Just like a mother keeps many solutions for one problem, Mother Nature also holds innumerable miraculous treasures in her lap including medications, herbs, spices, vegetables, fruits, etc. and it proves the efficiency & usefulness from time to time. It not only takes care of health but has also become a necessity today.
One of the most usable herbs is the Burdock plant. This is consumed as food, medicines, & as a condiment. So let's analyze the use of burdock & its roots. Along with this, we will also try to know what can be its side effects & more.
A burdock or biennial plant is a herb that has been recognized by Asian & European countries as a spice. It belongs to the genus Asteraceae family. It is also known as Actium Lappa and Japan is its native place. Its leaves are up to 28 inches long and deep green & look like a heart in shape.
From the root of burdock to its leave which means its flowers, seeds, oil, everything is useful. Burdock has its characteristics, especially its root. Its root is used to prepare foods as well as medicines.
It is equipped with a large number of chemical elements such as quercetin, phenolic acid, and luteolin which is very important for health care. Since ancient times, it has been getting used in Chinese medicine to cure diabetes, hormonal imbalance, etc. while it is used as a spice in other European countries besides Japan. Japan uses it for food.
Let's try to examine its benefits and proper usage.
Benefits of Burdock Root
Beneficial for Skin
Who doesn't want healthy skin? But in the pursuit of getting fresh and glowing skin, we keep applying chemicals on the face in the form of facials, chemical peeling, polishing. Here burdock is a beneficial option because it is rich in virtue for detoxifying and healing properties that get rid of pimples, acne, eczema, and dry skin.
The National Institute for Homeopathy claims that it not only removes hardened acne but also provides mild & glowing skin. Being rich in antioxidants, it nourishes the organs of skin from inside & outside.
There are two types to consume it either we can drink like green tea and massage or apply like oil. Flavonoids & tannins are major components of any herb & it has a stock of these substances. Like green tea & black tea, we can also include this in the routine.
Beneficial for Hair
As an all-rounder, it takes care of the hair along with the skin. Healthy hair gives us a unique look. It makes the hair attractive so that we can choose any hairstyle.
Massaging with burdock root oil infuses blood and opens the holes of the closed scalp and there is a possibility of new hair coming in. Not only this, its massage eliminates the itching on the scalp and also dandruff. All these results are from the antioxidants found in it. So it also grooms the hair with the skin.
Constantly heating the hair, such as hair straightening or pumping, highlighting all these are the result of hair damage or splitting. Or whether there is a problem of free radicals from pollution, antioxidants are the best remedy to get rid of all these.
Effective in Breast Cancer
Most women die from lung cancer & breast cancer. Women die of breast cancer due to a lack of information. Many do not even know about it & their cancer reaches the last stage & the result is their death.
Breast cancer starts with different parts of the body, and then it reaches the breast, & one by one, targets other parts of the breast like lobules, ducts, nipples, etc. In this condition, Burdock root always gives a reliable result & proves that it is an agent of anti-cancer & anti-tumour. It contains the chemical which fights actively against bacteria & inflammation.
Its constant use removes the dirt accumulated in the body and purifies the blood.
Effective in Diabetics
The Burdock root has always been part of Chinese medical techniques. It has been investigated that ethanolic extracts are present in its roots, which reduces the amount of glucose from the blood. Apart from this, the level of insulin increases due to streptozotocin in it. Burdock root ethanolic (BRE) significantly decreased serum urea and creatinine as well as malondialdehyde levels of liver & kidney tissues, while the body gained weight & tissues glycogen content were elevated in diabetic rate, all of which indicate a refinement in the diabetic state.
Effective in Fever & Cold
Whenever we used to fall ill in childhood, our grandmothers tried some home remedies without consulting the doctor. There were many types of herbs in their kitchen, like basil, leaves & roots of burdock. So, it was the belief of the grannies on their home remedies, that she didn't consider it necessary to consult even doctors & why not?
Because the antioxidants found in it make our immunity strong, which gives great relief to cold, cough, throat infection, fever, & also fights against many types of flu?
Effective in Blood Pressure
Burdock root can also be used to reduce blood pressure without the use of medicine. A review revealed that Arctium lappa or burdock root possesses ROS scavenging activity which prevents vascular inflammation & promotes vasorelaxation. Recently, it has also been found the extract of its roots acts as an antihypertensive agent because it contains the capacities of hypolipidemic & antioxidants. So, it is effective in blood pressure.
