Unlock the Secrets of Burdock Root for Amazing Health Benefits!

Burdock root, also known as Arctium lappa, is a nutritional powerhouse that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine around the world.
 
From promoting healthy skin to supporting liver and digestive function, burdock root has become a popular ingredient used in many health supplements and skincare products.

Its active compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it a must-have for anyone looking to take control of their health naturally.
 
So, here’s everything you need to know about burdock root, its health benefits, side effects, and uses.
 
Related article: What is Sea Moss? Is it Really Good for Your Health?
 

What is Burdock Root?

Burdock root is the root of the burdock plant, also known as greater burdock or edible burdock.
 
Burdock (Arctrium lappa) is a biennial flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region and areas with temperate climates. It has been widely cultivated in Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea, and is now commercially grown in the United States too. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes other plants like sunflowers and daisies.
 
Burdock has large, heart-shaped leaves that are fuzzy and woolly on the underside. In the second year of growth, the plant produces tall stalks with purple flowers that resemble thistle blooms.
 
The root is the most used part of the plant in medicine and cuisine. Burdock root is long and brown, fleshy with a woody texture and a thin bark-like exterior. It is cylindrical, with a tapered shape at one end and a rounded shape at the other. The root has a white, fibrous interior, which can be difficult to cut due to its toughness. It can grow up to three feet in length and up to two inches in diameter.
 
Burdock root is often sold fresh in whole or sliced, but it can also be found dried, powdered, or as an extract in supplement form. It is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes and herbal remedies, as well as cosmetics and skincare products.

What is Burdock Root Good For?

Burdock root is known for its numerous health benefits[1] and has been used for centuries to treat various conditions and ailments, including skin disorders, inflammation, and digestive issues. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron.
 
Related article: The Complete List of Minerals & Vitamins Found in Sea Moss

Burdock Root Health Benefits

Here are some of the potential health benefits of burdock root:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Burdock root contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation. It is known as an efficient natural treatment for conditions like arthritis[2], gout, and other inflammatory disorders. 

• Antioxidant activity: Burdock root is rich in antioxidants[3] that protect the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer[4], heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

• Digestive health: Burdock root has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion and bowel function. Like sea moss, it also helps improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

• Blood sugar control: Burdock root helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential treatment for conditions like diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

• Liver health: Burdock root is believed to detoxify the liver and help support liver health by increasing bile production and improving liver function.

• Immune system support: Consuming burdock root within a consistent routine helps support a healthy immune system by promoting the growth of immune cells and reducing inflammation. 

Related article: 18 Benefits of Sea Moss for Your Health & Wellness!

Benefits for skin

Burdock root has also been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne[5], eczema, and psoriasis. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the incidence and severity of acne breakouts and promote skin wound healing.
 
It also helps reduce skin inflammation and support healthy skin function thanks to essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and E. Its antioxidant properties have been shown to protect the skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress, both of which significantly contribute to premature aging of the skin.
 
Last, burdock root has potent emollient properties that moisturize and soften the skin, making it an excellent, all-natural skincare product for dry skin.
 
To use burdock root for skin, you can either take it orally or apply it topically. Here are the most common ways to use burdock root directly on your skin:

• Burdock root oil: Burdock root oil can be applied directly onto the skin as a moisturizer or as a treatment for skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

• Burdock root tea compress for skin: Burdock root tea can be used as a compress to help soothe inflamed or irritated skin.

• Burdock root extract or powder in skincare products: You can add a few drops of burdock root extract to your skincare products, like moisturizers, toners, and serums. 

As with any new skincare product or treatment, it's important to patch test and consult with a dermatologist before use.
 
Related article: What are Sea Moss Benefits for Skin?

Benefits for hair

Hair health is another traditional use of burdock root, which is reputed to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve overall scalp health. Here are some of the benefits of burdock root for your hair:

• Promotes hair growth: Burdock root contains nutrients like vitamins A and C, essential for healthy hair growth. It also contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that may help nourish the hair follicles and promote growth. Besides, it helps reduce hair loss by improving scalp health and stimulating hair follicles.

