Historically, burdock root has treated a number of conditions, including diabetes, hair loss and arthritis. The root may also be useful in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, anorexia, cancer, HIV and gout, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dry burdock root is available whole or as dried powder, and is generally taken internally as a tea. Do not begin treatment with dry burdock root or any other herb without first consulting your health-care provider.
Step 1
Speak with your doctor before using dry burdock root if you suffer from diabetes. The National Institutes of Health states that burdock may raise or lower blood sugar levels and interfere with treatment for diabetes.
Step 2
Make a tea from dry burdock root by boiling 1 oz. of whole or crushed root in 1 to 2 pints of water. Allow the tea to boil for 10 to 20 minutes. Burdock root has a naturally sweet flavor, according to Botanical.com, but you may wish to sweeten the tea with honey or sugar. Drink 6 oz. up to four times each day.
Step 3
Chop up dry burdock root and add it to vegetable dishes or salads. In addition to potentially preventing or treating conditions such as cancer and arthritis, burdock root is a good source of fiber that can improve digestion, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 4
Take burdock root capsules if you desire the health benefits of the root but do not enjoy the flavor. For adults, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends the equivalent of 1 to 2 grams of dry burdock root, in capsule form, three times each day.
Step 5
Drink plenty of fluids while supplementing with burdock to prevent dehydration. Because burdock can theoretically cause increased urine flow, fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, you should not take burdock along with diuretic medications.
Step 6
Use caution when taking dry burdock root with medications or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-platelet drugs, anticoagulants, non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, Ginkgo biloba and garlic. Some medications and herbs used in the treatment of HIV, cancer and gout may also interact with dry burdock.
Step 7
Watch for symptoms of an allergic reaction to burdock, such as swelling, hives and breathing difficulties, and avoid taking the root if you have a known allergy to ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies or other members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants.
Things You'll Need
- Whole dry burdock root
- Burdock root capsules
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