Burdock Root Benefits and its Tea Benefits
Burdock is a plant that has been used for millennia as a food source, with the leaves being harvested from spring through autumn and the starchy taproot of the burdock plant being collected in early winter.
The root of the burdock plant is also known as gobo, whilst its nickname ‘gobo’ (which can also refer to the leaves of the burdock plant, as described above) stems from a Japanese term that literally means ‘five fingers.
This is because the leaves were traditionally put to good use in five different ways, including being eaten as a vegetable, being used as a coagulant, and as a diuretic.
Burdock root has a sweet taste, which means that it can be added to soups or stir-fries as a way of improving its flavor. The root of the burdock plant contains around 13% starch but also includes antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – notably vitamin C – and polyphenolic compounds. These have been shown to possess significant free radical scavenging properties.
The burdock root has long been used as an herbal remedy for treating skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, due to its anti-inflammatory properties; it can also be found in commercial products that are prescribed for this reason. The best thing about burdock is that you can harvest the roots at home and prepare burdock root powder yourself, which can be consumed as a dried supplement…
What is Burdock?
Burdock is the common name for the plant called Arctium lappa and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows in Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia and is botanically related to ragweeds, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. The roots are the part of the plant that is used medicinally.
Burdock root has been used for centuries in herbal medicine to support general health and well-being. Medicinal burdock usage dates back at least 2,000 years, with records of its use in traditional Chinese medicine. It has also been used in Europe and the Americas, where many believe it was introduced by early settlers who used burdock as a food source and for medicinal purposes.
Burdock root is best known for its ability to support healthy liver function, which helps to purify your body by removing toxins. Burdock root can also help to support healthy digestion and promote balanced intestinal flora, which helps you absorb the nutrients from the foods that you eat. It is one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants, which may help protect cells against free radical damage.
Burdock root contains anthraquinones including, arctigenin and sarsapogenin. It also contains sesquiterpenoids, triterpene aminoglycosides, and flavonoid luteolin.
Burdock root benefits for skin:
As the burdock root has anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be applied topically to abrasions, cuts, and other skin rashes. It is possible that the high antioxidant content of burdock root could help to reduce inflammation in these areas when applied topically.
Burdock root benefits for hair:
Burdock root shampoo may be beneficial for those who have thinning hair as a result of stress or other circumstances. It can also help to stimulate hair growth and nourish the scalp, making it an ideal shampoo choice if you are looking for thicker hair that is healthy as well as strong.
The antibacterial properties of burdock root may make it effective for killing off some of the microorganisms that live on your scalp, which can reduce the chances of developing an infection. This also makes burdock root shampoo a good choice for those who are prone to oily hair or dandruff due to the buildup of bacteria on the scalp that causes oil production and flaking.
Burdock root tea Benefits:
Burdock root tea can be prepared by boiling 1 tablespoon of chopped burdock root in 1 cup of water for 10-20 minutes. It can also be consumed as a dry supplement, where you purchase burdock root powder and mix the desired amount with water or juice. You can consume 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of the powder on an empty stomach or as directed by your doctor.
Burdock root tea side effects are rare but may include nausea, mild stomach pain, or diarrhea. Burdock should never be taken by pregnant women due to its blood-thinning properties., which it shares with many other members of the daisy family.
Bladderwrack and burdock root benefits:
The combination of bladderwrack and burdock root provides even greater benefits for the digestive system. Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed that contains algin, which can help to promote healthy bowel movements by drawing water into your colon.
This helps to soften stool so that it has less chance of inflicting damage on your intestinal walls as you pass it. Bladderwrack is also rich in trace minerals like iodine, which support thyroid health.
Burdock root tea side effects:
Due to its blood-thinning properties, burdock should never be taken by pregnant women or those who are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). Those with diabetes and other conditions that require a restricted diet should seek approval from their doctor before trying burdock root tea, as it contains high levels of dietary fiber.
Burdock versus sarsaparilla:
Sarsaparilla is a popular ingredient in much commercial hair and skin care products due to its mild diuretic properties that help to eliminate excess fluids from the body and support circulatory health. Burdock, on the other hand, is better known for its detoxification properties and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Burdock root Bitters:
You can make your own burdock root bitters by combining 1 tablespoon of dried burdock root with 2 cups of vodka in a glass jar. Place the mixture in a sunny area for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily to mix up the ingredients. Strain out the roots and store them at room temperature in an amber glass bottle.
Burdock flower Benefits:
Burdock flowers are rarely eaten in large enough quantities to provide any significant nutritional benefits. However, they contain saponins that can act as a mild diuretic when consumed with water, which may help to reduce the levels of salts and minerals like sodium and potassium in your blood after strenuous activity or when you are experiencing issues with fluid retention.
Burdock root capsules:
Dried burdock root capsules are available from a wide range of online retailers and should be consumed only as directed on the packaging to avoid overdosing. You can also make your own by selecting fresh burdock root and slicing it into 1/2- to 1-inch lengths.
Fill your blender with the pieces, cover them with water, and blend at high speed until you have a fine puree. Strain out any large chunks of the root through a muslin cloth or cheesecloth before bottling in glass jars that can be sealed airtight.
Burdock root capsules benefits:
Burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin problems, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. This is because it contains natural antibacterial chemicals known as saponins that can help to reduce the bacterial levels in your skin’s pores. Burdock also contains high levels of dietary fiber that can promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of developing digestive disorders like leaky gut syndrome.
Burdock root benefits for the liver:
Burdock root is one of the most effective natural remedies for liver health on the planet. It contains low levels of thujone, a constituent known to stimulate the secretion of bile by your gallbladder and increase its production in your liver’s detoxification pathways. This can help protect both organs from damage, support their proper functioning, and improve the symptoms of a wide range of liver disorders.
Burdock root for cholesterol:
When combined with nettle leaf, burdock root contains significant levels of soluble fibers that can bind to bile acids in your intestine after eating and carry them out of your system before they are re-absorbed into the bloodstream. It also promotes healthy liver function by stimulating the secretion of bile from your gallbladder, which can help control your cholesterol levels.
Burdock root benefits for kidneys:
Burdock root is one of the best natural remedies for kidney health on the planet. It contains a compound called diosgenin that has been proven to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels within your kidneys and can reduce their accompanying inflammation, pain, and discomfort.