Burdock Root: 12 Health Benefits, How to use, and Side Effects

Burdock Root: 12 Health Benefits, How to use, and Side Effects

Burdock root is a long, slender root vegetable with brown skin that can grow more than two feet long. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and thistle-like flowers that range from pink to purple. It’s a popular vegetable in Japan, where it’s usually eaten raw or cooked. Burdock is a plant related to lettuce, dandelions, sunflowers, and a variety of other plants. 

Burdock is a weed that grows as a weed throughout the United States. However, it is native to Europe and North Asia. Burr oil is made from dried seeds and leaves, and people use it for various medicinal purposes.

The herb is a well-known detoxifying herb in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. The dried root is frequently used in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. In addition, it promotes healthy digestion and appetite by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices, particularly bile.

Shop on Amazon

Health Benefits and Uses

Here are twelve of the most effective ways to use it to improve your health and well-being.

1. Reducing inflammation

Inflammation has been connected to a variety of medical disorders, including osteoarthritis. Burdock root was found to dramatically reduce indicators of inflammation in persons suffering from the condition in a 2014 study. Long-term inflammation can be caused by free radical damage, autoimmune illnesses, and other health issues.

2. Antioxidant

Burdock root is an antioxidant, meaning it protects the body from damaging free radicals. Antioxidants help in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of illnesses. For example, burdock roots were reported to lower inflammatory markers in the blood of osteoarthritis patients in one study. In addition, burdock root is being studied to see whether it can help with diabetes symptoms.

3. Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection that affects the tonsils:

The burdock root extract has been shown to help with discomfort, coughs, and sore throats. Acute tonsillitis is an infection caused by an inflammatory virus that infects the tissues of the tonsils. It is an anti-inflammatory herb that has long been used to treat respiratory infections.

4. Boosts Immunity And Organ Health

Burdock roots have a hepatoprotective action, which means they shield the liver and its cells from harm. The herb root can be consumed in controlled amounts by patients with liver damage caused by drug or alcohol addiction. It cleanses and protects your spleen by purifying the blood that it filters.

5. Infections are treated and prevented with this product:

It’s very effective at destroying biofilms, which are huge, sticky bacterial colonies. For example, burdock root effectively treated urinary tract infections caused by biofilm-related illnesses in a 2015 study.

Antibacterial properties are found in burdock roots. It appears to be particularly effective at removing biofilms, which are large, sticky bacterium colonies. In addition, burdock root has been discovered to cure and kill bacteria that cause urinary tract infections caused by biofilm infections.

Shop on Amazon

6. Aids in the Treatment of Cancer

Many herbalists believe Burdock root can prevent cancer cells from spreading, making it a viable natural cancer treatment. Arctigenin, found in burdock root, has been demonstrated to fight cancer cells. In addition, burdock’s flavonoids and polyphenols may help inhibit tumor growth and alleviate discomfort associated with various malignancies.

More study is needed to demonstrate its effectiveness to confirm its efficacy against certain types of cancer.

7. Purifier of the Blood

It contains substances that have been shown to assist the body in eliminating heavy metals. It also improves blood flow to the skin’s surface, which is beneficial to skin health.

8. Aids in the treatment of a swollen spleen

The presence of an enlarged spleen is a clear indication that the immune system is working hard to remove dangers from the body but cannot do so due to high demand. The spleen can benefit from burdock root because it increases blood quality, liver function, circulation, and inflammation.

9. Strengthens the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system, a network of blood arteries and lymph nodes that transports fluids from tissues to the blood, is the body’s internal “drainage system.” The root of the burdock plant aids in lymphatic drainage and cleansing. According to research, it acts as a blood purifier and cleanser.

10. Diuretic (natural)

Burdock root is a natural diuretic, so you can assist your body in absorbing extra water naturally and simply by eating it. In addition, according to a study, burdock root helps remove waste from your body and blood by raising your urine flow.

11. Protects Against Diabetes

Burdock root is an excellent choice for people who want to manage their blood sugar naturally. Inulin, a prebiotic and soluble fiber, aids digestion and lowers blood sugar levels. It can also lessen the severity of diabetic complications, particularly diabetic retinopathy.

12. Skin Care Expert

When applied topically, burdock root contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components that may help with wrinkles, eczema, acne, and psoriasis. In addition, burdock extract has been shown in studies to improve the clinical signs of aging skin.

Shop on Amazon

How to Use It:

  • When combined with juicy meats, the earthy flavor is fantastic. To make a stir fry or side dish, sauté thin slices of the stuff. To make tea, steep the root in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
  • For best results, make a concoction of burdock roots boiled in water with other herbs such as ginseng or licorice roots and consume them in small doses.
  • Burdock root products contain the burdock plant’s fresh or dried root. Fresh burdock root is frequently available in health food stores and Asian specialty stores. If kept in an excellent, well-ventilated environment, cleaned, dry roots can last for several months.

Shop on Amazon

Availability:

Burdock supplements are available in a variety of forms. The plant’s roots are used in all commercially available preparations:

  • Tea 
  • Oil
  • Powder 
  • Tincture 
  • Extracts 
  • Capsules

Possible Adverse Reactions:

  • Burdock root has been used for years as a diuretic to increase urine output. However, burdock root should not be used by people with diabetes who are taking blood sugar-lowering medications. In addition, burdock may cause allergies in allergic people to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed.
  • The root is considered safe to eat, but you should only purchase it from reputable vendors. Burdock resembles belladonna nightshade plants, which are incredibly toxic. Therefore, burdock supplements must be studied further to determine their safety.

Shop on Amazon

Where to Buy?

Conclusion:

Burdock root is a natural blood purifier, lymphatic system strengthener, diuretic, and skin healer. It also protects against diabetes, fights cancer, and alleviates arthritis. Burdock supplements are available in burdock oil, dried burdock root powder, burdock tincture, and capsules.

Please Note: Seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medications.

Disclaimer: The information given here is exclusively for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be used in place of medical care from your doctor. Consult an appropriate healthcare professional on any issue concerning your health or well-being before engaging in any health-related activity.

Shop on Amazon