Burdock root detoxifies, helps with cancer, diabetes and more. Benefits, Uses, Recipes & Warnings

Burdock root detoxifies, helps with cancer, diabetes and more. Benefits, Uses, Recipes & Warnings

Burdock Root – What if I told you that the roots of a certain plant could detoxify your blood, lymphatic system, and skin? Would you be interested? Then you should know about burdock root.

Burdock root has been valued for thousands of years on every continent for its ability to purify blood and cool internal heat. Internally and externally, it has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects on the human body. Recent studies also show that burdock contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin, all of which are powerful, health-promoting antioxidants. (Source: umm.edu)

Similar to dandelion tea, you can make burdock root tea. It can also be eaten in supplement form or as a vegetable. How does it taste? Burdock has a pleasantly crunchy texture and an earthy, sweet flavor that is similar to lotus root or celeriac. Read on to find out how great burdock root really is, including burdock's medicinal uses in treating serious chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes! (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What is burdock root?

Burdock root (genusArctium) is a genus of biennial plants from theFamily the Asteraceae(daisy), which is native to northern Asia and Europe. Today it also occurs in the USA and grows there as a weed. In Japan, it is often called gobo root and is grown as a vegetable.

Burdock has large, heart-shaped leaves and bright pink-red to purple thistle-like flowers. It also has ridges that can stick to clothing or animal fur. The deep roots of the burdock plant are brownish-green or almost black on the outside.

Burdock root is a slender, brown-skinned root vegetable that typically grows to more than two feet in length. It consists mainly of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins and fatty oils.

Burdock root has been used for thousands of years in Asia and Europe – and more recently in North America. In Japan, it is a widely consumed vegetable, usually eaten fresh or cooked, and the young leaves can also be cooked like any other vegetable.

Burdock fruits have been used continuously in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Typically associated with the lung and stomach meridians, it is known to cool internal heat and is commonly used to support skin health. In European folk medicine, an infusion of the seeds was often used as a diuretic to improve health by aiding the digestive and excretory processes.

Health benefits

The benefits of burdock root are many and will impress you. Here are some of the top ways you can seriously improve your health.

Blood purifier

In traditional herbal texts, burdock root is described as a “blood cleanser” or “alternative,” and was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. (Source: uofmhealth.org)

Burdock root contains active ingredients that detoxify heavy metals from the blood, improve organ health and overall body health. It also promotes blood circulation to the skin's surface, which improves skin health.

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Strengthening the lymphatic system

Essentially, the lymphatic system is the body's internal "drainage system," a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that carry fluids from tissues around the body into the blood and vice versa. If you can strengthen your lymphatic system, you can help your body fight off all kinds of illnesses and serious health problems.

Burdock root helps induce lymphatic drainage and detoxification. As a natural blood purifier, it has a wonderful effect on the lymphatic system. (Source: naturalnews.com)

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Natural diuretic

Diuretics stimulate the kidneys and help the body get rid of excess fluid, mainly water and sodium. Burdock root is a natural diuretic. By consuming burdock, you can naturally and easily help your body eliminate excess water by increasing urine output. By increasing the rate of urination, burdock root can help remove waste from the blood and body. (Source: books.google.com)

If you have problems with fluid retention, you should ask your doctor about trying burdock root before resorting to prescription products.

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Skin healer

Topical products containing burdock root have provided relief from annoying skin problems for centuries. From acne to eczema to psoriasis, burdock root is known to soothe and heal these common skin problems. Eating burdock has also helped many people with skin problems through its ability to purify the blood and cool the body internally.

Scientific studies have even shown that burdock extract can even improve the clinical signs of aging skin! A 2008 study showed that topical treatment with a natural burdock extract significantly improved dermal extracellular matrix metabolism and resulted in visible wrinkle reduction. (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

It's probably for good reason that burdock roots are being used more and more in skin care products, especially for mature and dry skin.

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Helps with diabetes

Burdock root contains inulin, a soluble and prebiotic fiber that improves digestion and lowers blood sugar. This makes them an excellent choice for people trying to control their blood sugar naturally. In Europe, the fresh root is used to lower blood sugar. Due to its inulin content, it is particularly suitable for diabetes.

