Burdock is a fruiting plant that is related to the daisy. The root of the herb has historically been used to treat skin injuries and afflictions, as a stabilizer for blood glucose levels and as a cancer preventative, according to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Though reporting on traditional use, Medline Plus also states that "there is currently insufficient human evidence regarding the efficacy of burdock for any indication." Burdock may be taken orally or used as a topical preparation, but must be used carefully to avoid possibly harmful interactions with conventional medications.
How to Take Burdock Orally
Step 1
Choose the form of burdock that is easiest for you to take. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you can take burdock capsules containing 1 to 2 g of the root up to three times daily, or between 2 and 8 ml of a burdock tincture three times a day.
Step 2
Follow oral forms of burdock with a glass of water to counteract its diuretic effects.
Step 3
Make a burdock tea that you can drink three times a day. Steep 2 to 6 g of the dried root in 2/3 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking.
How to Use Burdock as a Topical Remedy
Step 1
Boil 2/3 cup of water in a tea kettle. Pour the boiled water into a bowl.
Step 2
Spoon between 2 and 6 g of dried burdock root into the boiled water. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3
Strain the burdock out of the water, and place a cloth bandage in the steeped burdock liquid until the bandage is saturated.
Step 4
Squeeze out the excess water and let the cloth cool.
Step 5
Apply the compress to skin injuries such as boils, burns or eczema. Repeat three times daily. Avoid using burdock on open sores or wounds.
Things You'll Need
- Burdock capsules
- Burdock tincture
- Dried burdock root
- Cloth bandage
- Tea kettle
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
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