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 Burdock, a root native to Europe and Asia, is the main
source for a variety of herbal preparations. Burdock root tastes
sweet and its texture is sticky. Burdock has been used as remedy for
both fevers and colds, urinary tract infections, and rheumatism,
although clinical evidence of its effectiveness for treating these
conditions is lacking. Burdock has been also been employed as a
diuretic and more recently has been used as a tea in the treatment
of cancer and a number of other maladies.
Historical
Uses of Burdock Root
Burdock root has been described
as "alternative" and a "blood purifier." The burdock root was
believed to clear toxins from the bloodstream. It may be applied
externally as well as internally to relieve eczema and psoriasis.
Additionally, it may ease painful joints or act as a diuretic.
Ancient Chinese medicine combined burdock root with other herbs to
use as treatment colds, measles, sore throats, and tonsillitis. And
the Japanese consume burdock root as a vegetable.
The primary
active constituents in burdock include arctigen, calcium,
chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone,
mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and
taraxosterol. Fatty acids are contained in the seeds. Burdock seed
oil may work as a diaphoretic, creating sweat, neutralizing and
eliminating the body's toxins. The high amounts of inulin and
mucilage in this herb likely explain why burdock exhibits soothing
effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Burdock may provide a
good source of minerals such as iron, the carbohydrate inulin, and
essential oils. Additionally, burdock may serve as a mild laxative
and assist in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains
polyacetylenes that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. By
improving the function of many organs of elimination (i.e. liver,
kidneys, bowels), many health conditions may be moderately
corrected.
Burdock is usually available in combination with
other herbs as a tea, in tinctures, and in capsule form. Burdock is
an effective diuretic, and is considered a very safe herb and food
product as long as the root is pure. Reported cases involving toxic
effects were first thought to be caused by the consumption of
burdock tea, but were later determined to be caused by contamination
of the burdock root with belladonna root, which contains atropine.
Therefore, consider the source and quality prior to purchasing
burdock root.
Dosage and
Administration
Herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of
burdock root tincture daily. For the dried root preparation in
capsule form, some herbalists recommend 1-2 grams three daily. Many
herbal preparations combine burdock root with other alternative
"blood cleansing" herbs, such as cleavers, red clover, or yellow
dock.
Supporting
Literature
Lin CC, Lin JM, Yang JJ, et al.
Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. Am
J Chin Med 1996;24:127–137.
Morita K, Kada T, Namiki M. A
desmutagenic factor isolated from burdock. Mutation Res
1984;129:25–31.
Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 9–101.
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