Animal studies have also shown that burdock roots may reduce the severity of diabetic complications, particularly diabetic retinopathy. (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

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Fights cancer

European physicians of the Middle Ages and later used burdock to treat cancerous tumors (as well as skin diseases, venereal diseases, and bladder and kidney problems). Many herbalists today say that burdock root can prevent cancer cells from metastasizing, making it a potential natural cancer treatment. In fact, animal studies on breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers have shown that burdock's ability to fight cancer is promising. (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

A big reason why burdock is promising for naturally fighting cancer is the fact that it contains arctigenin. Arctigenin is a lignan found in certain plants Family the Asteraceae occurs , including burdock ( Arctium lappa ), which has been shown to fight cancer cells by selectively stopping cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting cancer cells' production of certain proteins (NPAT proteins), thereby impairing cancer's ability to reproduce. (Source: sciencedirect.com)

Another study found that arctigenin was a cancer-specific phytochemical that killed human lung cancer cells, human liver cancer cells, and human stomach cancer cells. (Source: link.spinger.com) Studies like this prove what many have believed for years - that burdock root is a seriously effective natural cancer fighter!

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Improves arthritis

Burdock root is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be an important part of an arthritis diet. One in International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases published study showed that burdock root tea improved inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.

Subjects were given three cups of burdock root tea per day for forty-two days and were then examined for inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The results showed that burdock root tea can significantly help people with osteoarthritis by lowering inflammatory markers. (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

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Helps treat an enlarged spleen

If you suffer from an enlarged spleen, burdock root may help. The spleen is an important “protective organ” that we rely on to keep the body free from infections, viruses and all types of dangerous pathogens. An enlarged spleen is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but is failing to do so because it cannot keep up with the high demand.

Your spleen is in constant contact with your blood. As burdock root cleanses your blood, it also cleanses and protects the spleen. It can help the spleen as it improves blood quality as well as liver health, circulation and anti-inflammatories. Improving these four factors has a direct positive impact on spleen health. So you should definitely include burdock in your spleen healing lineup. (Source: livestrong.com)

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Fights tonsillitis

Burdock root can help get rid of painful tonsillitis. Acute tonsillitis is a type of inflammatory virus that causes tissues in the tonsils to become infected with harmful bacteria. 

Burdock root is helpful for tonsillitis because it  increases wound healing, reduces inflammation and relieves coughs, sore throats and pain. (Source: books.google.com)

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Burdock root vs dandelion root

How exactly does burdock compare to dandelion root? Both belong to Family the Asteraceae Plants and have been used in their entirety for years for both traditional and modern medicine.

Both burdock root and dandelion are great for diabetes and skin conditions. They are also natural diuretics loaded with antioxidants. Dandelion is particularly good for cleansing the liver and protecting bones, while burdock is an amazing blood purifier that is also very helpful for liver health.

Burdock is also helpful for bones, especially osteoarthritis. Dandelion is rich in fiber and vitamins A, C and K, while burdock is also rich in fiber such as vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium.

Nutritional Information

Nutritionally, one cup of burdock root contains approximately (source: ndb.nal.usda.gov):

• 85 Kalorien
• 20,5 Gramm Kohlenhydrate
• 1,8 Gramm Protein
• 0,2 Gramm Fett
• 3,9 Gramm Ballaststoffe
• 0,3 Milligramm Vitamin B6 (14 Prozent DV)
• 0,3 Milligramm Mangan (14 Prozent DV)
• 44,8 Milligramm Magnesium (11 Prozent DV)
• 363 Milligramm Kalium (10 Prozent DV)
• 27,1 Mikrogramm Folsäure (7 Prozent DV)
• 3,5 Milligramm Vitamin C (6 Prozent DV)
• 60,2 Milligramm Phosphor (6 Prozent DV)
• 48,4 Milligramm Calcium (5 Prozent DV)
• 0,9 Milligramm Eisen (5 Prozent DV)
• 0,1 Milligramm Kupfer (5 Prozent DV)

Interesting facts

Would you believe that the inspiration for Velcro actually came from the burdock ridge? In 1941, the inventor, a Swiss engineer named Georges de Mestral, was walking in the forest and wondered if the burrs stuck to his pants and his dog could be turned into something useful.

