What Are the Side Effects of Drinking Burdock Tea?
Disease description:
I’ve recently been feeling like I have excessive phlegm in my throat. My mother gave me some burdock root to steep in hot water for drinking, and I’d like to know what its potential side effects are.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Burdock root tea is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. However, it should not be brewed too strongly, as excessive concentration may cause “heatiness” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to symptoms such as sore throat, acne, or irritability). Additionally, due to its weight-loss and detoxifying properties—which may also promote skin health—it is best avoided during menstruation. Furthermore, burdock root tea possesses blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects; therefore, it is not recommended for infants or pregnant women. While consuming burdock root tea, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from staying up late, as these may exacerbate heatiness.
