Native to Europe and Asia, the burdock plant can be eaten either as a vegetable at meal time or taken as a medicinal supplement. Traditionally, it is the extract derived from the root or seeds of the plant that yield the most health benefits. Before adding burdock root to your diet, discuss the benefits and potential risks associated with this natural supplement with your health care provider.
Health Benefits
Extract derived from the root of the burdock plant has been used historically to help reduce blood sugar and remove excess fluid from the body. Burdock root may also reduce symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis. Additional health applications include treatment of HIV/AIDS, cancer and gout; however, additional human clinical research is necessary to support these purported effects of burdock root.
Adverse Side Effects
When consumed as a food, burdock root is considered safe. As a medicinal supplement, burdock root typically does not cause side effects except in people sensitive to this supplement. You may be allergic to burdock root if you are hypersensitive to daises, ragweed or chrysanthemums. Allergic people exposed to burdock root may develop a severe allergic reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, facial swelling, trouble swallowing, dizziness, hives or loss of consciousness. If any of these severe side effects occur after you consume burdock root, seek emergency medical care.
Drug Interactions
Always discuss all medications you are currently taking with your health care provider before beginning treatment with supplements that contain burdock root. The diuretic properties of this natural supplement may enhance the effects of other types of water pills or diuretics. As such, concomitant use of these treatments should be avoided. Burdock root may also reduce your blood sugar, which may induce hypoglycemia if you are receiving drug treatment for diabetes. If you're taking burdock root, your doctor may recommend reducing your normal dose of diabetes medication to help limit your risk of hypoglycemia.
Contraindications
Discuss all health concerns you may have with your physician before taking burdock root. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this supplement. Burdock root may cause unintended injury to a developing fetus or baby. Additionally, do not take burdock root if you are dehydrated as this supplement may exacerbate your condition.
Member Comments