Historically used to clear toxins from the bloodstream, burdock root is a medicinal plant and vegetable prepared from the root of the Arctium lappa plant. This fiber-rich plant may help reduce skin inflammation associated with skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, or joint problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed, however, to support these purported benefits of burdock root. Despite its medicinal properties, burdock root may negatively interact with certain prescription medications. For this reason, consult your doctor before beginning treatment with burdock root supplements.
Diabetes Medication
Burdock root may reduce your blood sugar levels and can enhance the effects of any diabetes medications you may be taking. Using a blood-sugar-lowering medication in conjunction with burdock root may cause hypoglycemia -- severely low blood sugar -- which may result in dizziness, headache, severe fatigue, hunger, blurred vision, sweating and shakiness.
Anticoagulants
Avoid taking burdock root if you're receiving treatment with a prescription or over-the-counter blood-thinning medication, including warfarin, dalteparin, ibuprofen and aspirin. Using this herbal treatment in conjunction with an anticoagulant may elevate your risk of developing bleeding or bruising complications due to slowed blood clotting.
Diuretics
Available by prescription and over the counter, diuretics -- also called water pills -- help flush excess fluid from your body by increasing your frequency of urination. Burdock root itself may act as a diuretic and can intensify the effects of other diuretics. Consequently, combining such treatments may make you more likely to become dehydrated. Dehydration symptoms require medical attention and include increased thirst, dry mouth, sleepiness, dry skin, dizziness, headache and constipation.
Contraindications
Use of certain prescription or OTC drugs isn't the only reason people should avoid taking burdock root. If you have certain health concerns, treatment with this natural supplement may not be appropriate. Fetal damage may occur if women take burdock root while pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition, people who are allergic to burdock root, especially those who have a known allergy to daises, ragweed or chrysanthemums, shouldn't use this plant. Allergic individuals who are exposed to burdock root may develop a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction referred to as anaphylaxis. Seek emergency medical care if you develop signs of anaphylaxis, such as wheezing, facial swelling, hives, pale or flushed skin, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
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