An Herbal Remedy With Burdock Root

Burdock is a relative of the daisy family and has been used to treat a variety of conditions including diabetes, skin conditions, and inflammation. According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers aren't sure which of its constituents provide activity, but they state it may have anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and antioxidant effects. In spite of its wide use, there are few studies to verify its effectiveness. It should not be taken by pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before beginning a treatment with burdock root or any herbal medication.

Arthritis and Inflammatory Conditions

Burdock root when taken as a supplement or made into a tea and taken on a regular basis may help ease arthritis, gout and sciatica. It may help rid the body and joints of calcified deposits and ease swelling around the joints. Its antioxidant activity may also help prevent further damage to joints. Burdock also increases urine output, which may help to rid the body of excessive uric acid responsible for causing gout.

Skin Conditions

Burdock has been used for skin conditions including acne, boils, dandruff and eczema. This may be in part due to its anti-inflammatory activity but also due to anti-bacterial action, which contributes to the development of some skin conditions like acne and boils. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that one study published in 2008 showed reduced wrinkling of the skin after using cream made from burdock extract.

Cancer

Burdock root has been used as an herbal remedy to treat or slow cancer growth. According to the "Prescription for Herbal Healing," a substance found in burdock root has shown anti-mutagenic activity in cells. It is also stated that it may slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells and may have similar activity against colon and pancreatic cancer though more studies need to be done to confirm its effectiveness for these conditions.

Diabetes

Burdock root has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects in animals. It appears to work by filling the intestines with fiber, thus preventing absorption of sugar. Burdock's chromium content may also help it regulate blood sugar levels. Because of these effects, care should be taken when used by diabetics or those with blood sugar abnormalities. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medicines you are taking before taking burdock.