aroma compounds of burdock root tea increases while the nutritional contents agreeably enhances. The state-of-the-art burdock root tea ensued from this fermentation process is spurred by the presence of yeast metabolism which affects the bioactive, flavour and aroma compounds. Fermented burdock root tea are produced with the help of reliable manufacturers in order to deliver safe and secure products for consumption. Burdocks have also undergone strict inspection in the process of making.

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Burdock Root Tea Ingredients

Of the various ingredients contained in burdock root tea, the most notable are the water-soluble dietary fibre ‘inulin’ and ‘saponin’, which is also found in ginseng. Burdock skin in particular, contains plenty of polyphenols.

Saponin

Saponins are a group of structural diverse glycosides present in a wide range of plants. Interestingly, they garner the ability to cause soap-like foaming in aqueous solution. They are found in most vegetables such as soybeans, peas, ginseng, burdock skin and some herbs.

Inulin

Inulin is a water-soluble prebiotic fibre indigestible in the human intestinal tract but may be used to improve the nutritional profile of products. This carbohydrate is present in a wide range of plants such as chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, onion, garlic, barley, rye and wheat.

Polyphenol

Polyphenols are natural bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Tannins and catechins are both antioxidants known as polyphenols. They have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties associated with human health. Among them, the burdock skin contains an abundance of “tannin”, “chlorogenic acid” and “arctigenin”. Polyphenols also boast potency in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Calories:
The extracted burdock root tea is almost 0kcal / 100g. Furthermore, it does not contain caffeine, so you can drink it at any time.

Health Benefits of Burdock Root Tea

Burdock root tea is used for various reasons including detoxification, modulating inflammation, and supporting healthy digestive functions to name a few. Furthermore, the root part is said be a source of fibre and prebiotic, therefore promoting metabolism. Read on to discover the healthy benefits of burdock- a medicinal product since ancient times.

Effect 1 Supports a boost in the immune system

The fibrous content of saponin is said to protect the body against harmful bacteria that attacks the body. Antimicrobial action helps with a range of immunities including digestive immunity, nervous system immunity, reproductive health immunity. This belief in burdock’s immune boosting benefits could be due to its ability to fight some infections and bacteria.

 

 

Effect 2 Prevents stroke or heart disease

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects from saponin regulates blood flow. This is believed to prevent heart diseases such as arteriosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction.

 

 

Effect 3 Encourages blood circulation and purification

Saponin, a vital component in burdock root tea helps to improve blood flow, which aids stiff shoulders and poor circulation. Even in oriental medicine, burdock is said to have the effect of warming the body. Active ingredients in burdock root can also remove toxins from the bloodstream.

 

 

Effect 4 Cancer prevention effect

Consuming burdock root tea reduces the secretion of “secondary bile acid,” which is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Saponin also aids wound healing to repair damaged cells, thereby suggesting its potential to suppress cancer cells development. In other words, burdock’s role as an antioxidant anti-inflammatory might help to prevent cancer.

 

 

Effect 5 Supports healthy digestive functions

Inulin, a water-soluble dietary fibre contained in burdock root tea, is said to have the effect of improving bowel movements and the overall intestinal environment. This prebiotic fibre feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine to improve digestion.

 

 

Effect 6　Blood sugar control

Inulin contained in burdock root tea has the effect of suppressing the rise in blood sugar level after meals. Burdock root is generally regarded as safe, however people with diabetes who is prescribed with blood-sugar lowering medicines should not use burdock root as it may cause hypoglycemia.

 

 

Effect 7　Beautiful skin

The powerhouse of burdock is seen in its ability to boost blood circulation, protect against free radicals, and absorbs sebum or excess oil. Saponins cause a depletion of body cholesterol and fat by preventing its re-absorption. Furthermore, it prevents excessive secretion of sebum. It is said that pores become less noticeable and overall the skin looks finer.

 

 

Effect 8　Anti-aging

The anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of burdock root tea are gateways to prevent lifestyle-related diseases and ageing. Potent ingredients of burdock root tea may help supervise premature skin ageing, wrinkles, and dark spots.

 

 

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. People who have underlying medical conditions or who take prescription drugs should consult their physician before taking burdock. Discontinue use if allergic reaction occurs.

Side Effects of Burdock Root Tea

Burdock root is generally considered safe, with the most common reaction being rash or contact dermatitis, and other inflammatory responses. This is especially so for people in the category of children under 18, those with allergies to plants as well as people prescribed with diuretics and diabetes medication. Therefore, high vigilance is required when taking burdock products due to possibilities of allergic reactions and other side effects.

