Herbal Actions: Alterative – Anti-inflammatory – Aperient – Bitter – Cholagogue – Diuretic – Diaphoretic – Discutient – Hepatic – Lymphatic
Constituents: Although all parts of the burdock plant used contain inulin, arctigenin, plant sterols, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, mineral salts that are rich in manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphate, calcium, iron and copper, the root also contains starches and carbohydrates.
Burdock root is mild and gentle, yet it is an effective cleanser of the blood and lymph system. It has a mild diuretic effect that gently drains stagnant fluids downwards, eliminating them through the kidneys and urinary tract.
Because burdock root is also a bitter tonic, it targets the liver, stimulating the production and flow of bile. It is commonly used and works well with other hepatic herbs like dandelion root.
One of the best known uses of burdock root is as a blood cleanser. In chronic skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis and acne, burdock cleanses the lymphatic system, and neutralizes toxins in the blood. Burdock root is mildly cooling in nature, and also has anti-inflammatory properties, it is said to help to suppress chronic heat and inflammation.
Burdock root is commonly used in blood cleansing formulas used to treat cancer. The Arctigenin – a lignin (organic polymers which are important in the formation of cell walls, especially in wood and bark) found it the root is believed to be the active ingredient in Burdock root that appears to have a natural cancer fighting ability to stop or discourage cancer cells from reproducing and metastasizing. Laboratory studies have shown promising results for Arctigenin in the treatment of certain types of cancer – breast cancer as well as colon, pancreatic, lung and stomach cancers.
Burdock contains inulin which helps to reduce and regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, and as an anti-inflammatory herb, Burdock has shown an ability to bring down the level of substances in the blood like C-reactive protein, which are commonly associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
There have been studies that show burdock root to be effective in treating the clinical signs of aging skin. The people in cultures which eat burdock root as a vegetable in their traditional diet, tend to have very beautiful skin. I know this sounds like a generalization, but among the older population, it is true. Since abandoning the more traditional diet, it could very well be argued that the adaption of the less healthy Western fare has contributed to skin conditions like acne among the youth of these cultures.
Burdock Root Dosage
Burdock root is used in standard dosages in herbal tinctures, extracts, decoctions and powders, as it is gentle and mild in its medicinal effects and actions.
Precautions and Contraindications
Burdock is generally regarded as safe, however, it should be avoided by some people, and should not be used in applications for children. Burdock may cause hypoglycemia in those with diabetes who take blood-sugar lowering medicines. It is not recommended for people who take diuretics, as burdock’s own diuretic action can cause dehydration. For anyone taking anti-clotting medication, there is an increased risk of bleeding with burdock so it should not be used by these individuals. It may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, so stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Burdock may trigger an allergic reaction in people sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed. Discontinue use and see your health care provider immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction. Do not use if you’re pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, as the herb has been reported to stimulate the uterus and possibly cause premature labor.