The Health Benefits of Burdock

When you hear the word Burdock, most people think of that horrible weed with seed heads, called Cocklebur, that stick to your clothes and tangle in your pet’s fur. Burdock is more than that. It was introduced from the Old World and is often found in fields, pastures and in ditches where it grows abundantly in the Eastern and Central United States, along with a few of the Western states. But there is another side to this bothersome weed. Burdock is an herb that has some amazing health benefits. It has been used for years to help with blood purification and to help fight cancer.

During the first year of the Burdocks life, it resembles a rosette of large leaves and has a very long tap rot. On the second year, the Burdock grows to a height of 3 to 7 feet. The leaves are large and can measure up to 18 inches in length. The stem is round and fleshy and the flowers appear. This plant looks like a rhubarb plant, but don’t confuse the two. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous.

Helps Fight Cancer

For people who have cancer, there is an alternative way to fight against cancer without the harmful side effects of chemo, and radiation. Burdock root is being used in oncology in Russia and India.

How to Prepare Burdock Root

Burdock root is eaten like a vegetable in Japan and parts of Europe. Burdock contains inulin and when eaten, it helps improve digestion. If you include Burdock root in your meal plans you will be adding a nutritious herb as part of your diet. One cup of boiled Burdock root has 450 mg potassium, 48.8 mg magnesium, 61.2 mg calcium iron, phosphorus, glycosides and arctic acid. When used for food the root is often peeled, and then chopped into thin strips. Add the strips of Burdock with your other vegetables and sauté. You can also eat Burdock root in its raw form or you can slice the Burdock root and dry it for later use.

The roots are also used to make tea or tincture. Burdock stimulates bile secretion and helps your organs filter your blood of harmful acids. It is also beneficial to clear up your skin problems like acne, eczema, herpes wounds and ulcers. Burdock even helps with scalp conditions and is used as a hair dye.

The seeds when made into a tea help relieve colds, influenza, fever and sore throats. Burdock leaves are used as a poultice to treat burns, and swelling in the joints.

In the early spring, the Burdock stems are peeled and eaten like a rib of celery. The best times to dig the roots is early in the spring or late in the fall, but only dig them if they have net set up a flower stalk. If the plant flowers and goes to seed, the root no longer has health benefits.

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Burdock. It can cause a skin rash if used on the skin.

Stop taking Burdock two weeks before any scheduled surgery because it may increase your risk of bleeding.

Do not take Burdock is you are medications that slow blood clotting. This includes aspirin. Mixing the two could increase your chances of bruising and bleeding.

Sources
Purdue Horticulture Education: Burdock
Herb Reference: Burdock
Natural News: Burdock Provides Nourishment and Natural Healing
Chinese Herbs: ‘Poor-Man’s Potato’ or Burdock Root as a Natural Blood Purifier
Web MD: Burdock Uses, Siode Effects, Interactions and Warnings