The Healing Power of Burdock Root

If you’re looking to detoxify your body (or, should I say, support your body’s natural detox systems) and specifically improve the quality of your skin’s appearance, then burdock root might be just what you’re looking for.

 Burdock root has a long history of use in Northern Asia and Europe, where it grew for centuries, now, it also thrives in the United States. The plant's deep roots are remarkably long and exhibit a range of exterior colors from beige to brown to nearly black, and people here have been using it for the same practical reasons as people millennia ago across the globe.

It’s a plant that appears in several of our supplements and is renowned for certain antioxidants and other health-promoting properties.

For centuries, burdock root has played a significant role in holistic medicine, primarily used to treat infections and heal wounds. Still, we’ve discovered that it can do more than just what I mentioned above, including helping to make you feel and look better.

In this article, I'll review some of the benefits of burdock root.

6 Amazing Ways Burdock Root May Improve Human Health

I believe that God created hundreds, if not thousands, of plants for the express purpose of benefiting humanity. 

Not everything that grows on the globe is good for us, but plenty of them are, and it’s hard to ignore how burdock roots can help us.

I will start with one of my favorites, which will be quite helpful for those wishing to maintain a healthy weight.  

1 - It May Help Balance Blood Sugar:

As followers of my writing will attest, I frequently discuss the importance of keeping blood sugar in the normal range.

When you do this, your insulin levels remain more balanced, which means your body doesn’t try to turn calories into fat for later use.

According to a study published in the journal “Food Science Biotechnology” burdock root contains active ingredients that have shown potential in treating various conditions, including diabetes, due to its phytochemical content. 

These compounds can improve muscle glucose transport and insulin sensitivity. Studies indicate no toxic effects from burdock root consumption, suggesting it could help with diabetic complications.

As always, further research is needed to fully understand its antidiabetic mechanisms and to optimize extraction methods for enhanced therapeutic efficacy, but if used in coordination with a blood-sugar-balancing diet and exercise, it has a tremendous effect.

2 - It May Help Improve Skin Health:

One way burdock root has been studied is its ability to treat acne, which persists well into adulthood for many.

Burdock root is effective for acne due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness, bacterial growth, and toxins in the skin.

Consuming burdock root tea aids body detoxification by acting as a diuretic, while topically applied burdock root can treat acne directly. For best results, use burdock root both internally and externally by preparing a tea and a topical mask.

Numerous companies make skin-cleansing teas with burdock root and masks mixed with crushed burdock root to enhance skin health. Supplements of burdock root may also be beneficial.

3 - It Has Significant Antioxidant Properties:

Antioxidants are incredibly helpful for keeping potentially harmful free radicals from wreaking havoc in your body.

Like many plant-based therapies, burdock root can help to deliver a stellar amount of antioxidants into the body, some of which aren’t all that common in the world of plant-based therapies.

A study published in the journal “Foods” indicates it has an incredible amount of antioxidant activity. Their research showed it contains inulin-type fructooligosaccharides, bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and its derivatives, tannins, saponins, etc.

What’s also encouraging is that while studying the acute toxicity of burdock root, they were able to demonstrate that it shows no toxic effects. This means that the consumption of phenolic and flavone-containing burdock root in foods and beverages or extracts would be beneficial in alleviating diabetic complications without the risk associated with some other plant-based therapies.

4 - It May Help With Fighting Cancer:

Surprisingly, in the Middle Ages, European physicians used burdock to treat cancer and other ailments. 

Today, there is research to indicate burdock root may prevent cancer cells from metastasizing, making it a potential natural cancer treatment.  

Animal studies on breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers support its effectiveness. Burdock root's cancer-fighting properties are attributed to arctigenin, a lignan that inhibits cancer cell proliferation and protein production. Research indicates arctigenin is effective against lung, liver, and stomach cancer cells, reinforcing the belief that burdock root is a powerful natural cancer fighter.

5 - Can Help with Detox as a Diuretic:

Diuretics stimulate the kidneys and help the body expel excess fluid, primarily water and sodium. 

Burdock root is a natural diuretic, so consuming it can naturally help increase urine output and eliminate excess water. 

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that burdock extract shows promise as a diuretic in humans. By increasing urination, burdock root removes waste from the blood and body.  

This is a good option for those who struggle with fluid retention or want to move toxins out of their bodies quickly. 

6 - Helps Enhance Lymphatic System Function:

The lymphatic system is the body's internal "drainage system." 

This intricate network comprises blood vessels and lymph nodes that transport fluids from tissues throughout the body into the bloodstream and vice versa. If your lymphatic system is compromised, it will affect your overall health, as it is instrumental in warding off various diseases and serious health conditions. 

Enhancing the strength and efficiency of this system can significantly boost your body's natural defenses and overall well-being.

Burdock root has been shown to facilitate lymphatic drainage and promote detoxification processes within the body. 

According to research, burdock root functions effectively as a blood purifier and cleanser. By purifying the blood, it helps to remove toxins and other impurities, which, in turn, strengthens the lymphatic system. Burdock root's properties support this detoxification by enhancing the lymphatic system's ability to transport and eliminate these unwanted materials. Its blood-cleansing attributes mean that it not only aids in detoxification but also improves overall blood quality and circulation, which are essential components for maintaining a healthy lymphatic system.

Use On Its Own Or In a Special Supplement 

Burdock root isn’t something you’d incorporate into your diet the same way you would a spice like a turmeric, but you can still get it through teas, using it topically, or taking it as a supplement (on its own or mixed with other herbs).

If you have goals to be healthier, or look better, burdock root just may help with that!