Burdock Benefits

Do you know how burdock benefits you? Did you know that burdock shows up in three of Shakespeare's plays, one being King Lear?

Let’s be honest, if you found this page, health is probably a big part of your life.

Your average Joe Citizen isn’t searching for info on burdock. It’s an obscure herb.

I salute your curious spirit.

Burdock Plant: It's a common weed in Europe, N. America, and Asia. It has dark green leaves that can grow to 45 cm (18 inches). They are large, coarse, and oval-shaped. What’s weird is that they are woolly underneath. The heads of the plant are prickly, easily catching on clothing and hair. Burdock is also known as burr. Animals avoid burr and so should you.

Unless you like torn clothes and skin irritation.

The Japanese, however, harvest the carrot-like burdock taproot, and eat it as a vegetable. It's called gobo in Japan. Burdock root has a sweet, mild flavor. Some say it has a "muddy" flavor, what that means, I don't know.

Burdock grows abundantly in the wild, but beware. Its roots resemble those of the poisonous belladonna and the fatal nightshade.

So is Burdock Healthy or What?

They have anti-bacterial and anti-fungul properties. Burdock can help treat ringworm, urinary tract infections, and acne.

Burdock root is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Herbalists consider dried burdock to be a diuretic, decongestant, and
a blood purifier.

In fact, they recommend burdock root for toxin-elimination all over the body---blood, liver, lymphatic system,
kidneys, and gallbladder.

Quick list of burdock uses:

• flush excess water by increasing urine

• induce sweating which gets rid of toxins

• relieve congestion and fever caused by colds, flu, and pneumonia.

• clear the blood of toxins

Today’s research also shows that burdock root extract is rich in phytosterols and long-chain fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and natural hair growth.

In Europe, burdock root oil has a long history of treating dandruff; it's periodically massaged into the scalp.

Burdock, Treatment for Cancer?

Well, I wouldn't say it cures cancer.

But recent studies have shown that a chemical found in burdock called arctigenin does, in fact, slow tumor growth. Two popular natural remedies for cancer, Essiac and Hoxey, both include burdock root extract.

If you're undergoing cancer treatment in a hospital, you may want to discuss adding an herbal treatment with your doctor.

Burdock Precautions
Who Should Be Cautious?

Pregnant women, nursing women, diabetics, and people with heart or cardiovascular conditions should talk to their doctor before taking burdock.

NOTE: Burdock interferes with iron absorption. There's also evidence that it lowers blood sugar.

Burdock in a Supplement

Not necessary.

It’s a fine herb, but you'll rarely find it listed as an ingredient in a general anti-aging dietary supplement. Burdock is a specialty herb.