Burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Traditionally, it has been used as a:
"
Blood Purifier" to clear the bloodstream of
Toxins
Diuretic to help rid the body of excess water by increasing urine output
Topical remedy for
Skin problems such as
Eczema,
Acne, and
Psoriasis
Medicinal uses of burdock have also been reported, in treating chronic diseases such as
Cancers,
Diabetes, and AIDS.
Extracts of burdock root are found in a variety of herbal preparations, as well as homeopathic remedies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is often used with other herbs for
Sore throat and
Colds.
In Japan and some parts of Europe, burdock is eaten as a vegetable. Burdock contains inulin, a natural dietary fiber, and is also used to improve
Digestion. As a root vegetable, it possess considerably stronger
Antioxidant activity than common vegetables and fruits. In fact, recent studies confirm that burdock has prebiotic properties that could improve health.
Despite the fact that burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, very few scientific studies have examined its effects.
Plant Description
Burdock is native to Europe and Northern Asia and is now widespread throughout the United States, where it grows as a weed. In Japan and parts of Europe, it is cultivated as a vegetable.
A member of the daisy family, burdock is a stout, common weed with burrs that stick to clothing or animal fur. The plant grows to a height of about 3 to 4 feet. It has purple flowers that bloom between the months of June and October. Burdock has wavy,
Heart-shaped leaves that are green on top and whitish on the bottom. The deep roots, which are used medicinally, are brownish green or nearly black on the outside.
What's It Made Of?
Burdock consists primarily of
carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and
fatty oils. Researchers aren't sure which active ingredients in burdock root are responsible for its healing properties. But the herb may have
Anti-inflammatory,
Antioxidant, and
AntiBacterial effects. Recent studies show that burdock contains phenolic
Acids, quercetin and luteolin -- all powerful
Antioxidants.
Available Forms
Burdock products consist of fresh or dried roots. Burdock supplements can be purchased in different forms.
Dried root powder
Decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water)
Tinctures (a solution of the herb in alcohol, or water and alcohol)
Fluid extracts
How to Take It: Pediatric - There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of burdock, so you should only give burdock to children under the supervision of a doctor.
Adult: Capsules: 1 to 2 grams, 3 times per day.
Dried root: Steep 2 to 6 grams in 150 mL (2/3 of a cup) of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain the water and drink, 3 times a day. You may soak a cloth in the liquid and, once cooled, wrap the cloth around affected
Skin areas or
Wounds (known as a poultice). Do not use on open
Wounds.
Tincture (1:5): 30 to 60 drops, once daily. Typically, burdock is combined in tincture form with other herbs. The tincture may also be applied to a cloth and wrapped around affected
Skin areas or
Wounds.
Fluid extract (1:1): 30 to 60 drops, 2 times a day.
Tea: 2 to 6 grams, steeped in 500 mL of water (about 2 cups), 3 times per day.
Topical preparations of burdock are also used for
Skin problems (such as
Eczema) and
Wounds.
Precautions: The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of health care provider.
Pregnant or nursing women should avoid burdock as it may cause damage to the fetus.
If you are
Sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may experience an allergic reaction to burdock, including
Dermatitis.
People who are dehydrated should not take burdock because the herb's
Diuretic effects could make dehydration worse.
It is best to avoid taking large amounts of burdock as a supplement because there are so few studies on the herb's safety. Burdock is considered safe when eaten as a food.
Because the roots of burdock closely resemble those of belladonna or deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), there is a risk that burdock preparations may be contaminated with these potentially dangerous herbs. Be sure to buy products from established companies.
Do not gather burdock in the wild.
Possible Interactions:There are no known scientific reports of interactions between burdock and conventional medications. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking burdock if you take:
Diuretics (water pills). Burdock could make the effect of these drugs stronger, causing you to become dehydrated.
Medications for
Diabetes. Burdock might lower
Blood Sugar, resulting in hypoglycemia (low
Blood Sugar).
Blood-thinning medications. Burdock might slow blood clotting and, when taken with blood-thinning medications, may increase the risk of bruising and
Bleeding.
Source: Burdock | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/burdock#ixzz3itFv3q2t
University of Maryland Medical Center
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