Weakens Cancer
As the researcher of the East-West School of Planetary Herbology elaborates "Dandelion root and burdock root are my two most commonly prescribed herbs when chronic conditions require anti-inflammatory, blood purifying alternatives for gentle detoxification. This includes conditions such as arthritis and cancer"
Its roots are loaded with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, detoxification properties which develop cancer cells in the body & increase its qualities.
Friendship with the Digestive System
Today's hectic lifestyle has affected one thing the most, it is our food. We don't know what we are eating, when & how much. It can result in acidity, constipation, & diarrhoea. By detoxifying all the unnecessary substances in the body, it makes our digestive system healthy & strong. Due to the presence of polysaccharide substances like insulin, it also increases appetite & doesn't allow weight gain.
Liver Support
If any organ of our body is important after the heart & brain, it is the liver. The liver is responsible for extracting all nutrients & producing blood which is used by other organs, so we can say that it is the liver that supports all other organs of the body. But these days, we see many cases of multiple organs failure there. Also, the main cause in most cases is the liver. Hence it is very important to make our liver healthy. There is nothing better than a herb to keep it healthy naturally. Burdock root is such a purification plant that protects the liver from any kind of toxins. Not only this, but studies also proved that it increases the amount of glutathione in the liver, which is an antioxidant that is helpful to get rid of free radicals.
Use for Homeopathy Medicine
Its performance in homeopathy is commendable. St. Luke's hospital, its qualities have been described like it is treating chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, & AIDS. It also confirms that not only in ancient Chines medicines but also extremely used in homeopathic medicines.
Burdock root products are used in both fresh & dried forms. After a long process, it is fit for its use. Products made from it are available in the market like:
- Dried root powder
- Decoction (liquid)
- Tinctures (a solution of the herb in alcohol, or water & alcohol)
- Fluid extracts.
Complications
These are some benefits of burdock roots. Moreover, some precautions must be taken while using it. Because where there is profit, there can be loss also. Let's understand its side effect closely.
It is a plant, and in Japan & European countries, its roots are used both as a spice and vegetable. The chemical it contains purifies the blood, fighting against bacteria & swelling which are effective on cancer skin problems & diabetes, etc.
But it should never be taken without consulting doctors. Because it is a herb & the chemicals found in it are suitable for everyone, it is not necessary. Researchers have not also inquired about any concrete conclusion regarding the rhetoric of its roots.
- It is recommended that those who are allergic to flowers & roots should avoid their consumption. Because the chemicals found in it do not show the exact reaction of such people, which increases the chances of having some different problems.
- By the way, burdock root fights against bacteria & inflammation like an agent of anti-cancer & are also effective on breast cancer but there's little doubt about how much. Researchers don't confirm this because they don't even have enough evidence to prove it. Therefore, pregnant & women & mothers who breastfeed their children should take it only on medical advice.
- It is often been seen that it targets blood clots, so a person with bleeding should be safe from it & avoid also.
- It is a good option for diabetes. Diabetics can take it regularly. But at the same time, it is necessary to take some precautions as some evidence proves that it greatly reduces the level of sugar present in the blood. So those who are already taking medicines for diabetes should stop its consumption.
Dosages of Burdock Root
It can also have side effects because we don't know how to take it & in what dosage because of which it becomes harmful to us. Even after knowing the benefits of burdock roots, many precautions should be taken like in which disease which form is accurate.
Fresh burdocks are always available in the market. Its leaves, roots, seeds, bark, are all used. As is being discussed here on its roots, it can be used as powder, lotion or oil or, even directly.
For example, it can be used as a tea for cough & cold, hypertension, cancer, lungs problem, etc. We can replace it with green tea & black tea & 3 to 5 cups can be taken daily. Its oil is available for eczema or allergy problems, which massage provides great relief. Now burdock roots gel & lotion are also available in the market.
While homeopathy doctors also recommend consuming its power. Whatever the method of taking it, it is effective only if it is taken with the right quantity. Research & studies also recommend its exact quantity, stating its benefits. That's why it is better to consult a doctor. Therefore, it should be ensured from our mentor that he tells us about the appropriate dosage of the supplement.
How to have healthy interaction with burdock roots powder?
If we are already taking any medicine as per the direction of the doctor & also consuming burdock root, then possibly not prove to be effective. Might be, in this case, it can also prove to be destructive. That's why it would be better to tell the doctor about all the medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements we are taking, this will make it easier for doctors to understand & they will be able to tell us about the effect or appearance of burdock root. Name of a few medicines on which burdock root has a common side-effect:
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel
- Dalteparin
- Diclofenac
- Enoxaparin
- Heparin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Warfarin
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the dose of Burdock Root is missed?
