Have you ever had small burrs get stuck on your socks or trousers when walking in a forest? The small hooking burrs are actually from the burdock plant which holds significant benefit as an herbal remedy. For instance, burdock root is rich in essential fibers and can be eaten as a root vegetable, and is very rich in important fibers. Burr oil can also be extracted from the dried seeds and leaves of burdock can for a host of medicinal uses.
Burdock, whose scientific name is Arctium, is known for its many health benefits such as improving skin appearance, aiding in digestion, lowering blood pressure, regulating hormones, detoxifying the liver, and reducing inflammation.
The Health Benefits of Burdock
Let’s consider the amazing health benefits of this herbal plant.
Aids in Digestion
Burdock is well-known for aiding digestion due to many reasons. Firstly, it is rich in fiber and so, helps to stimulate the digestive system and facilitates the smooth movement of food through the bowels. The fiber relieves bloating, constipation, cramping, and ulcers. In fact, Inulin, a certain type of fiber contained in burdock, brings down gut inflammation and destroys certain types of bacteria that are harmful and capable of causing diarrhea and other stomach problems.
Regulates Blood Pressure
A major feature of burdock is its huge ability to reduce blood pressure. The plant is very rich in potassium and helps to alleviate tension by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries within the cardiovascular system. Burdock helps to prevent heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
Treating and Preventing Infections
For so many years, burdock root has been preparing traditional treatments to combat sore throats, common cold, and other sicknesses. Some studies have indicated that because of its antibacterial qualities, burdock may, in fact, curb infections.
It seems to be especially essential for destroying biofilms (large and sticky colonies of bacteria). Did you know that the oral plaque that causes cavities is caused by a biofilm? Biofilms can grow all over the body. Also, a 2015 study found discovered that burdock root could treat biofilm-associated urinary tract infections and kill other types of bacteria.
Detoxifies the Liver
Burdock is made up chemicals that give it its bitter taste. These chemicals help in stimulating the production of bile and digestive juices in the gastrointestinal organs. This helps the liver to quickly process toxins and pass them out from the body. Eliminating toxins from the blood is one of the primary jobs of the liver, as the organic compounds and components in burdock have been directly associated with supporting this function.
Controls Diabetes
Every type of fiber is capable of regulating the balance of glucose and insulin in the body. Inulin is very effective and helps to reduce the development and severity of diabetes and its symptoms. The high inulin levels in burdock can also bring down overall blood cholesterol levels by killing it and protecting the cardiovascular system.
A study also suggests that burdock root could inhibit very high blood glucose in both a live tissue sample and in a petri dish. In fact, in a study of burdock root conducted in 2015 in mice, researchers did not find the benefits linked with raw burdock root. But fermented burdock root can significantly lower blood sugar in mice.
Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation, in most cases, is caused by autoimmune disorders, free radical damage, and several other medical issues, including osteoarthritis. According to a 2014 study, burdock root is capable of significantly decreasing inflammation in people suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Skin Care
Did you know that high toxicity in the blood, constipation or poor eating habits can lead to skin inflammation, which manifests as acne, pimples, rashes, discoloration or spots? In fact, many traditional medicine practitioners often recommend burdock root supplements for the treating skin conditions. This very potent herb can help solve the underlying problems of constipation or toxicity rapidly and efficiently, resulting in healthier and beautiful skin.
Promotes Hormone Balance
Suffering a hormone disorder is understandably difficult. To forestall that, you should incorporate the right foods and herbs into your diet to help the body regulate hormonal activities. Luckily, burdock is able to do this by helping the liver to metabolize some hormones like estrogen. Too much estrogen is one of the leading causes of certain destructive or fatal hormonal disorders. Including some burdock in your diet is definitely the way to go!
Treating or Preventing Cancer
The development of cancer is closely linked to the activities of free radicals and inflammation. What this means is that burdock, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, might help in preventing cancer. Some preliminary studies also indicate that burdock can slow down the growth of cancer. As a matter of fact, a 2016 study suggested that burdock might help slow down the growth of breast cancer tumors.
Boosts Immunity
Burdock contains substantial levels of vitamin C and vitamin E, both of which perform as antioxidants in the body to destroy free radicals, which implies that burdock has the ability to boost our immunity. These antioxidants have been proven to lower the risk of cancer, prevent infections, support growth, and repair the body’s tissues and cells.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
There is little or no research available on the safety of burdock for children. Owing to this, burdock should never be given to children except under the supervision of a doctor.
If you must take burdock, it is important to note the following:
- Burdock is easily tolerated and considered safe to consume. However, it should only be bought from reputable sellers and never collected in the wild. This is because Burdock plant is in the same plant family with belladonna nightshade plants. They both look alike and usually grow together but belladonna plants are highly toxic.
- There is a need for more research in determining the safety of burdock supplements. So, take the supplements in small doses and in moderation.
- If you are dehydrated, do not take burdock root as it is a natural diuretic. It shouldn’t also be taken along with water pills or other diuretics, as it can elevate dehydration levels.
- For those who are allergic to daisies or chrysanthemums, avoid burdock root. The plant may increase the risk of allergic reactions.
- Pregnant women or women trying to conceive should steer clear of burdock root or supplements.
Forms and Doses
There are a host of variant forms of burdock root available. They include:
- Burdock root powder
- Burdock tea
- Burdock oil
- Fresh burdock root
The root is safe for consumption but should be taken in moderation. It is safe to drink a cup of burdock tea per day. As for supplements, it is advisable to follow doctor’s instructions taking them.
As you may already know, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor supplements and may have some problems with their dosage, purity, and quality. Always buy your oil, extracts, or dried powder from reliable sources.
The Bottom Line
Since research into the health benefits of burdock is inconclusive, it is advisable to not use it in place of medical treatments. However, they can be used as healthful options for treating common ailments and to improve overall well-being.
