Burdock root boasts a multitude of health benefits. Being an impressive blood purifier, burdock clears congestion in the respiratory, urinary, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. It also works to relieve liver disorders, improving digestion by stimulating the elimination of toxic waste materials in the body. And if that’s not enough, burdock has the ability to detoxify the gallbladder and kidneys by clearing excess bile in addition to preventing surges and sinking of blood sugar levels as an act against cancer. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is used to help with the treatment of sore throats and colds. All in all, this is one well-rounded herb.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a relative of the sunflower and grows to a height of around 5 feet. In the spring it bears a reddish-purple flower that is covered with spiny bracts. During the summer the gray-red seeds are harvested. Then at year two, the roots are dug up and harvested. Incidentally, the roots are the most important part of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Burdock is a biennial and is native to Europe and Asia, but can now be found growing wild throughout the U.S.
Burdock Benefits
Japanese herbal practitioners have long used the seeds and roots of the burdock plant to treat chronic skin disease. However, Japanese herbalists weren’t the only ones to utilize the herb. European herbalists as wee have found its use beneficial. It’s been found throughout to help the body by preventing the immune system from attacking the skin. This is very good news and especially promising for psoriasis treatment being that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition.
In Japan, burdock is recognized to kill Streptococcus bacteria that can infect the skin. Interestingly, in Europe, a scalp treatment of burdock oil is used to combat hair loss and promote shiny strong hair. It is also used to treat dandruff for much the same reason that it is useful for eczema and psoriasis. Due to the richness in essential fatty acids and phytosterols, burdock is beneficial required for a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. (1)
Burdock can be a very useful herb to be used for those suffering from diabetes. In fact, an extract of the herb has been shown to have long-acting blood-sugar-lowering effects in animal studies. (1)(2) Dietary fiber is very beneficial for those who suffer from diabetes. Fortunately, burdock root fills the intestinal tract with fiber, thus preventing the absorption of excess sugars.
Additionally, burdock root prevents the absorption of toxic substances from some of the foods we eat. The fiber is digested in the large intestine after moving through the small intestine allowing the body to utilize the nutrition from the foods we eat. Furthermore, burdock contains chromium which also helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Burdock has the ability to improve the health of a damaged liver in as little as 2 weeks. The use of the root can also help to prevent further damage to the liver by stimulating bile production and helping to purify the blood.
Liver disease, such as cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, can result from alcohol abuse. Over time, heavy alcohol consumption causes inflammation and scarring of the liver. According to a study published in the “Journal of Biomedical Science” in 2002, constituents in burdock root help prevent liver damage and are effective in treating alcohol-related liver damage.
Burdock helps to rid the body of calcified deposits around the joints. This will reduce swelling and ease painful symptoms of arthritis, gout, and sciatica. A tea brewed from the roots and seeds is the best remedy for the relief of these painful symptoms.
Scientists have found a substance in burdock that is capable of reducing cell mutation in the absence or in the presence of metabolic activation. (3)(4) Burdock is one of the 4 potent herbs in Essiac tea which has gained an important role in alternative cancer therapy. There is a dietary fiber in burdock seed called arctiin which may slow or stop the growth of early-stage breast cancer. Arctiin could very well have benefits for pancreatic, liver, and colon cancer as well.
Recipe sourced from http://essiacfacts.com/preparing-the-essiac-tea-recipe/
You can also buy the tea pre-mixed if you don’t want to source all the ingredients to make your own.
Sometimes burdock will be labeled as “cut or sifted burdock root” or by its Latin name, “Arctium lappa”.
The root of the burdock plant is not only tasty, but it is also incredibly beneficial to the body for many health conditions. It is an excellent blood purifier, lymphatic system strengthener, natural diuretic, and skin healer. Additionally, it combats cancer, defends against diabetes, and improves arthritis. Burdock is an excellent addition to your herbal medicine chest.
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The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical-free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that herbs can trigger side effects and interact with supplements, medications, or other herbs. Herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or doctor well versed in the field of botanical medicine.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare providers.
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