Burdock is a plant that natively grows in Europe and Northern Asia, but has spread to the United States. Burdock, which is part of the daisy family, is a weed that produces burrs that stick to clothing and animal fur. Burdock is made up of a combination of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins and fatty oils. Common names include lappa, edible burdock, gobo, wild gobo and happy major. Burdock root is similar in appearance to belladonna --- a poisonous plant also known as deadly nightshade. Consult a doctor before using burdock.
Medicinal Uses
Burdock has been used medicinally for centuries for a variety of conditions. Researchers believe that burdock may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects based on its chemical makeup. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock has been used in combination with other herbs to treat colds and sore throats. Burdock has also traditionally been used as a blood purifier, a diuretic, and as a topical preparation to treat skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Other uses of burdock include the treatment of anorexia, arthritis, diabetes, microbial infections, gout and HIV/AIDS. However, there have been very few research studies conducted to determine the efficacy of burdock in treating any of these conditions.
Food
Burdock is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and parts of Europe. It contains inulin --- a natural dietary fiber not absorbed by the body. It provides sweetness and has traditionally been used as a digestive aid. Recent studies have found that eating burdock may be beneficial for health, as it contains prebiotic properties. This means that it can be be used as an energy source by beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Dosages
Children should only be given burdock under the supervision of a doctor, as there is no known research on the effects of pediatric burdock use. Adults should consume one to two gram capsules three times a day. Dried burdock roots can be used by steeping two to six grams of dried root in 2/3 cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes and be consumed three times a day. Tea can be prepared by steeping two to six grams in two cups of water, and consumed three times a day. Topical preparations of burdock can also be used, but should not be placed on open wounds.
Precautions
In the United States, cases have been reported of burdock tea contaminated with poisonous belladonna. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends buying burdock products from established companies with good reputations and to not gather wild burdock on your own. Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people who suffer from allergies to daisies, chrysanthemums or ragweed. Burdock can stimulate the muscles of the uterus, and should be avoided by pregnant women. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends avoiding large amounts of burdock as a supplement, but states that burdock used as food is considered safe. Always inform your doctor when you are using any type of herbal supplement.
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