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Burdock Root
Burdock Root refers to the root of the Burdock plant that is also known by
its botanical name, Arctium lappa. The Burdock plant is native to Asia and Europe,
although it is now commonly found throughout the United States, and is also
known by these other names: Bardane, Beggar’s Buttons, Burr, Clotburr, Cockle
Buttons, Fox’s Clote, Gypsy Rhubarb, Happy Major, Lappa, Niu Bang, Philanthropium,
Personata, Thorny Burr, and Wu Shih. Used as a popular food source in Japan
as gobo or the poor man’s potatoes, Burdock root contains a number of medicinal
properties that have been used for centuries.
The Burdock plant grows up to a height of three feet and is a member of the
thistle family. Edible components of the Burdock plant are its roots, seeds,
and its young stems. The Burdock Root is approximately one inch wide and can
grow up to three feet in height. Harvesting of Burdock Root should take place
in the fall of the first year or during the spring of the second year. If harvesting
does not take place at that time, the Burdock plant will produce burrs.
Burdock Root has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Often
described in folk medicine as a blood purifier, burdock root was used internally
and externally in the treatment of: eczema, psoriasis, and painful joints. Within
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Burdock Root combined with a number of other herbs
was used to treat conditions like colds, measles, sore throats, and tonsillitis.
Currently, Burdock Root has become popular as an anti-cancer remedy although
this application has yet to be confirmed with medical studies. Burdock Root
is known to contain polyacetylenes, chlorogenic acid, taraxosterol, arctigen,
inulin, lactone, essential oil, flavonoids, tannin, muscilage, resin, potassium,
iron, and calcium.
Burdock Root is a popular detoxifying agent that produces a diuretic effect
on the body which aids the filtering of impurities from the bloodstream. By
promoting perspiration, Burdock Root eliminates toxins through the skin. By
producing a detoxifying effect, Burdock Root aids blood circulation and produces
a variety of positive side effects. By purifying the blood, Burdock Root aids
in the elimination of skin conditions caused by ill health. It is also used
in other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Additionally contains
inulin, a carbohydrate that strengthens the liver. The high concentration of
inulin and mucilage aids in the soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
The high concentration of inulin is helpful for individuals that are afflicted
with diabetics and hypoglycemia as it provides helpful sugar that does not provoke
rapid insulin production. Burdock Root also contains polyacetylenes that gives
the herb its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also used as a mild
laxative that aids in the elimination of uric acid.
The recommended dosage of Burdock Root as a tincture is two to four ml per
day. If used in a capsule form, it is recommended that 1 to 2 grams be taken
three times per day. Most Burdock Root, however, is used in combination with
other herbs in supplements. It is important that when using these supplements
that the source and quality of the Burdock Root be confirmed as high quality.
Poor mixtures can lead to toxic effects. Additionally, although Burdock Root
has no significant side effects attached to its use, it is recommended that
individuals with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin avoid its use. This is due
to the high concentration of inulin within Burdock root.
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