How to Make Burdock Root Tea: Benefits, Taste & Simple Recipe
Burdock root isn't a delicate herb.
It's dense, earthy and tough — which means making a good cup of burdock root tea is a little different from steeping chamomile or peppermint.
Rather than simply pouring hot water over dried burdock and waiting a few minutes, burdock root is often prepared as a decoction, where the root is gently simmered in water.
The result is an earthy, mildly sweet herbal drink that can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other roots and herbs such as dandelion, ginger, cinnamon and nettle.
Here's how to make burdock root tea at home.
What Is Burdock Root Tea?
Burdock tea is an herbal beverage made from the root of plants in the Arctium genus.
One of the best-known species used traditionally is:
Greater burdock — Arctium lappa
Burdock belongs to the same botanical family as dandelion, chamomile and echinacea.
The plant may be most recognizable for the stubborn burrs that cling to clothing and animal fur, but underground it produces a large taproot.
That root has been used traditionally as both food and herbal medicine.
If you're new to burdock, start with:
Burdock Root: Benefits, Uses & How to Use This Traditional Herb
What Does Burdock Root Tea Taste Like?
Burdock has a fairly pleasant flavor compared with many strongly bitter medicinal roots.
Depending on the root and preparation, you may notice flavors that are:
- Earthy
- Root-like
- Mildly sweet
- Slightly bitter
- A little nutty
If you've ever enjoyed roasted root beverages, burdock will probably feel familiar.
It's also easy to blend with stronger flavors.
Infusion vs. Decoction
This is an important herbal skill to learn.
Herbal Infusion
An infusion is made by pouring hot water over herbs and allowing them to steep.
It's especially useful for softer plant material such as:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Delicate aerial portions
Peppermint and chamomile are classic examples.
Herbal Decoction
A decoction involves gently simmering herbs in water.
This method is commonly used for tougher materials such as:
- Roots
- Bark
- Seeds
- Dense berries
Because burdock is a dense root, decoction is an excellent preparation method.
Simple Burdock Root Tea Recipe
You don't need any special equipment.
You'll Need
- Dried burdock root
- Water
- Small saucepan with lid
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mug
Optional:
- Honey
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
Directions
-
Place your dried burdock root into a saucepan.
-
Add water according to the preparation directions supplied with your herb.
-
Bring the water to a gentle boil.
-
Reduce the heat.
-
Cover and gently simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes.
-
Remove from heat.
-
Strain the root thoroughly.
-
Pour into your mug.
-
Add honey, lemon or other herbs if desired.
If your herbal supplier provides preparation instructions, follow those directions rather than assuming that making your decoction stronger will automatically make it more beneficial.
Can You Steep Burdock Instead?
Yes.
You can pour boiling water over cut burdock root and allow it to steep for an extended period.
However, simmering generally makes sense for tough roots.
If you're working with powdered burdock or a commercial tea blend, follow the instructions provided with that specific product.
Burdock + Dandelion Root Tea
This is probably my favorite pairing for burdock.
Try combining:
Burdock Root + Dandelion Root
Both herbs have long histories in traditional formulas surrounding:
- Digestion
- Liver wellness
- Elimination
- Traditional "cleansing"
Roasted dandelion root gives the drink a deeper, richer flavor that can become almost coffee-like.
For an even cozier version, add cinnamon.
Burdock + Ginger Tea
If plain burdock is a little too earthy for you, ginger is an easy fix.
Try:
Burdock Root + Ginger
The ginger adds warmth, spice and brightness.
This is particularly nice during cold weather.
Burdock + Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon naturally complements burdock's mild sweetness.
Simmer a cinnamon stick along with the burdock root.
You can also combine:
Burdock + Dandelion + Cinnamon
for a deeper roasted-root style beverage.
Burdock + Nettle Tea
Burdock and nettle are frequently paired in traditional herbal formulas.
But there's a trick to preparing them together.
Burdock is a root.
Nettle is a leaf.
Instead of simmering the delicate nettle for the entire time, you can prepare your burdock decoction first.
Toward the end:
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Add the nettle leaf.
- Cover.
- Allow it to steep.
- Strain everything together.
This is a useful technique whenever you're combining tough roots with delicate leafy herbs.
Burdock + Yellow Dock
Another traditional pairing is:
Burdock Root + Yellow Dock Root
Both have histories as traditional alterative herbs.
Historically, alteratives were sometimes described as "blood purifiers," although that's not a good modern medical description of how the body works.
These roots became particularly associated with traditional formulas for skin and elimination.
Burdock Root Tea for Skin
Burdock has a long history of traditional use for skin wellness.
You'll frequently see burdock tea recommended online for:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Blemishes
- Irritated skin
However, clinical evidence showing that drinking burdock tea treats these conditions is limited.
Its historical reputation is fascinating, but it shouldn't be turned into a guarantee.
Read more in:
Burdock Root for Skin: Traditional Uses for Acne, Eczema & Skin Wellness
Is Burdock Tea a Detox Tea?
Burdock is one of the most common ingredients in products labeled:
Detox Tea
or
Cleanse Tea
Historically, burdock was considered an alterative herb associated with elimination.