If Burdock Root is prescribed by a doctor & we miss a dose then should be careless & take it as soon as possible. But the time for the next dose is near, then skip the missed dose & take the next one, because there needs to be a precious interval between two prescriptions. In this way, we can start consuming it again with a new schedule. For some reason, we are not able to take it one or more times but it does not mean that we should take the next shot in more quantity. That is to say, the missed dose should not be adjusted with the rest dosage.
But if we forget to consume it regularly, it would be better that we set an alarm or remind the member of our family to speak from time to time. Or it would better be to consult the doctor if there is more puzzle.
What to do in case of overdose of Burdock Root?
Some things must be kept in mind before consuming it. Somebody, to whom the doctor has prescribed burdock root as a medicine, shouldn't pick it for us just by looking at its effects, because burdock works in different ways on different bodies. In such a situation, it may not show any effect. Still, if we have taken it without a doctor's advice, without taking any laxity, should immediately go to the nearest clinic or hospital or we can consult a doctor over the phone.
How safe is Burdock Root if operating heavy machinery after taking it?
Some of the possible side effects of burdock root may be drowsiness, lethargy, etc. To operate a heavy machine in such a situation can be like calling for some untoward incidents. Similarly, driving can also be a risk. Because after taking this, people have reported such complaints as dizziness, sleepiness & fall in blood pressure. The drug dealer also strictly forbids consuming it with alcohol.
How can you store Burdock Root?
- A fresh burdock root is always available in the market, but few prefer to store it at home for some time. So it can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days. But for preparing spices, we can dry them in the sun & store them in an airtight container. The powder should not be kept directly in the sun or hot places; try to store it at room temperature. Refrigerate only if directed on the medicine pack. Also, keep it away from children & pets.
- It belongs to the species of Sunflower& its life cycle is about 2 years. It is flowerless in the first year but rapidly grows in the second year (up to 3 to 6 feet tall). The flavor of burdock roots occurs in the outer part also. Therefore, it can be stored without peeling, slicing & dipping it in vinegar.
- These medicines should not be worn in open areas unless mentioned on the pack. Doing so may pollute the environment. It is better to finish the dosage by the prescribed time.
Recipes of Burdock Roots
Burdock Root Tea
Burdock root tea is very beneficial in problems like diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer, hypertension, skin problem & hair problems, etc. We can replace it with milk tea & take 3 to 5 cups a day. So let's quickly see the method of preparing it.
Ingredients:
- 8 to 10 Burdock Root strips
- 3 cups water
- Use basil, ginger, honey, lemon, pepper for adding flavour
Commands:
- To make burdock tea, first, wash it thoroughly & slice it 2 or 3 inches. After this, peel it off with the help of a peeler or a knife. After removing the peel, it will look like a peeled bark. Leave it to dry for a few hours.
- Once it gets dry, roast it lightly in a frying pan, but with no oil or ghee at all. Roasting it quietly gives it a nice golden colour. After roasting for 5 to 10 minutes, keep it for curding & store it in a tight container. So this is how the main ingredient has been prepared.
- Put 3 cups of water in a pan & wait for it to come to a boil. After it comes to a boil, put two strips of burdock roots into it & boil it until the water level decreases from 3 cups to 1 cup.
- It is a bit sour, so we can add any flavour according to taste, such as basil, ginger, honey, lemon, pepper.
- And burdock tea is ready. Let it cool down & serve.
Burdock Root Pickle
Another great way to store it is to make pickles. Those who do not like its sour taste can also protect their health by preparing a pickle with the nutritional punch of ginger, garlic, & organic apple cider vinegar from it. Let's have a look at its recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 medium-sized burdock roots, slice thin
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 4 ginger sliced
- apple cider vinegar
- soya sauce according to taste
Instructions:
- Wash burdock roots properly & peel off the outer skin. Slice these roots into long & thin shapes of 2 to 3 inches. Take a container full of water & put the prepared slices of burdock in it & boil it. Boil it till it becomes soft. Once it becomes soft, place it in a clean bowl with the help of a spoon.
- Now mix ginger & garlic in it & divide this mixture into three different jars separately.
- In each jar, fill ¼ of the volume with apple cider vinegar, ¼ with soya sauce, 1/2 with the burdock mixture.
- Seal it & put it in the refrigerator.
The Bottom Line
So this was the information related to Burdock root. How one medicine, food, oil is useful for everyone & solves the problem related to different parts of our body. So from today, keeping in mind its advantages & disadvantages, use it with medical advice & start living a healthy life.
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