For centuries alternative wellness practitioners have used burdock roots to make teas and tinctures. Burdock benefits are many and varied and include regulating hormones, treating menstrual irregularities, detoxifying the liver, and even helping to keep your skin clear and young. Today scientific research is supporting these historical uses.
The root of the burdock plant, which is also a popular weed in many places, is a rich source of nutrients including omega fatty acids, folate, dietary fiber, and powerful antioxidants. It is also high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium. A daily dose of burdock root can boost kidney function, immunity, and digestion. It can even help treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it regulates progesterone and estrogen, the female hormones that cause hormonal imbalance in PCOS patients.
In addition to its anti-aging properties, burdock is known for its ability to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health conditions, from arthritis to depression. A 2014 study found that burdock root extract significantly decreased measures of inflammation in people with knee osteoarthritis. Burdock is also an excellent natural cancer treatment because it contains a group of compounds called caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, which inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and prevent them from growing or spreading. It is also a natural diuretic, so it can help flush out the liver and eliminate excess fluid from the body.
Burdock is a popular choice in the Chinese herbal medicine tradition because it can balance the yin and yang in the body, which is essential to good health. In addition, it is considered a feminine herb that is ruled by the planet Venus. Culpepper, who was an astrologer as well as an herbalist, knew this and often recommended burdock for women’s issues, especially those related to menstrual irregularities.
As an added bonus, burdock root has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This is great news for anyone who suffers from heart disease or is worried about getting it. It’s important to note, however, that burdock can have a laxative effect and should not be eaten in large amounts by those who are sensitive to the inulin it contains. Large amounts of inulin can cause what western herbalists politely call “wind”. People who are prone to this reaction should avoid eating foods high in inulin, such as burdock, dandelion, Jerusalem artichoke, and asparagus. It’s also important to talk to your doctor before using burdock if you’re taking blood-sugar lowering medications or are taking a diuretic, as it can increase urine output and dehydrate the body.