Most of the fruits and foods that come from plants and known to the people. But there is a lesser-known vegetable that is full of minerals and it is called Burdock root. In this article, we will talk about Burdock Root and discuss the benefits, uses, remedies, and side effects of burdock root.
What is Burdock Root?
Burdock root comes from the Burdock plant, which originated in Northern Asia and Europe, and it now grows in the United States of America and many parts of the world. The burdock plant has heart-shaped leaves, and it produces purple flowers in spring and autumn.
For centuries, Burdock roots have been used as a herbal medicine to cure diseases and illnesses, especially infections and wounds. People of ancient times used it as a tea, root, and powder to cure illness and wounds. The Burdock plant has very deep roots, and it is brown on the inside and black on the outside.
Health Benefits of Burdock Root
There are many health benefits of which we will discuss below.
Powerful antioxidants:
Burdock Roots contain very powerful antioxidants such as quercetin, phenolic acids, luteolin, and quercetin. For those who don’t know, antioxidants prevent cells in the human body from damage due to free radicals. Antioxidants also help in curing a number of different skin issues in the human body.
Improves Blood Sugar:
Another major benefit of Burdock root is that it helps in lowering the blood sugar level. It contains minerals such as chlorogenic acid, which increases the insulin hormones in the body and helps in lowering the blood sugar level.
However, most of the research related to lowering the blood sugar level is based on animal bodies. There is very limited research on the human body, and still more research is required to prove the fact.
Prevents Cancer:
Since it has been used for centuries to cure diseases, there are reports that it prevents cancer. According to research, it had “potent inhibitory effects” on cancer growth. However, most of these researches are done on rats. It is not recommended to try to cure cancer with Burdock roots, as there is not much research done on the human body.
Helpful in curing Skin Issues:
The Burdock root contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are very helpful in curing skin diseases and issues. It also prevents the body from skin infections and helps in healing the skin.
There are some reports and research that Burdock roots help in preventing acne. People who consume burdock roots orally in the form of powder have fewer pimples on their faces. However, the research is very limited and to prove the fact that Burdock root helps prevent acne, more research is required.
Common Uses of Burdock Root:
Some of the common uses of Burdock Root are as follows:
Blood Purifier:
Blood purifier is one of the characteristics of Burdock root. It is also known as a blood cleanser. It removes waste and toxins from the blood.
Cleanse Skin:
Another use of Burdock root for skin health. Burdock Root helps in cleansing skin, improves skin health, and removes acne, rashes, psoriasis, and boils from the skin.
Digestive Support:
It is also helpful in digestive support as it contains insulin and Fiber. It eases indigestion, constipation, and improves appetite.
Read More: Maca Root - Benefits Uses and More
Herbal Remedies with Burdock Root
For centuries, Burdock root has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of diuretic and cold and cough symptoms, especially in the Chinese, Japanese, and European regions. In today’s world, Burdock root is widely available in health stores and imported food markets in many parts of the world. Some of the common uses and herbal remedies of Burdock Root.
Burdock Root Tea:
The most common form of Burdock root is its tea, which is called Burdock root tea. It is a herbal tea made from the Burdock plant. Widely used in Chinese medicine, some believe that Burdock tea can help in improving the immune system, lowering blood pressure, purifying blood, cleansing skin, and curing cancer. It is also used for antiaging and can improve hair health and hair growth.
Liver detoxification
Burdock root is a very common herb for detoxifying the liver. It increases bile flow and supports liver function.
Kidney and Urinary support:
It is used as a diuretic as it helps to flush out excess water in the body through urination.
One of the most important herbal remedies of Burdock root is that it is a diuretic. For the unknown, the diuretic means that it helps people pee more. It is beneficial for people with certain lung, heart, and kidney problems.
Side Effects & Precautions of Burdock Root
As mentioned above there is very limited research on the medical use of Burdock Root, especially on the use of children. Currently, there is no proper research on it for Children, so it is advisable not to give it to your children, especially to cure an illness, until advised by the doctor.
Some of the Burdock root side effects & precautions are as follows.
Allergic Reaction:
If you are allergic to or on some medication, then you should not take it without consulting your doctor, as it can be dangerous when consumed with other medicines.
Burdock root and blood sugar
It is not advisable for people who have diabetes to take burdock root. It contains insulin, which may lower the blood sugar level.
Should be avoided in pregnancy:
Women with pregnancy or the women who are trying to get pregnant should not take it as a supplement.
Blood Thinning abilities:
It may have blood-thinning capabilities, so avoid it if you are already taking blood-thinning medication.
It is available in Tea form and as a supplement, so consult your doctor or medical advisor before taking it as a supplement. Burdock Root powder is also available in the market for people who want to consume it with other food items.
Burdock root nutrition is the reason why it has been used for centuries, especially in the Chinese and Japanese regions. Many people used this plant as a food item, just like a carrot.
Conclusion
We have discussed in detail the Burdock root, which is taken from the Burdock plant. It is available in Tea form and in supplement form as well. We have mentioned the history and the medical use of the Burdock root. It contains antioxidants, which are very helpful in curing skin diseases, liver detoxification, hair growth, and acne.
For centuries, it has been used in herbal medications to cure cough and cold. It also helps in preventing cancer, but most of the research and studies on Burdock tea in modern-day are done on rats. There are very limited resources available on the study of burdock root related to the human body.
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