But the modern concept of "detoxing" is frequently oversimplified.
Your body already has systems that continuously process and eliminate substances, particularly your:
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Digestive tract
- Lungs
Burdock doesn't act like a sponge that absorbs mysterious toxins from your bloodstream.
We'll explore what the traditional detox reputation actually means in:
Burdock Root for Detox & Liver Support: What Does It Actually Do?
Burdock Tea and Digestion
Burdock root contains inulin, a fermentable fiber that can act as a prebiotic.
Prebiotics provide food for certain beneficial microorganisms living in the digestive tract.
That's one of the things that makes burdock especially interesting.
It isn't simply an herbal supplement.
It's also a root vegetable containing naturally occurring fiber.
However, inulin can cause:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
in some people, particularly when consumed in larger quantities.
If you're sensitive to fermentable fibers, start cautiously.
Can You Make Roasted Burdock Tea?
Yes.
Roasting root vegetables and medicinal roots changes their flavor.
Roasted burdock develops a deeper, richer character that can work beautifully in caffeine-free root beverages.
You can find commercially roasted burdock tea, or burdock may appear in blends alongside roasted:
- Dandelion root
- Chicory root
- Carob
These combinations can create a darker herbal drink for people who enjoy coffee-like flavors but want something caffeine-free.
Does Burdock Root Tea Contain Caffeine?
Plain burdock root is naturally caffeine-free.
A blend containing only burdock and other caffeine-free herbs will also be caffeine-free.
But always check commercial tea labels.
Some products may combine herbal roots with actual coffee, black tea, green tea or other caffeine-containing ingredients.
Can You Drink Burdock Tea Cold?
Absolutely.
Prepare your burdock decoction normally and allow it to cool.
Refrigerate it and serve over ice.
For a brighter flavor, try adding:
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Orange peel
- Mint
You don't have to save earthy root teas exclusively for winter.
How Long Does Burdock Tea Keep?
Freshly prepared herbal decoctions are perishable.
If you make extra, cool it promptly and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Use it within a short period rather than leaving a pot of herbal tea sitting at room temperature all day.
Discard the tea if you notice signs of spoilage such as unusual odor, fermentation or mold.
When in doubt, make a fresh batch.
Can You Drink Burdock Root Tea Every Day?
Burdock has been consumed as both food and herbal medicine, but regular medicinal use still isn't appropriate for everyone.
Daily use deserves additional consideration if you:
- Take prescription medication
- Take blood-sugar medication
- Have significant allergies
- Are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have a chronic medical condition
The amount consumed as part of food isn't necessarily equivalent to concentrated herbal extracts or large quantities of medicinal tea.
Who Should Be Careful With Burdock Tea?
Burdock belongs to the Asteraceae family.
People with significant allergies to plants in this family may need additional caution.
The family includes:
- Ragweed
- Chamomile
- Echinacea
- Dandelion
Burdock may also potentially affect blood sugar or interact with medications.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information for medicinal use is limited.
We'll cover these issues in:
Burdock Root Safety: Side Effects, Interactions & Who Should Avoid It
Try Burdock as Food Too
If you're interested in burdock tea, there's another way to explore this plant:
Eat it.
Fresh burdock root is known as gobo in Japanese cuisine.
It can be:
- Stir-fried
- Braised
- Simmered
- Added to soup
- Pickled
This is one of my favorite things about learning traditional herbs.
Some plants don't fit neatly into either the "food" or "medicine" category.
Burdock has been both.
A Great Root for Beginning Herbalists
Burdock is an excellent herb for learning how to work with roots.
It's relatively mild tasting.
It combines easily with other herbs.
And preparing it teaches you the difference between an infusion and a decoction.
Once you understand that technique, you can apply it to many other herbs in your home apothecary.
Instead of treating every herb like a tea bag, you begin asking:
Which part of the plant am I using?
And:
What's the best way to prepare it?
That's when herbal tea starts getting really interesting.
The Bottom Line
Burdock root tea is an earthy, mildly sweet herbal drink made by gently simmering dried burdock root in water.
Enjoy it alone or combine it with herbs such as:
Dandelion root. Ginger. Cinnamon. Nettle.
Burdock has a long traditional history surrounding skin wellness, digestion and cleansing formulas, although modern evidence doesn't support treating it as a miracle detox or cure for skin conditions.
Sometimes the simplest reason to make burdock tea is also a good one:
You're learning about a traditional plant, experimenting with your home apothecary and discovering a completely different kind of herbal tea.
Continue Exploring Burdock Root
Read the rest of our Burdock Root Herb Guide:
- Burdock Root: Benefits, Uses & How to Use This Traditional Herb
- Burdock Root for Skin: Traditional Uses for Acne, Eczema & Skin Wellness
- Burdock Root for Detox & Liver Support: What Does It Actually Do?
- Burdock Root Safety: Side Effects, Interactions & Who Should Avoid It
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This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Herbal products can cause allergic reactions, interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using burdock medicinally, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, have blood-sugar concerns or have significant plant allergies.