• Strengthens hair: Burdock root contains high levels of minerals like iron and potassium, which are essential for hair strength and resilience.

• Soothes scalp and reduces dandruff: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe itchy or irritated scalps. It also helps reduce dandruff by improving scalp health and balancing the skin's natural oils.

• Conditions hair: Last, Burdock root helps condition the hair and improve its overall texture and appearance. 

Burdock root oil can be applied directly to the hair and scalp. You can also use burdock root tea as a hair rinse or add burdock root extract to your hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks. Taking burdock root orally, fresh, cooked, or as a supplement also supports your hair health by providing essential nutrients.
 
Related article: How Does Sea Moss Help with Hair Growth and Health?

Burdock Root Side Effects

Burdock root is generally considered safe for most people when consumed moderately. However, as with any natural health supplement, there may be potential side effects or interactions with medications. Some possible side effects of burdock root include:

• Allergic reactions, especially if you have allergies to other plants in the same family as burdock root.

• Blood sugar changes: Burdock root may lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or hypoglycemia should closely monitor their blood sugar levels. 

• Gastrointestinal effects: Consuming large amounts of burdock root may cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea or nausea.

• Drug interactions: Burdock root may interact with certain medications, so you should speak with a healthcare provider before using it if you are taking any medications.

 
We always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before using burdock root if you have any underlying medical conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
 
Related article: The Truth About Sea Moss’s Side Effects

How to Take Burdock Root

Burdock root can be eaten raw or cooked and is often used in savory and sweet recipes like soups, stews, or teas. It has a slightly sweet and earthy taste when cooked and a crunchy texture when raw.
 
Burdock root is also available in supplement form, including capsules, tinctures, and extracts.

Sea Moss, Bladderwrack, and Burdock Root Capsules

Sea moss, bladderwrack, and burdock root are popular natural ingredients often used together. The synergy between them makes one of the best supplements for health and wellness. That's why Organics Nature has combined them into easy-to-swallow pills!
 
Our unique blend of Irish moss, bladderwrack, and burdock root contains the 102 minerals and nutrients the body needs daily, including iodine, zinc, iron, sulfur, calcium, potassium, silica, vitamin complexes, antioxidants, and many others.
 
Each of our capsules contains the following:

• 1000 mg of organic sea moss powder
• 300 mg of organic bladderwrack powder
• 200 mg of organic burdock root extract 

Try our capsules here today!
 
Related article: All You Need to Know About Bladderwrack: Nutrition, Benefits, and Risks!
 
What about you? Have you ever tried burdock root? What do you think about that herbal supplement?

Trustes Sources:

[1] Chan YS, Cheng LN, Wu JH, Chan E, Kwan YW, Lee SM, Leung GP, Yu PH, Chan SW. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011 Oct;19(5):245-54. doi: 10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4. Epub 2010 Oct 28. PMID: 20981575. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20981575/

[2] Maghsoumi-Norouzabad, L., Alipoor, B., Abed, R., Eftekhar Sadat, B., Mesgari-Abbasi, M. and Asghari Jafarabadi, M. (2016), Effects of Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Int J Rheum Dis, 19: 255-261. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-185X.12477

[3] Rosalia Ferracane, Giulia Graziani, Monica Gallo, Vincenzo Fogliano, Alberto Ritieni, Metabolic profile of the bioactive compounds of burdock (Arctium lappa) seeds, roots, and leaves, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Volume 51, Issue 2, 2010, Pages 399-404, ISSN 0731-7085, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2009.03.018

[4] Predes FS, Ruiz AL, Carvalho JE, Foglio MA, Dolder H. Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Mar 23;11:25. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-25. PMID: 21429215; PMCID: PMC3073957. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3073957/

[5] Miglani A, Manchanda RK. Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Homeopathy. 2014 Jul;103(3):203-7. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.12.002. PMID: 24931753. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24931753/