Answer the question what is burdock and how to use it

Burdock, if used properly, will bring health benefits. However, not everyone can use it. You should research carefully before using.

The following article will help you answer questions about burdock, from its benefits to how to use it. Check it out now!

Basic information about burdock

Native to Europe and Asia and now naturalized in North America, burdock (Arctium lappais) is a genus of weeds related to sunflowers and part of the daisy family. Burdock has large heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers in spring and fall. In traditional medicine, burdock root is considered a valuable medicinal herb with many health benefits.

Burdock root is derived from the burdock plant. The roots are very long and brown or almost black on the outside, used for centuries in holistic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Traditionally, it was most commonly used as a diuretic and digestive aid.

Now, researchers have discovered a plethora of potential health uses and benefits of burdock root. These benefits may be broad enough to warrant the use of burdock root as a complementary treatment for certain conditions.

Burdock has the same family name as sunflower and chrysanthemum

Benefits of Burdock Root

1. Source of Antioxidants

Research from 2010 has shown that burdock root contains a variety of potent antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. Antioxidants protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. They can help treat and prevent a number of different health conditions. Antioxidant activity helps reduce inflammation. A 2014 study found that the root reduced inflammatory markers in the blood in osteoarthritis patients.

2. Remove toxins from the blood

One of the most popular traditional uses of the root is for blood purification. Recent evidence has found that this root can remove toxins from the blood. A 2011 study found it effective at detoxifying the blood and promoting increased circulation.

3. Inhibits some types of cancer

Not only has the effect of cleaning the blood, burdock root can also inhibit certain types of cancer. A 2011 study also found that the seeds had a “strong inhibitory effect” on the growth of cancerous tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. Another 2016 study found that plant roots significantly interfered with cancer cell growth. Although more research is needed to determine the full effect on cancer types and tumors, this is still a significant finding.

4. Treatment of skin problems

Burdock root has long been used to treat skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the root can help with skin problems when it is applied topically on the skin. One study from 2014 even found evidence that the root can help treat burns locally.

Note when using

• There are limited or no studies on the use of the root of this plant in children, and its safety has not been studied in children. Therefore, you should never give it to a child unless under the supervision of a doctor.
• Burdock is considered safe to eat, but you should only buy it from reputable sellers and don’t collect it in the wild. If you are taking a supplement from this plant, use only small and moderate doses.
• Burdock root is a natural diuretic, so you shouldn’t take it if you’re dehydrated. You also should not take it if you are taking other diuretics or water pills, as it can increase dehydration.
• If you are allergic to chamomile or sunflower, you may be more at risk of an allergic reaction to burdock root and should be avoided. Pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant should not take the root or supplements extracted from this plant.

Not everyone can use this plant, you should consult your doctor before using

• Burdock root is available as a tea, herbal tincture, ground powder that a person can take in pill form, and as a decoction, which is a liquid made from boiling the herb. Several studies have found that fermented burdock is the best choice.
• Because research on burdock is in its infancy, there is no single recommended minimum or maximum dosage. One cup of tea a day is safe. Consult an herbalist with a medical background for advice on appropriate dosage.
• It is not safe to use wild burdock as it can be contaminated. Other weeds can also be confused with this plant.

Research on the benefits of burdock root is still inconclusive, so people should not use it in place of any medical treatment. However, they can use it as a healthy way to improve joint health and to complement treatment for common ailments. For more advice, people should talk to a doctor who is knowledgeable about herbal supplements.

Reference source

Burdock root https://www.healthline.com/health/burdock-root Accessed 12/26/2020

What to know about burdock root https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320035#takeaway Accessed 12/26/2020