Burdock tea is typically made with fresh burdock leaves or flowers and is used to treat a variety of ailments. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, traditional uses of the herb include purifying the blood and treating sore throats and colds. It is a mild diuretic, which is good for cleansing the entire system. Although few scientific studies exist to support the effects of the herb, burdock is used as a trusted herbal medicine around the world. This burdock tea recipe yields one 8-oz. serving.
Instructions
1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a tea kettle or small saucepan. Chop 1/4 cup fresh burdock leaves into small pieces, then place in a heat-proof mug.
2. Pour the boiling water over the burdock leaves and cover the mug with a small saucer to keep the heat inside. Allow the mixture to stand for five to 10 minutes.
3. Strain the burdock tea by pouring the mixture through a fine-mesh tea strainer into a clean, heat-proof mug. Discard the spent herbs in the compost pile or garbage bin.
4. Sweeten the burdock tea by adding 1 to 2 tsp. honey or sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener and garnish with lemon juice or mint sprigs, if desired. Drink immediately.
5. Drink 2 to 3 cups of burdock tea per day as needed. For treating chronic ailments, the recommended dosage is 1 cup of tea three or four times per week.
Tags: burdock leaves, fresh burdock, fresh burdock leaves