Melondy Phillips
Staff Writer
Not all foods or herbs need lush rich soil to grow and prosper. Burdock is normally located in areas where soil is depleted or uncared for, especially along roadsides and throughout pastures and fields.
Annoying burrs that get caught in clothing and pets’ fur, that seem impossible to fully eliminate, may be a prime indicator that there is burdock growing nearby. Even though many people may consider burdock a curse, could it, in fact, be a plant blessing in disguise?
In many parts of the world, burdock is a fiber-rich vegetable that may be eaten like potatoes. In Japan, burdock root is a common vegetable called gobo, which is often cut Sasagaki (between shaved and sliced) before cooking. The hard root softens as it cooks and is high in fiber and minerals. The root may cause a detox effect on the body if eaten in large quantities.
Burdock root contains inulin which helps lower blood sugar and improves digestion. In some studies, conducted on mice, fermented burdock root significantly reduced blood sugar levels. This suggests it may be helpful at treating diabetes.
Medicinally speaking, some cultures have used burdock root for treating the common cold and sore throats, treating and preventing infections, as a natural diuretic, and to fight other ailments.
This back yard nuisance has been used as a blood tonic for centuries and was described as a “blood purifier” or “alterative;” which is believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. Burdock is a mild herb that supports liver function and elimination. Since the liver is the body’s filter, this natural cleansing allows the liver to remove more toxins from the body. Aliments such as acne, eczema, fatigue, brain fog, as well as many others, are all associated, in part, to a sluggish or unhealthy liver.
Burdock root is known to treat common skin conditions and help calm issues from acne to eczema and psoriasis.
While known for its powerful anti-inflammatory abilities, a 2014 study found that burdock root significantly decreased inflammation in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Because burdock improves blood quality and liver health, it may help treat an enlarged spleen and improve circulation. It has also shown to be antibacterial, an antioxidant, to be a natural diuretic (which could help with edema), induce lymphatic drainage and detoxification, and fight tonsillitis.
Scientific studies have shown that Arctium lappa fruit extract (burdock extract) can improve the clinical signs of aging skin. One 2008 study found that topical treatment, with a natural burdock extract, showed that the “wrinkle volume in the crow’s feet area was significantly reduced.”
Several studies have been conducted on anticancer properties within Arctium lappa. Preliminary research, as well as animal studies of mammary, colon and pancreatic cancer, show promising results that burdock could help slow the growth of, and even fight against, cancer. A 2016 study found that it might slow the growth of breast cancer tumors. The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of burdock may play a part in this. But one big reason burdock shows promise for naturally fighting cancer is the fact that it contains arctigenin. Arctigenin is a cancer-specific phytochemical that killed human lung cancer cells, human liver cancer cells, and human stomach cancer cells in a research study.
Both the leaf and root of burdock show the ability to kill biofilms. News-medical.net describes biofilms like this: “In the human body, bacterial biofilms can be found on many surfaces such as the skin, teeth, and mucosa. Plaque that forms on teeth is an example of a biofilm. Most bacteria are capable of forming biofilms. However, certain species have more of a disposition toward biofilms than others.” And one study by the National Institute of Health concluded that “the burdock leaf fraction significantly inhibited the formation of biofilm and quorum sensing, as well as significantly decreased the content of virulence factors.” Therefore, since “the oral plaque that causes cavities is one example of a biofilm,” and burdock shows the ability to kill biofilms, it may have a positive impact on preventing and fighting cavities.
Although burdock root is commonly used, it is not the only part that can be. The seeds are also highly favored for their medicinal properties. The dried leaves are put in capsules or used to prepare teas and tinctures. The flower stalks, once pealed of its tough outer layer, can be eaten as a vegetable with a taste somewhat like artichoke.
A typical dosage of burdock is one to two grams of powdered dry root three times per day; however, since burdock research is in its infancy, there is no single recommended minimum or maximum dose.
Capsules can be made from the dried powdered herb and taken 1-2 times daily, depending on the size of the capsule.
Powder the seeds just prior to making capsules as they will lose some nutrients over time. If doing large batches, unused powder and extra capsules can be stored in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator until needed.
A decoction is made by soaking the herb in water, like tea. For burdock seeds, add about one rounded teaspoon to 1 cup of simmering water. After about 5 minutes, use a fine mesh strainer to filter before drinking. This is a strong and bitter tasting tea. Adding other herbs and honey may improve its palatability. A 1/4 to 1/2 cup may be drunk two times per day. It may cause stomach upset. An alternative is for approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon seed powder to be stirred into one cup of water or other beverage.
The preparations below represent an herb: menstruum ratio. For example, if it says 1:4 and you have 5 ounces of herb, then you would add 20 ounces of menstruum (5×4=20). The menstruum is the liquid used in the herbal preparation; oil, alcohol, glycerin, etc. A tincture is made by mixing an herb into ethanol where as an extraction uses liquids other than alcohol.
For a burdock seed tincture, use a 1:4 ratio with 70% ethanol (140 proof – in the USA). Common dose is about 1-2 ml 1-3 times per day.
Burdock may also be used externally.
To make an oil preparation, add powdered seeds to jojoba oil, or other carrier oil, at a rate of 1:4. Place a cloth over the jar so it can breathe, stir occasionally, allow seeds to soak for about 6 weeks, strain, decant, and store in air tight jar. Oil can be applied to skin one to three times per day but can be messy. When using them, I sometimes place a piece of plastic wrap over the area, followed by a cloth or sports bandage to hold it in place. This keeps the oil on the skin and prevents the cloth from soaking it up.
A poultice, or paste, made from these roots can be directly applied to an affected area of skin, as needed.
There are no known scientific reports of interactions between burdock and conventional medications; however, burdock does have some precautions to consider.
Those who have a history of allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant families, which include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies, may experience an allergic reaction to using burdock internally or externally, including dermatitis.
Burdock might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. And shouldn’t but taken for at least two weeks before any surgery or dental work.
The following people should talk to a doctor before taking burdock:
• pregnant, want to become pregnant, or who are breast-feeding
• children under 18
• taking diuretics (burdock could make the effect of water pills stronger)
• taking diabetes medications (burdock might lower blood sugar, causing hypoglycemia)
• using blood-thinning medications (burdock can slow blood clotting and, when taken with blood-thinning medications, may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding)
• have chronic or life-threatening health conditions
