Burdock root herb has many health benefits. Herbalists say that it is a best diuretic and also diaphoretic. For past several years burdock plant and root have been used for flushing and purifying toxins in blood stream. As a diuretic, it increases urine output and thereby, flushes out excess water.
Health Benefits of Burdock Root:
Infections
Historically, burdock root has been used as an antidote because it neutralizes and eliminates poison in the system. Its benefits are immense and it is most often used as herbal supplement. Fresh roots of burdock herb contain polyacetylenes that are phytochemicals which kill some types of fungi and bacteria. It is used for treating both fungal and bacterial infections that include urinary tract infections, acne and, ringworm. It also has antibacterial properties that promote wound healing and help in treating ulcers.
Stomach Problems
Burdock root consumption also helps in treating gastrointestinal conditions, various stomach ailments and, also stimulates digestive organs. Some people believe that consuming burdock root helps in controlling liver damage and also prevent future damage. It also promotes flow and release of bile, which helps in liver cleansing and also aids digestive process.
The bitter, inulin and, mucilage content in burdock herb supports good digestion and also soothes digestive tract as well as treat many stomach disorders. It also benefits skin. Burdock has been used extensively in preparing various skin ointments to treat various skin problems like eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Hair and Scalp Problems
Burdock oil is also called Bur oil, used in hair and scalp treatments. It is very effective in improving hair quality, reducing dandruff and also decreasing hair fall. Burdock has become popular for culinary use because of its macrobiotic property. Burdock plants contains good amounts of gob (dietary calcium, potassium, fiber, amino acids and low calories).
Diabetes
Burdock harvested in the first or early second year contains vitamin E and vitamin B complex. It also has phosphorus, potassium, cobalt, chromium, iron, zinc, silicon, sodium, thiamine and, magnesium. Inulin is a helpful sugar for hypoglycemics and diabetes, because it does not elicit insulin production rapidly. A drink prepared from dandelion and burdock is popular in UK. It is believed to be a good galactogogue (which increases lactation).
Often burdock ends up playing Cinderella to other popular herbs such as ginseng, echinacea and, ginkgo. But researches have to improve the value and potentiality of the burdock. Botanists and herbalists should understand its benefits in curing serious conditions like liver diseases and cancer.
Other Health Benefits of Burdock:
- It is alterative, diaphoretic and diuretic.
- It is one of the best purifier of blood.
- Roots decoction is useful for scurvy, boils and rheumatism.
- The decoction is also used as a washing agent for scaly skin disorders and ulcers because of its demulcent and mucilaginous nature.
- Leaves poultice are used to get relief from gouty swellings, tumors, skin inflammation and bruised skin.
- Seeds are used to prepare extract and medicinal tincture which is relaxant, tonic and demulcent.
- Leaves are also used to get relief from sores and ulcers due to its cooling property.
- Burdock has active component polyacetylenes, which is an effective antibacterial and antifungal.
- Burdock oil is used for hair strengthening and various scalp treatments.
Burdock Root Oil Uses
Burdock root oil is also called ‘bur oil when applied on scalp provides following benefits -
- Gives relief from scalp irritation and redness.
- Relieves scalp itching.
- Promotes healthy hair
- Improves scalp irritation.
- It reverses hair thinning.
- It also provides shine and body to hair.
The oil is rich in essential fatty acids and phytosterols. Oil should be applied before bed time for maximum benefits to work overnight or after hair wash for nourishing and moisturising the hair. These nutrients are required to promote natural growth of hair and maintaining healthy scalp. Hence, regular use of burdock oil helps healthy hair growth and scalp conditions.
Burdock Root Tea Benefits
Burdock tea improves the health and tones the stomach, improves indigestion and treats genitourinary conditions, fluid retention, bladder pain and gout . It also treats inflammations, liver conditions, jaundice, hepatitis and swollen glands.
Burdock Root Tea Recipe
Ingredients -
- 1 part burdock root
- 1 part dandelion root
- 1 part roasted chicory root
- 1 part sarsaparilla root
- ½ part licorice root
- ½ part yellow dock root
Method to prepare tea -
- Mix all the herbs in a vessel.
- Take 1 teaspoon herbs mixture per 1 cup of water.
- Take water in a saucepan, place herbs and bring it to a boil.
- Keep it on a low flame and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Strain it before serving.
- Take 1 cup of tea in the beginning.
- You can take up to 2 or 3 cups and drink it for at least two weeks.
Apart from health benefits, there are some side effects also. Read our other article on Side Effects of Burdock.