Burdock Root Tea

Most Bushcrafters are aware of the edible properties of Burdock root, when you mention a drink some even say "Ah, Dandelion and Burdock", but burdock root tea is a superb beverage with great benefits. Called Gobo in Japan it is highly esteemed and greatly sought after for it's flavour and health benefits, it's also easy to prepare..

dig up a decent size burdock root, this is the perfect time of year to find them!

trim and skin the root as necessary

carefully shred it into thin slivers

then dry roast it in an open pan

infuse a few slivers in some boiling water,then remove for a gorgeous tasting tea

It has a wonderful sweet aroma, my son thought I was making potato bread when he smelt it, it's  flavour is very sweet and potatoey and is really warming and comforting, it really is a bit special..

Burdock root was believed to be a detoxifier and it may be applied externally as well as internally to relieve eczema and psoriasis also it may ease painful joints and act as a diuretic. Ancient Chinese medicine combined burdock root with other herbs to treat colds, measles, sore throats, and tonsillits and the Japanese consume burdock root as a vegetable also.

It is reputed to be great for PMS and to lower blood sugar. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.