Overview

Burdock is a plant that is found all over the world. Burdock root is sometimes used as food. The root, leaf, and seed are used to make medicine.

Some people take burdock by mouth to increase urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, and “purify” their blood. It is also taken by mouth to treat colds, cancer, anorexia, stomach and intestinal complaints, joint pain, gout, bladder infections, diabetes, complications of syphilis, and skin conditions including acne and psoriasis. Burdock is also taken by mouth for high blood pressure, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), and liver disease. Some people use burdock to increase sex drive.

Some people apply burdock directly to the skin for wrinkles, dry skin (ichthyosis), acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Burdock has been associated with poisonings because some products have been contaminated with root of belladonna. These poisonings do not appear to have been caused by burdock itself.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever

Also Known As:

Arctium, Arctium lappa, Arctium minus, Arctium tomentosum, Bardana, Bardana-minor

How Does It Work?

Burdock contains chemicals that might have activity against bacteria and inflammation

Uses

• Breast cancer. Early research has found that using a product containing burdock root and other ingredients is not linked with better quality of life in people with breast cancer.
• Diabetes. Early research shows that eating batter prepared from dried burdock root together with butter, water, salt, artificial sweetener, and ginger extract, prevents a spike in blood sugar after eating in people with diabetes.
• Wrinkled skin. Early research shows that applying a specific cream containing burdock fruit to facial skin improves eye wrinkles (crow’s feet).
• Fluid retention.
• Fever.
• Anorexia.
• Stomach conditions.
• Gout.
• Acne.
• Severely dry skin.
• Psoriasis.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of burdock for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for burdock. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Burdock Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is burdock root good for?

People take burdock to increase urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, and “purify” their blood. It is also used to treat colds, cancer, anorexia nervosa, gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, joint pain (rheumatism), gout, bladder infections, complications of syphilis, and skin conditions including acne and psoriasis.

What are the side effects of burdock root?

Bleeding disorders: Burdock might slow blood clotting. Taking burdock might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.

Can I take burdock root everyday?

They often grow together. If you're taking burdock supplements, take small doses only in moderation. More research is needed to determine the safety of the supplement. Burdock root is a natural diuretic, so you shouldn't take it if you're dehydrated.

How many mg of burdock root should I take?

There is limited clinical evidence to guide burdock dosing. Dosages used in studies vary from 200 milligrams of burdock root extract to six grams a day of burdock root tea. A 28-day phase I dose-determination trial conducted in patients with advanced refractory pancreatic cancer recommended 12 grams a day.

Does burdock root make you poop?

The bitters stimulate secretion in the digestive tract. Burdock root is called for when there is poor secretion of bile, indicated by dry stool and constipation and poor emulsification of fats and oils.

Is burdock root good for your liver?

Improving liver health: Burdock root has been used to detoxify the liver and body for centuries. Reducing blood pressure: Burdock root tea contains potassium, which may help to lower blood pressure and open blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Is burdock root good for weight loss?

Burdock root can also be found in some beauty and diet products. Purported cosmetic uses include: Eliminating excess water weight: Burdock root is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a diuretic to promote urination and sweating. There is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, however.

Is burdock root good for kidneys?

Burdock seed is more diuretic and diffusive. It is particularly used when the skin and kidneys are involved. It is suited to “affection of the kidneys, such as atrophy or wasting away,” writes Richard Hool (1922, 17). This occurs with dry tissues, though there are local areas of water retention – edema.

Does burdock root cause gas?

If you have a sensitivity to foods high in inulin (such as artichokes, asparagus, or leeks), you may experience temporary gas or bloating after eating burdock root. Avoid use if you're pregnant, as the herb has been reported to stimulate the uterus and possibly cause premature labor.

How long does burdock root last?

Burdock will store for many months. If burdock becomes too dry and limp, try soaking it in water until it becomes firm again. Burdock has a slender, straight shape. The root can grow to up to 4 feet long, but 2 feet in length is most common.

How do you get rid of burdock?

Burdock can be controlled by chopping/mowing before it's mature enough to make seeds. It can also be controlled with herbicides. Morishita says several broad-leaf herbicides will kill burdock, if applied properly. Burdock is a biennial; it lives for two growing seasons.

Does burdock root give you energy?

Traditionally this cleansing action led burdock to be known as a “blood purifier” because it helps to detoxify the body and blood by stimulating the release of waste products from the cells. Burdock root is a gentle and nutritive tonic that helps to restore one's natural energy and to overcome states of depletion.

How often should you drink burdock tea?

Burdock root can be consumed safely in moderation, and you can safely drink one cup of burdock tea a day. When it comes to supplements, follow your doctor's instructions and the instructions that come with the supplement.

Is burdock root good for diabetics?

Improving blood sugar and treating diabetes

A 2014 study found that burdock root could prevent dangerously high blood glucose both in a petri dish and in a live tissue sample. In a 2015 study of burdock root in mice, researchers found no benefits associated with raw burdock root.

What can I do with burdock leaves?

Since the leaves are edible when they're very small, they're an easy to identify spring potherb. They tend to be bitter, but less so when they're small. Eat the Weeds suggests using large burdock leaves to wrap foods for campfire cooking.

What vitamins are in burdock root?

Burdock Root is a biennial with large, wavy leaves and round heads of purple flowers. Burdock Root Extract contains Vitamins B complex and E. In addition, it boasts trace minerals of potassium, phosphorous, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, silicon, zinc and sodium.

Can I take burdock root and dandelion root together?

The combination of Dandelion and Burdock Roots together dig deep into your system and strengthens your body, making it inhospitable for toxins.

How many minerals are in burdock root?

Optimum health: Weight gain: The good: This food is very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Manganese.

How do you eat burdock?

Roasting it is my favorite way to cook [burdock root]. I actually like the flavor of the skin, as I find it adds a certain nuttiness that is really amazing. I just make sure to wash the roots really well to get all the dirt and grit off, just like you would with a potato. Then I slice the root into rounds.

What does burdock root taste like?

The flavor of burdock root is earthy and, well, rooty, but with an intriguing blend of sweetness and bitterness that is similar to an artichoke, to which it is related. Its texture is both meaty and slightly crunchy with a pleasant chew.

Clinical Studies