9 Health Benefits of Burdock Root (Bardanae Radix)

Agric4Profits November 9, 2023November 11, 2023 0 Comments Nature's Pharmacy

Burdock root (Bardanae Radix) is a vegetable native to Northern Asia and Europe, though it now grows in the United States. The burdock plant’s deep roots are very long and vary in color from beige to brown and nearly black on the outside.

Burdock root has been used for centuries in holistic medicine to treat a variety of different conditions. Traditionally, it’s been most commonly used as a diuretic and a digestive aid.

Now, researchers have discovered numerous potential uses and health benefits for burdock root. These benefits may be extensive enough to warrant using burdock root as a complementary treatment for certain conditions.

Burdock Root (Bardanae Radix) should not be used if you are already dehydrated because it has diuretic properties that can make the condition worse.

When eaten as food, as is frequently done in Asian nations, burdock root is regarded as being safe. Burdock root, however, should be avoided by those who are expecting or breastfeeding because it might harm the fetus.

Additionally, studies show that if you have a sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae plant families, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, using burdock internally or topically may cause dermatitis.

9 Health Benefits of Burdock Root (Bardanae Radix)

As a plant, burdock is. Food can occasionally be made from the root. Making medication involves using the root, leaf, and seed.

Burdock is used by people to make their urine flow more freely, kill germs, lower their temperature, and “purify” their blood.

Colds, cancer, anorexia nervosa, GI issues, joint discomfort (rheumatism), gout, bladder infections, syphilis complications, and skin problems including psoriasis and acne are among the other conditions it is used to treat.

Additionally, burdock is utilized to treat liver illness, arteriosclerosis, and excessive blood pressure. Burdock can boost sex desire for some people.

1. Blood Purifier

Burdock root was referred to as a “blood purifier” or “alternative” in traditional herbal books and was thought to cleanse the bloodstream of pollutants.

According to traditional medicine research, burdock root contains compounds that have been shown to help the body’s organs and overall health by detoxifying heavy metals from the blood. Additionally, it encourages blood flow to the skin’s surface, which enhances skin health.

2. Strengthens Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is essentially the body’s internal “drainage system,” consisting of a network of blood arteries and lymph nodes that transports fluids from various bodily tissues into the blood and vice versa. Your body can fight off several diseases and significant health problems if you can strengthen your lymphatic system.

The root of the burdock facilitates lymphatic drainage and cleansing. It purifies and cleanses the blood, according to research. This reinforces the lymphatic system.

3. Serve As A Natural Diuretic

Diuretics work by stimulating the kidneys and assisting the body in eliminating extra fluid, primarily water and sodium. Burdock root is a natural diuretic, therefore by consuming it, you can quickly and naturally assist your body in removing extra water by increasing urine output.

According to research in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, burdock extract has the potential for use as a diuretic in people.

Burdock root can aid in clearing the blood and body of waste by speeding up urination. Before using prescription medications, discuss with your doctor whether you can try burdock root if you experience fluid retention.

4. Skin Healer

Burdock root-based topical treatments have long provided relief from bothersome skin conditions. Burdock root is renowned for calming and treating a variety of common skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Due to its blood-cleansing and internal cooling properties, burdock use has also aided numerous individuals with skin conditions.

Even the clinical symptoms of aging skin can be improved by burdock extract, according to scientific studies. According to a 2008 study, applying a natural burdock extract topically improved the metabolism of the skin’s extracellular matrix and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.

Burdock root is likely to be utilized in new skin care products for good cause, especially for older and dry skin.

5. Defends Against Diabetes

Inulin, a soluble and prebiotic fiber found in burdock root, aids in better digestion and controls blood sugar. It is therefore a fantastic option for those looking to control their blood sugar healthily.

The fresh root is used to decrease blood sugar in Europe. It is particularly beneficial for diabetes because of its inulin concentration.

Burdock root’s capacity to lessen the severity of diabetic problems, particularly diabetic retinopathy, has also been demonstrated in animal tests.

6. Fights Cancer

Burdock was utilized by medieval European doctors to treat malignant tumors (as well as skin conditions, venereal disease, and bladder and kidney problems).

Burdock root has gained popularity as a potential natural cancer treatment because many herbalists claim it can prevent cancer cells from spreading.

Research on the mammary, colon and pancreatic cancer in animals suggests that burdock may be effective in treating cancer.

The presence of Arctigenin in burdock is one important factor contributing to its potential for naturally combating cancer.

According to studies, apigenin is a lignan present in some Asteraceae family plants, such as larger burdock (Arctium lappa). It has been demonstrated that it can kill cancer cells by targeting their growth and preventing the production of specific proteins (NPAT proteins), which renders cancer cells unable to proliferate.

A different study discovered that the phytochemical Arctigenin was specifically effective against human stomach, liver, and lung cancer cells. Studies like this are confirming what many people have long held to be true: burdock root is a highly potent natural cancer fighter.

7. Improves Arthritis

The significant anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root make it a valuable component of an arthritis diet. According to research in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, drinking burdock root tea helped patients with knee osteoarthritis, commonly known as degenerative joint disease, reduce their levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.

After receiving three cups of burdock root tea each day for 42 days, the subjects’ levels of inflammatory indicators including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were checked. By reducing inflammatory indicators, the findings demonstrated that burdock root tea can greatly aid those with osteoarthritis.

8. Treats Enlarged Spleen

Burdock root can be beneficial if you have an enlarged spleen. According to studies, the spleen serves as an essential “guardian” organ, preventing infections, viruses, and other harmful pathogens from entering the body.

Spleen enlargement indicates that the immune system is working hard to eliminate dangers from the body but is failing to do so because of the high demand.

Because your spleen constantly comes into contact with your blood, burdock root not only cleanses your blood but also protects and nurtures your spleen. Because it enhances blood quality, liver health, and circulation, and combats inflammation, it can benefit the spleen.

9. Helps Fight Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be relieved with the aid of burdock root. An inflammatory virus called acute tonsillitis causes the tonsil tissues to become infected with dangerous bacteria.

Traditional medicine uses burdock root to treat tonsillitis because it speeds up wound healing, reduces inflammation, and eases coughs, sore throats, and pain.

Burdock is a traditional remedy for respiratory illnesses like influenza and other diseases, and research does suggest that it is a good anti-inflammatory agent, despite the paucity of data on its benefits on tonsillitis specifically.