When it comes to roots, Burdock may not be the star of the produce section, but it’s certainly a star in my eyes. This root can be cooked into soups and stir-fry’s, steeped into nutrient teas and made into health supportive and detoxifying tinctures. Following its versatility is its amazing health benefits!
Botany: A Root with Character
Burdock Root already has a medieval sounding name, and it also resembles a wand or witches’ finger. It just looks like it has secrets! Most might look over its tough, brownish exterior and long skinny shape, but underneath its skin reveals a white creamy flesh that’s tender when cooked and holds a lot of valuable nutrients and health supportive constituents. Above ground, the plant flowers and has a thistle look to it and globular pink flower heads with green prickly bracts. The flowers and leaves can used in tinctures as well, but the root holds most of the magic. When the flowers dry into seed pods, they have a tendency to latch onto your clothes, and this is where the idea of Velcro came from!
Unearthing the Magic: Copious Health Benefits
The magical health benefits of Burdock Root can have you feeling like a health wizard. The root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern science is finally catching up with its helpful qualities.
- Digestive Sorcery: If your digestive system feels sluggish or off, Burdock might be the magic wand you need. It contains prebiotic fiber that promotes a healthy microbial balance in the gut which supports the digestive system and immune health.
- Skin Elixir: Burdock can also be used as a beauty potion! It's high in free radical scavengers and supports in calming the inflammatory response. It helps to naturally detoxify the body, so your skin doesn’t have to pick up the slack. Glowing from the inside out!
- Immunity Charm: Having Burdock in your toolkit this cold season is a wise idea. It's nutrient dense and can be used as a tonic (long term) to support your body’s natural defenses against bugs.
- Detox Enchantment: Last but certainly not least, Burdock supports the function of our detox organs. It wakes up a sluggish liver and helps your body to naturally rid of toxins that can dim your light. It’s ideal for those looking for a detox regime that works overtime in a nourishing way.
A Spot of Tea?
A tea is a great way to introduce an herb into your body and your regimen. Teas are gentle yet still effective and can be customized to fit the needs or tastes of each person. Nutritive teas are steeped overnight and contain herbs and plants that are high in nutrients and minerals. The longer steep gives the water time to pull out all of the powerful plant constituents that supports our bodies.
Here is a nutritive tea recipe starring Burdock Root & other nourishing herbs that provide nutrients, immune support, natural energy and detox support.
Burdock Root Tea
- Start with a large mason jar
- Add equal parts of dried Burdock root, dried Elderberries, dried Oat straw, & dried Nettle leaf
- Add a small amount of Licorice root (about ¼ of the herbs combined above) and a pinch of dried Stevia leaf for subtle sweetness
- The herbs combined should fill up about a 3rd of the mason jar
- Pour room temperature or warm water over the herbs and fill the rest of the mason jar up with water
- Close the lid tight and let steep overnight
- Enjoy the next day over ice or warm up for a hot tea, & add honey or lemon to sweeten and brighten the flavors
- Enjoy daily and reap the health benefits!
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey lead at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
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