Burdock Root Uses and Benefits
There are a number of burdock root uses. The plant is grown mainly in Asia, and it is the root which is used in a growing number of herbal remedies. It has anti-viral
properties which can help to ease the symptoms of some infectious diseases and has been used medicinally for centuries.
Burdock root uses include:
- Cleaning the blood. Burdock root can be used to encourage toxins to leave the bloodstream and can be taken internally in the form of burdock root tea. This is often
blended with dandelion and burdock leaves to make a more effective tea for this purpose.
- Soothing skin complaints by applying a compress made from burdock extract. This can be useful for acne and eczema, and taking the tea in conjunction with other
cleansing herbs can help to heal these conditions from the inside also. Burdock leaves are also believed to make an effective dressing for burns, as they provide a protective
coating that keeps moisture out and make dressing changes easier.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock has been used to treat measles.
- Burdock extract from the seeds of the plant can be used to encourage the body to sweat, so encouraging healing from fevers when suffering from colds or flu. It can
also ease the symptoms of sore throats and tonsillitis.
- Burdock root uses extend to eating it as a vegetable and adding it to a number of dishes. It contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals and can help the
functioning of several of the body’s main organs in order to remove toxins from the system.
- This cleansing property makes burdock root an excellent diuretic, encourage the body to rid itself of excess water. It can also be used as a laxative, maintaining the
health of the digestive system.
- Burdock extract can be used externally for treating irritations of the scalp and soothing dandruff. It is also thought to be beneficial for stimulating hair growth.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties can be used to ease conditions such as arthritis.
Burdock root can be made into a tincture which is an easy method of administering the herb. When purchasing a pre-packed burdock root tea it is usually combined with a number
of other herbs.
Side Effects
Burdock does have some side effects. It is a very strong detoxifier and can at first aggravate some skin conditions before beginning to heal them. To avoid any adverse
effects, it is better to begin taking small amounts and then gradually increase the dosage.
It is not recommended for those just beginning to use herbal remedies to gather burdock from the wild. This is due to its resemblance to several poisonous plants, and any confusion could lead to serious illness or worse. Mild side effects from
contamination with these other plants may include a slowed heart beat or a dry mouth.
Those taking medication for regulating blood sugar or for diabetes should consult a medical professional before using burdock root, as it may interfere with some prescription drugs.
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