Burdock is a member of the daisy family and it has burrs that stick to clothing and animals’ fur. The burdock plant grows as a weed in North America but is native to Europe and Northern Asia. In Europe and portions of Japan, burdock is grown for use as a vegetable.
Before using burdock or any other medicinal herb, you should consult with your health care provider for instructions.
Burdock for Skin Problems
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), burdock is often used as a topical treatment for several skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and acne. The herb is often included in herbal preparations for the skin that contain other herbs, as well. However, even though burdock has been used to treat skin ailments for centuries, there has been very little scientific study of its effects.
Portions of Burdock Used
The UMMC web site describes the brownish-green roots of the burdock plant that are used medicinally. The root can be used either dried or fresh. Burdock is often purchased as capsules containing the dried powder, tinctures made of the herb combined with alcohol, decoctions made by boiling the herb in water or fluid extract.
Side Effects
There are few studies of burdock, so any possible side effects are so far unknown. But the UMMC site cautions against taking burdock if you are on medications for diabetes or diuretics.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that burdock contains tannins, which could potentially be toxic and could cause nausea or even kidney or liver damage.
After some animal research of burdock, the herb seems to cause excess bleeding if used by patients taking blood thinners. It may have harmful interactions with antibiotics or herbs to treat HIV.
For people with skin conditions, burdock should be applied to the affected area, not ingested.
Research
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center web site, there are no published clinical studies for burdock. So far, the herb has only been researched as part of animal studies or in vitro. This means that there is not enough reliable information about the herb to consider it safe or effective. However, other than allergic reactions, there are no reports of dangerous reactions when the herb is used on the skin only.
Caution
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid the use of burdock because it may be harmful to the baby.
The UMMC site warns that people who are dehydrated should not take burdock because its diuretic effects could worsen the condition.
Any supplement can cause an allergic reaction. People who have a known allergy to chrysanthemum should avoid burdock, since it is part of the same plant family. If you experience a rash, hives or shortness of breath while using a medicinal herb, discontinue its use and contact your health care provider.
The roots of burdock very closely resemble those of the deadly nightshade or belladonna. Do not gather burdock in the wild and be sure to only purchase burdock from reputable sources to be sure of the safety of the herb.