Burdock can also affect those with blood clotting issues. It is advised that people consuming blood thinning medications to consult their pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other side effects may include temporary bloating. An excessive intake of dietary fibre such as burdock may trigger abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Those with sensitivity to inulin is advised to consume in moderation.

Burdock Root Tea Consumption during Pregnancy

According to Prescription for Herbal Healing, burdock root tea should be taken with caution especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. The recommended dosage by traditional herbalists is 2.5 grams of burdock in 150ml of hot water twice a day. In capsule form, that is 460 to 475mg a day. Large consumption of burdock root may stimulate the uterus.

In another light, burdock is known to strengthen both the liver and urinary tract, and has been used to balance blood sugar during pregnancy.

This information is not intended to substitute any medical advice by professionals, diagnosis, or treatment.

How to Make and Enjoy Burdock Root Tea

Please make use of these recipes to enjoy homemade burdock root tea at home.

How to prepare Burdock

1.　Use a scrubbing brush to remove dirt and grit from the burdock.

2.　Next, use a peeler and make shavings of the burdock root.

3.　Place the burdock on a colander and allow it to try under sunlight with good ventilation.

4.　When the burdock is dried, separate the burdock root into 3 sections and roast for about 10 minutes in a frying pan.

5.　Burdock is ready when it turns crispy and lightly brown.

How to drink Burdock Root Tea

 

Brew in kyusu

Put 2 teaspoons of burdock root tea in a kyusu (traditional Japanese teapot used for brewing Japanese tea) and pour boiling water. Steep for about 3 minutes and transfer to a teacup when it reaches the desired astringency.

 

 

 

 

Boil in a pot

Heat up 300 ml of water in a small pot and add 2 teaspoons of burdock root tea. Once the water is boiled, bring to a low simmer until colour is released. Strain the tea leaves and it’s ready to serve!

 

 

 

 

Pitcher or Glass Container

Make iced burdock root tea by first putting burdock sachet bags or pouches. Then, use cool or room temperature filtered water to fill the pitcher or glass container. Cover and place in refrigerator to cold brew for about half a day.

 

 

Burdock root tea can be made to enjoy with milk. Alternatively, create soup or stews with this burdock root tea infused broth!

How to Choose Delicious Burdock Root Tea

Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right burdock root tea to enjoy its host of wellbeing properties.

● Point 1 How the burdock skin is used
Polyphenol is rich in burdock skin compared to the rest of the burdock. Choose burdock products that optimise the nutrients entirely!

● Point 2 Production and pesticide content
The cultivation and nurturing of burdock is paramount to preserve the goodness and natural flavour of burdocks. Take extra measure to inspect if the burdocks are grown under conducive environment and harvested by reliable craftsmen; and if it is pesticide-free for safe consumption. As the saying goes, ‘the finest tea comes from good mountain and good water’.

● Point 3 Astringent qualities
Some commercial burdock root tea products reduce tea astringency during manufacturing. The level of astringency is dependent on the herb that the tea is made from, it is also what gives every tea its unique character. If you get rid of astringent qualities in tea, important nutritional components will also be removed.

Types of Burdock Root Tea

 

Tea Leaf

Ingest all the goodness of burdock root tea with tea leaves. Adjust the amount of tea leaves to your liking. Loose whole leaves such as the ones of burdock root tea produces a wealth of flavours, aroma, antioxidants and digestive effects. The ritual of brewing the perfect cup can be both relaxing and contemplative. The next time you are drinking tea, make sure you cuppa is just perfect!

 

 

 

Tea Bag

Bagged tea is the most convenient way of reaping the benefits of tea. The convenience of a pre-measured and easy to carry product makes it a great go-to item regardless of the occasion. Place the tea bag in your favourite cup. Bring water to a boil and immediately pour over your tea bag. Steep for a good 3 to 5 minutes for the aroma to surface. Simply dispose after use.

 

 

 

Powder

Powdered burdock root tea allows you to adjust the desired texture and astringency, and is also way more versatile. Besides its aromatic and flavoursome elements, burdock root tea-infused broth can be incorporated into soup and porridge. This version is great to rehydrate dried foods like mushrooms. Note that the differences in cultivation, processing, and preparing tea offers its own unique flavour profile and health benefits.

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At the end of the day, it’s all about going with what you enjoy. The golden rule of tea is to explore new grounds and go with what you rhyme best!

Frequently Asked Questions about Burdock Root Tea

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