After nearly eight years of research, de Mestral successfully reproduced the natural attachment using two strips of fabric, one with thousands of tiny hooks and one with thousands of tiny loops. He called his invention Velcro and officially patented it in 1955. (Source: content.time.com)

Burdock root has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries to promote healthy hair, relieve scalp irritation and improve scalp condition. In Europe, burdock root oil, also called bur oil, is commonly used as a scalp treatment to prevent hair loss and remove dandruff. The thought is that all of these nutrients that help your skin, blood, and organs could also improve your hair and scalp health.

How to use burdock root?

Burdock root products contain the fresh or dried root of the burdock plant. Fresh burdock root can often be found in health food stores and Asian specialty shops. You can buy fresh burdock root and add it to a vegetable stir-fry or stew. You can also peel it, slice it and eat it raw with a little sea salt or pickle it.

Burdock root should always be cleaned well and can be peeled like a carrot if you don't like the skin. Cleaned, dry roots can stay fresh for several months if stored in a cool, well-ventilated place. Processed parts or slices should be stored in the refrigerator and used as soon as possible.

Burdock supplements can be purchased in various forms online or at your local health food store. Some of the options likely include burdock root oil, dried burdock root powder, burdock root tincture, burdock root capsules, and burdock root tea. A typical dosage of burdock is one to two grams of powdered dry root three times daily.

Some people look for wild burdock root, but this is not without risk. Burdock roots accumulate toxins, so it is important to be sure to stay far away from roadsides, industrial sites, and areas that have been sprayed with pesticides.

If you want to pick wild burdock roots, you need to be 100% sure of your burdock identification. People sometimes confuse young burdock with foxglove, which is highly poisonous. It's a dangerous mistake that's easy to make. Your safest option is to purchase fresh burdock root from the store.

Risks, side effects & warnings

Burdock root is considered safe when consumed as food, which is done regularly in Asian countries. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid burdock root as it can harm the fetus.

If you are dehydrated, you should not take burdock as the herb's diuretic effects can worsen dehydration. If you are sensitive to the plant family the Asteraceae / Compositae Reaction, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, you may potentially experience an allergic reaction to internal or external use of burdock, including dermatitis.

Since the roots of the burdock are similar to those of the belladonna or the deadly nightshade ( Atropa belladonna ) are very similar, there is a risk that burdock preparations could become contaminated with these potentially dangerous herbs. For this reason, you should always purchase burdock root products from established and reputable companies.

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between burdock and conventional medications. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking burdock if you are taking diuretics (burdock can increase the effects of water pills), diabetes medications (burdock can lower blood sugar and cause hypoglycemia), or blood-thinning medications (burdock can slow blood clotting) and may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications increase.

If you are having surgery, stop taking burdock root at least two weeks before your surgery date. Burdock can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of burdock. Therefore, you should only give burdock to children under the supervision of a doctor.

Conclusion

The burdock plant definitely produces a root that is not only delicious (hopefully you agree), but also incredibly beneficial when it comes to so many bodily functions as well as many very serious health issues. Whether you want to maintain or significantly improve your health, I would give burdock root a try if you haven't already. Here's a reminder why:

• Klettenwurzel ist ein Blutreiniger, ein Stärker des Lymphsystems, ein natürliches Diuretikum und ein Hautheiler. Es verteidigt auch gegen Diabetes, bekämpft Krebs, verbessert Arthritis, hilft bei der Behandlung einer vergrößerten Milz und bekämpft Mandelentzündungen.
• Löwenzahn und Klette haben viele Ähnlichkeiten, einschließlich der Herkunft derselben Pflanzenfamilie, der Behandlung von Diabetes und der Verbesserung der Hautgesundheit. Darüber hinaus eignet sich Löwenzahn besonders gut zur Reinigung der Leber und zum Schutz der Knochen, während Klette ein erstaunlicher Blutreiniger ist, der auch für die Gesundheit der Leber sehr hilfreich ist.
• Sie können Klettenwurzel roh essen, kochen, Klettenwurzeltee zubereiten oder in Ergänzungsform konsumieren. Klettenergänzungen umfassen Klettenwurzelöl, getrocknetes Klettenwurzelpulver, Klettenwurzeltinktur und Kapseln.

This article was recently written by Dr. Written by Josh Ax. He is a Doctor of Natural Medicine at Exodus Health Center, DNM, DC, CNS, is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, clinical nutritionist, and author with a passion for helping people become healthy with food as medicine. The article was not only checked by him, but was also written by him. The sources are linked directly in the respective section.