Burdock Root

Burdock is a tenacious wild plant that is native to Europe and Asia and grows in temperate regions throughout the world, including the US. Burdock is a large plant with huge broad leaves and a stem that grows from three to six feet tall. The flowers are pink-to-purple globes and are followed in the autumn by a brown seed head with numerous prickly hooks. Burdock’s deep, slender root is ten to thirty inches long and has dark outer skin. 

Also known as Arctium lappa, Burdock is recommended as a healthy and nutritive food in Chinese societies. It has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years.  The roots, seeds and leaves of burdock all have their different therapeutic uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Antioxidants and anti-diabetic compounds have been found in the root. In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity. The medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS have been reported. 

Burdock is traditionally used to treat diseases such as sore throat, infections, rashes, boils and various skin problems. According to TCM, these pathological events are mainly due to the accumulation of toxins in the body.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Burdock?

Burdock contains many active ingredients (isolated from different parts of the plant) that have been shown to possess many therapeutic effects for the treatment of various diseases. Documented reports  have demonstrated a wide range of possible clinical uses of burdock, because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor/cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and anti-viral effects.

The most nutritious part of the plant is believed to be the root which is home to a variety of powerful antioxidants and other key constituents offering relief to several health complaints. Burdock has been well documented for its affinity to the skin because it contains chemicals to help the body to detoxify. 

Blood Cleanse

Burdock root contains active ingredients which help carry out toxins from the blood. It is believed to stimulate the lymphatic drainage system and help with the process of detoxification.

Burdock root contains phytochemicals* such as flavonoids, lignans and polyacetylenes which are known to help detoxification through increased circulation.

What are phytochemicals? 

Phytochemicals are plant compounds found in plants, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes that contribute to their colour, taste and smell.   Their consumption is essential for health, like vitamins and minerals. Preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological research suggests that phytochemicals may be effective in treating various diseases owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.  

Cancer

During the development of tumors, a large amount of nutrients (oxygen and nutrients) are required to sustain the rapid proliferation of tumor cells. When deprived of nutrients such as glucose and carbohydrates, high tolerance tumor cells can still survive this hostile environment. Studies show Arctigenin, which is a lignan found in certain plants of the Asteraceae family, is an active compound found in burdock seeds and may eradicate nutrient-deprived cancer cells. 

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.

Liver Support

Burdock is a well-known remedy for conditions of gout, hepatitis and other inflammatory disorders.  Pharmacological studies indicate that burdock roots contain compounds that help protect the liver whilst eradicating excessive free radicals from the body.  A study on animals showed that burdock helped reverse liver damage caused by alcohol. 

Diabetes

Burdock has been used to treat diabetes by TCM practitioners, but several studies have suggested that the root may contain compounds with hypoglycemic effects. Sitosterol-beta-Dglucopyrano side is considered to be the most beneficial substance among the other compounds found in the root of burdock.  This is because it carries inhibitory effects on glucosidase activities which are responsible for glycoprotein production.  

Furthermore, inulin a natural carbohydrate present in the root of burdock can act on cell surface receptors to keep the blood glucose level constant, therefore improving the tolerance to high glucose level. Interestingly, inulin is also prebiotic and known to help with digestive health.

Cholesterol Reduction

Whilst studying the effects of insulin when exposed to burdock root extract, it was found that there were changes in blood lipid profiles, including decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in rats.  The conclusion was that burdock root extract reduced body weight and cholesterol levels in rats, possibly by modulating the expression of genes. 

How Often Can I Take Burdock Root? 

There isn’t enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of dosing.

But if you are taking it combined with other herbs in a herbal tea blend, like our Digest and Energise tea infusion, then we recommend up to 5 cups a day.

Any Contraindications?

Side Effects

However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock. It is expected that further investigations will lead to a better understanding of some other roles that burdock play in preventing and treating human diseases, as well as the potential adverse effects and toxicity of the herb. 

Who Should Not Take Burdock Root?

• People who are allergic to ragweed or similar plants should not take burdock root.  People who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family should avoid it in case of an allergic reaction.
• Pregnant women should not take it as it can stimulate the uterus.  
• People on diabetic medication should consult their health practitioner before taking burdock.