 | In what conditions might burdock
be supportive? |
Historical or traditional
use: In traditional herbal texts, burdock root is described as a “blood
purifier” or “alterative.”1 Burdock root was believed to clear
the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and externally for eczema and
psoriasis as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese
medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats,
tonsillitis, colds, and even measles.2 It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and
elsewhere.
Burdock root has recently become popular as part of
a tea to treat cancer. To date, only minimal research has substantiated this application.3
Active constituents:
Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its
soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also
explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains
polyacetylenes that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity.4 Burdock
root and fruit also have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect).
Even though test-tube and animal studies have indicated some antitumor activity for
burdock root, these results have not been duplicated in human studies.5
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Product Recommendations |
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- Total
System Cleanse. Cleansing and purification formula for intestines, liver,
blood, kidneys, skin, and lymph
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- Ideal for the skin concerns of adolescents
and young adults. 465 mg of: Burdock Root, Capsicum Root, Dandelion Root, Echinacea,
Kelp, Licorice Root, Plantain Leaf, Sarsaparilla Root,Yellow Dock Root
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How much should I take?
Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of burdock root tincture per day. For the
dried root preparation in capsule form, the common amount to take is 1-2 grams three times
per day. Many herbal preparations will combine burdock root with other alterative herbs,
such as yellow dock, red clover, or dandelion.
Are there any side effects
or interactions? Use of burdock root at the dosages listed above is generally
safe. However, burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore
should be used with caution during pregnancy.
References:
1. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User’s
Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 23–4.
2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs,
and Cosmetics, 2ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 107–8.
3. Morita K, Kada T, Namiki M. A desmutagenic factor isolated from burdock (Arctium
lappa Linne). Mutation Res 1984;129:25-31.
4. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press,
1994, 9–101.
5. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care
Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 52–3.
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