Burdock root tea—also called burdock tea—is an herbal tea made from the root of the burdock plant. Long used in Chinese medicine, some herbal medicine specialists believe that the drink can improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, heal a damaged liver, and even prevent or treat cancer.1 It is also used to reverse the signs of aging and improve hair health.

Burdock (Articum lappa)1 plants are are a member of the Asteraceaefamily, along with sunflowers and daisies. Commonly found growing wild in Europe, Asia, and the United States, burdock is also cultivated for its believed medicinal properties.

Burdock root can be consumed as a raw vegetable or cooked in stews, soups, and other recipes. In addition to tea, it comes in an oil and extract form and as a powder.

Burdock root tea has an earthy, sweet flavor and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. It is one of the ingredients in Essiac tea, a proprietary herbal blend that is purported to have health benefits.