As happens with many hardy plants, burdock sometimes gets knocked for being an invasive or unlovely weed. In many parts of the world, however, burdock represents a nutritious food source with medicinal and cosmetic uses. It has both internal and external applications. Herbalists prize it in skin care, but you'll also find commercial moisturizers that take advantage of burdock root's soothing, healing properties. Burdock may not work as well as prescription medication for some conditions, so check with your doctor before using it.
Description
Often thought of as a weed in the United States, burdock is cultivated as a vegetable and medicinal herb in Europe and Asia. The perennial grows up to 4 feet tall, bearing purple flowers in the spring and summer. The roots grow deeply, and the root itself ranges from brown to green. Botanically known as Arctium majus, burdock's other common names include turkey burrseed, happy major and love leaves, the latter due to the plant's heart-shaped leaves.
Properties
The root's healing properties most relevant in skin care include its high degree of fatty acids and mucilage, a gel-like substance that soothes and moisturizes skin. Along with these useful traits, burdock root contains polyacetylenes, an antifungal, antibacterial compound, and polyphenols, which reduce swelling.
Conditions
Because burdock has skin-soothing properties as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory traits, it may be useful for people with dry and sensitive skin and may also suffer from acne, rosacea, dermatitis or eczema. Burdock root products may also lend themselves well to reducing swelling from insect bites and stings.
Products
Burdock root appears as an ingredient in some commercial face and body moisturizers. As of 2010, you'll find burdock root skin products for as little as $3 to as much as $150. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a product suitable to your skin type and budget.
Home Formulas
If you grow your own burdock, herbalist Dina Falconi recommends a homemade "skin revival" formula. Falconi formulated the recipe for dry and damaged skin, and for people with dermatitis and eczema. Infuse dried burdock root in olive oil for at least three weeks. Strain and combine 6 oz. of burdock olive oil --- or a total of 6 oz. liquid oils that includes burdock olive oil -- with 3 oz. solid oils like shea butter and coconut oil. Add ½ oz. beeswax and warm the oils gently on the stove until the solids melt. Remove from stove, stir in optional essential oils like lavender and cedarwood, and pour into a wide-mouthed container to solidify.
Warnings
You many find dried burdock root offered at health food stores or online. The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that the root resembles some poisonous or skin-irritating plants, including belladonna or deadly nightshade, so restrict your purchases to knowledgeable sources. Test the moisturizer on a small part of your skin to rule out allergic reactions. People sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums or daisies may develop a rash or even a severe reaction from burdock products.
References
- "Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair"; Dina Falconi; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burdock
- George Mason University: Burdock
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phylis A. Balch; 2002
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