The burrs that stick to your clothing during a hike aren't the only possible dangers of the burdock plant. It may be only a slight inconvenience to pull the sticky burrs out of the threads of your clothing, but other dangers associated with using the root of the plant, such as poisonous look-a-likes, side effects and drug interactions, can be much more serious. There are benefits to using the roots of the burdock plant, but adhering to safety is essential.
Description
Burdock is considered a weed throughout the United States. However, the root is cultivated as a vegetable throughout parts of Europe and Japan, where the plant originated. The burdock plant has purple flowers that bloom from summer through fall. The roots are the part most often used for food and medicinally. However, the seeds and leaves can also be used, according to Botanical.com. The roots of the burdock plant can grow up to 1 inch in thickness and up to 3 feet in length. Burdock root is soft in texture and sweet tasting.
Benefits/Uses
Burdock is most known in traditional folk medicine as an herb that cleanses toxins from the blood, according to the University of Michigan. The plant has also been used externally to treat skin problems such as eczema or sore joints. The burdock root is the main ingredient in Gobo soup in Japan, where the root is used as a traditional vegetable. According to the University of Michigan, the root has also been used in Chinese medicine for colds, sore throats or the measles.
Precautions
One of the biggest dangers of burdock root is wild harvesting it yourself without knowing how to identify the plant. The root of the burdock plant closely resembles those of the belladonna, or deadly nightshade, plant. Confusing these two plants could have fatal results. It may be difficult to distinguish between the plants when they are young because the leaves look somewhat similar in size and shape. Full-grown burdock plants are easily identified by their burrs, but by the time the burrs appear the root has a tougher texture.
Burdock contains inulin, which should be avoided by those who are sensitive to it, according to the University of Michigan. It should also be avoided by pregnant and nursing women. If you are allergic to ragweed, daises, or chrysanthemums you may be more susceptible to an allergic reaction when using burdock root. The plant is also considered a diuretic, which may enhance dehydration, according to the University of Maryland. Burdock may also interact with medication for diabetes.
Dosage
Dried and ground root is sometimes taken in the form of capsules. Burdock can be used at up to 2 grams three times a day in capsule form, according to the University of Michigan. Tea can be made by simmering a teaspoon of the dried root in hot water for 15 minutes. The tea can be used three times a day, as well. According to the University of Maryland, burdock root can be used as a compress on closed wounds by soaking a cloth in the tea and placing it over the injury.
Properties
It's possible that burdock has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the body, according to the University of Maryland. The active ingredients that are responsible for healing properties associated with the herb aren't yet known. However, the plant does contain inulin. The inulin helps to feed beneficial bacterial in the intestines, according to the Tillotson Institute. According to the institute, burdock also contains desmutagens that may help to stop cancer-causing agents, or mutagens.
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