Burdock

Burdock Uses and Benefits

Burdock has been used for hundreds of years to treat many ailments. Traditionally, it has been used to clean toxins out of the bloodstream. It is also prized for its diuretic properties, which help the body rid itself of excess fluid by increasing urine production.

Burdock has also been used to treat skin ailments, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is also one of the ingredients that is used in traditional Chinese medicine; burdock can be combined with some other herbal ingredients to treat colds and sore throat. Extract of burdock root is an ingredient that is used in a number of herbal preparations, as well as homeopathic remedies.

In parts of the world where burdock is cultivated, it is eaten as a vegetable. This plant contains insulin, which is a natural dietary fiber. It has been used as a way to improve digestion.

Some studies conducted recently have found that burdock has prebiotic properties. Prebiotics are foods that are not digestible, but which help keep the "good" bacteria in the digestive tract healthy. Other sources of prebiotics in the diet are whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Burdock Dosage

Burdock roots are available in fresh or dried versions. This type of supplement can also be bought as a powder, or in a liquid form. Consumers can choose from decoctions, which is a liquid made by boiling down the herb in water, or tinctures, which are solutions made up of the herb in either alcohol or water and alcohol.

Adults can take burdock in the following formulations:

• Capsules: 1-2 grams, three times a day
• Dried root: Steep 2-6 grams in 150 mL (2/3 of a cup) in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, strain and drink three times per day. The root can also be used to treat skin conditions by soaking a cloth. Once the liquid has cooled, wrap the cloth around the affected area. Do not use a poultice like this on open wounds.
• Tincture: 2-8 mL, three times per day. The tincture can also be applied to a cloth and wrapped around the affected area.
• Fluid extract: 2-8 mL, three times per day
• Tea: Steep 2-6 grams in 500 mL of water (approximately 2 cups), three times per day.

Burdock is also available in a topical preparation for eczema and wounds.

Burdock Precautions and Interactions

Before you start taking burdock or any other herbal supplement, discuss your plans with your doctor. They can trigger side effects in some people and interact with herbs, supplements or medications that you may be taking. Rather than start taking burdock on your own, a safer and healthier choice is to use it with the knowledge and under the supervision of your health care provider.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use burdock; it can harm the developing baby.
• People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums or daisies may also have an allergic reaction to burdock.

When taking burdock as a supplement, it's best to limit the amount used to lower the risk of interactions or an allergic reaction. It is considered a safe option when eaten, although it's important to be conscious of the herb's diuretic effect.

Make sure that you are buying burdock from a reputable dealer. This plant's roots have a similar appearance to belladonna or nightshade and you want to avoid the risk that what you receive has been contaminated by these other, potentially poisonous, plants. Do not go out to gather burdock in the wild yourself as a way to save money. You could end up doing harm to yourself instead. Instead, use the free supplement finder now!