During the Middle Ages, burdock was valued for treating a host of ailments. English herbalists used burdock root for boils, scurvy (a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to bleeding, gum disease, and weakness), diabetes, and rheumatism (disorders characterized by joint discomfort and loss of mobility). Burdock also played an important role in Native American herbal medicine, and American herbalists have used the roots and seeds of this plant for two centuries.

Burdock root has been traditionally used as a "blood purifier" to clear the bloodstream of toxins, as a diuretic to promote the excretion of urine, and as a topical remedy to relieve skin problems. In folk medicine, burdock has also been used as a laxative and to relieve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Plus, there is belief that burdock may be helpful for kidney stones.

Despite the fact that burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, few (if any) scientific studies have proven that this herb is a safe and useful remedy. Still, many professional herbalists find burdock helpful for skin and scalp conditions (including acne, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, and wounds) and inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Preparations of burdock root are also used to promote perspiration and the excretion of urine and to treat ailments and complaints of the digestive system. Extracts of burdock root are found in a variety of herbal preparations as well as homeopathic remedies.

Burdock is a common weed native to Europe and Northern Asia and is now widespread throughout the United States as well. A member of the thistle family, burdock is a stout, common weed with hooked bracts (leaf-like part of the plant) or burrs that adhere to clothing or animal fur. The burdock plant grows to a maximum height of approximately three to four feet. It has purple flowers that bloom between the months of June and October. Burdock has alternate (meaning that the leaves grow on both sides of the stem at alternating levels), wavy, heart-shaped leaves that are green on the top and whitish on the bottom. The deep roots (used primarily for medicinal purposes) are brownish-green, or nearly black on the outside.

Burdock grows well in the wild. It thrives in light, well-drained soil. Herbalists usually collect burdock leaves during the first year of growth, and harvest the roots in the fall of the first year after planting (or during the following spring before the flowers bloom).

Burdock consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils. It is not entirely clear which active ingredients in burdock root are responsible for its healing properties, but the herb may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disinfectant properties.

Burdock products typically consist of fresh or dried roots. Burdock can be purchased as a dried root powder, decoction (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water), tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol, or water and alcohol), or fluid extract.

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of burdock, but some herbal specialists have used this herb safely in children over three years old. (Burdock is commonly used in combination with other cleansing herbs such as dandelion.)

Adult

• Dried root: steep 2 to 6 grams in 150 mL (2/3 of a cup) in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes and then drink three times a day; may soak a cloth in the liquid and then, once cooled, wrap the cloth around affected skin area or wound (known as a poultice)
• Tincture (1:5): 8 to 12 mL three times a day; the tincture may also be applied to a cloth and wrapped around affected skin area or wound
• Fluid extract (1:1): 2 to 6 mL three times a day
• Tea: 2 to 6 grams steeped in 500 mL water

Topical preparations of burdock are also used for skin problems (such as eczema) and wounds. There is not a standard topical dose for these purposes, but a poultice made from mashed, cooked herb and root can be applied to the affected area as a wet paste. When wrapped in place, the poultice draws out infection and toxins under the skin. Poultices should be applied twice daily.

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

Some individuals who handle burdock may experience an irritation of the skin.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid burdock as it may cause damage to the fetus.

It is best to avoid taking excessive amounts of burdock (especially burdock root) as the toxic effects of this herb are not well understood.

Although in folk medical practices it is believed that burdock lowers blood sugar and may help with diabetes, there is one animal study that suggested that this herb aggravated experimentally-induced diabetes in rats. It is not clear whether this same concern would apply to people.

Because the roots of burdock closely resemble those of belladonna or deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), there is a risk that burdock preparations may be contaminated with these potentially dangerous herbs. Be sure to buy products made by established companies with good reputations, and who distribute their products through trustworthy and knowledgeable establishments. Whenever possible, select products with guaranteed potency or standardized extracts.

Although preliminary reports suggest that burdock may lower blood sugar, there are no known scientific reports of interactions between burdock and conventional medications, including medicines used for diabetes.

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