Burdock Root For Parasites

If you've had a California roll or maki sushi with vegetables, you've probably eaten burdock root --- a carrotlike, crunchy, vegetable similar in color to a parsnip. In addition to its use as a food, traditional herbalism recommends burdock root as a digestive aid, blood purifier, topical skin remedy and sore throat treatment. In combination with black walnut, it might help to clear parasites. Before using this or any herbal substance as a remedy, consult your doctor about any allergies, drug interactions or other issues that might arise when you take it.

Features

Burdock grows wild in the northern United States, but it is native to Europe and northern Asia. It spreads through prickly burs that develop after its purple flowers bloom. Burdock's heart-shaped leaves have wavy edges. You can purchase burdock root as dried powder or in tinctures from natural health food stores. Its positive digestive effects are probably due to the fact that it contains the fiber inulin, which can help stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Burdock contains plant sterols and tannins, but researchers have yet to identify any active ingredients that might be responsible for its traditional healing effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Action

Burdock root works as a blood purifier by stimulating liver function, according to Gregory L. Tilford, earth-conscious herbalist, natural animal care specialist and author of "From Earth to Herbalist." The nutritious qualities of burdock, including its large quantities of iron; minerals and vitamins A, C, D and E, might make it more valuable as a vegetable than a single-use herb. Tilford notes that dandelion, milk thistle and red clover each combine well with burdock root to enhance its effect, but generally speaking any of these plants are more effective than burdock for liver issues and blood purification. Any herb can lead to allergic or otherwise harmful reactions in sensitive individuals. People with low blood sugar or on medication to lower blood sugar should avoid milk thistle. Those with gallbladder problems should not take dandelion. Red clover contains estrogenlike compounds, so should be avoided by pregnant women and only taken for brief periods of time, according the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Talk to your doctor.

Common Uses

You might have encountered burdock in an immunity-boosting preparation called "Essiac tea," or "Ojibwa Tea," a native American remedy that contains a blend of native herbs. In the early 1920s, this formula was popularized by Rene Caisse, a cancer nurse from Bracebridge, Ontario. Through locals who used the tea for self-healing, Caisse began to investigate the health claims attached to it. She set up a test lab, eventually working with Dr. Frederick Banting, the physician who discovered insulin. Caisse claimed that an injectable extract of the essiac blend helped terminal cancer patients live more comfortably and for longer than they otherwise would, according to her written report, originally published in the Bracebridge Examiner, and available online at essiacinfo.org/caisse.

Preparation

To use burdock to treat intestinal parasites and worms, combine it in equal parts with black walnut, advises master herbalist Louise Tenney, author of "Health Handbook: A Guide to Family Health." The natural tannins in black walnut work to kill parasites, yeast and fungus, according to the Candida Diet website. Athough black walnut has no reported side effects, the high levels of tannins might have a negative impact on people with liver or kidney disease. Use caution and consult your doctor to determine if black walnut is safe for you.

Concerns

People with allergies to daisies, ragweed or chrysanthemum should be cautious when taking burdock, since it is in the same family as these plants. Burdock root resembles the roots of some poisonous plants, including deadly nightshade, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center. For this reason, it is not a good idea to try to gather burdock in the wild.