Only if you have gouty arthritis will you know the excruciating pain that comes with an acute attack. Gout is a common form of arthritis, which affects many people, especially those who consume large amounts of proteins and animal fats as part of their diets. There are a number of medications available to treat gout; however, most produce significant unpleasant side effects. Some people prefer using natural remedies to relieve gout symptoms. Burdock is a well known herb that has been used to treat gout for centuries. It can produce side effects, so if you choose to use burdock, consult your healthcare practitioner before doing so.
Uses
Historically, burdock was used as a nutritional supplement to strengthen the body. Additionally, America Indians employed burdock for a wide range of ailments, including skin infections, arthritis, obesity, and tonsillitis. It was also used as a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory. Burdock was used to clear the blood and even treat tumors also. Burdock is commonly used today as an anti-inflammatory agent to relieve the pain and swelling associated with gout and other forms of arthritis. In addition, it removes excess fluids from swollen tissues during a gout attack. It can be used both internally and externally as a poultice.
Properties
Wilkes University reports that the anti-inflammatory properties of burdock, or Arctium lappa, were seen when the crude extract was applied to edematous rats' paws, which showed a significant reduction in swelling. It can be postulated that this same effect may also occur when burdock oil is applied to swollen areas in humans. Anecdotal, historical evidence asserts that burdock is an excellent diuretic when taken as a tea or applied topically to swollen joints.
Taking Burdock
An herbal tea can be made from either the fresh or dried root by placing 1 to 2 tsp. of dried root into 2 cups of water and boiling for about 5 minutes. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for another 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain the herbs and drink the tea to relieve gout pain. You can also use the cooled tea as a foot soak or place a soft cloth in it and make a compress to apply to your painful joints. Burdock root is also good to eat, and in Japan is commonly consumed as a vegetable or in salad. It can be cooked like carrots or eaten raw with a dressing of oil and vinegar.
Precautions
Burdock is considered safe when used according to directions; however, some people may develop a skin rash or inflammation from handling the leaves. If you are sensitive to the burdock plant, wear rubber or silicon gloves when handling the leaves. If symptoms persist, stop using burdock and contact your health practitioner for additional guidance. Additional research is being carried out on the wide range of uses for burdock.
