BURDOCK ROOT HEALTH BENEFITS
OVERVIEW
What if I told you that a certain plant’s roots could detoxify your blood, lymphatic system and skin? Would you be interested? Then you should know about burdock root. Burdock root has been valued across continents for thousands of years for its ability to purify blood and cool internal heat. Internally and externally, it has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects on the human body. Recent studies also show that burdock contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin, which are all powerful, health-promoting antioxidants.
BLOOD PURIFIER
In traditional herbal texts, burdock root is described as a “blood purifier” or “alterative” and was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. Burdock root has active ingredients that have been found to detoxify heavy metals from the blood, improving organ health and the health of the whole body. It also promotes blood circulation to the skin surface, which improves skin health.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM STRENGTHENER
Essentially, the lymphatic system is the body’s inner “drainage system”, a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that carry fluids from tissues around the body into the blood and vice versa. If you can make your lymphatic system stronger, then you can help your body ward off all kinds of disease and serious health issues. Burdock root helps induce lymphatic drainage and detoxification. As a natural blood cleanser, it has a wonderful effect on the lymphatic system.
IMMUNE HEALTH
The significant levels of vitamin C and vitamin E, both of which act as antioxidants in the body to eliminate free radicals, mean that burdock is a major booster to our immune system function. These antioxidants have been linked to preventing infections, lowering one’s risk of cancer, and generally supporting proper growth, development, and repair of the body’s cells and tissues.
NATURAL DIURETIC
Diuretics stimulate the kidneys and help the body get rid of excess fluid, mainly water and sodium. Burdock root is a natural diuretic so through burdock consumption, you can naturally and easily help your body to eliminate excess water by increasing urine output. By elevating the rate of urination, burdock root can help to remove waste from the blood and body. If you have issues with fluid retention, you should ask your doctor about trying burdock root before resorting to prescription products.
SKIN HEALER
Topical products containing burdock root have offered relief from pesky skin issues for ages. From acne to eczema to psoriasis, burdock root is known to calm and heal these common skin issues. Consumption of burdock has also helped many people with skin issues through its blood-cleansing and internal cooling abilities.
Scientific studies have even shown that burdock extract can even improve the clinical signs of aging skin!
DEFEND AGAINST DIABETES
Burdock root contains inulin, a soluble and prebiotic fiber that helps improve digestion and lower blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for people trying to naturally manage their blood sugar. In Europe, the fresh root is used for lowering blood sugar, its inulin content making it particularly suitable for diabetes.
COMBAT CANCER
European physicians of the Middle Ages and later used burdock to treat cancerous tumors (as well as skin conditions, venereal disease, and bladder and kidney problems). Many herbalists today say burdock root can stop cancer cells from metastasizing, making it a potential natural cancer treatment.
One big reason burdock shows promise for naturally fighting cancer is the fact that it contains arctigenin. Arctigenin is a lignan found in certain plants of the Asteraceaefamily, including greater burdock (Arctium lappa), which has been shown to combat cancer cells by selectively stopping the proliferation of cancer cells and by inhibiting the cancer cells’ production of particular proteins (NPAT proteins), hence crippling cancer’s ability to reproduce. Another study found that arctigenin was a cancer-specific phytochemical that killed human lung cancer cells, human liver cancer cells and human stomach cancer cells. Studies like this are proving what many have believed for years — that burdock root is a seriously effective natural cancer fighter!
SUMMARY
The burdock plant definitely produces a root that is not only tasty, but incredibly beneficial when it comes to so many functions of the body as well as many very serious health issues. Whether you’re looking to maintain your health or greatly improve it, I would give burdock root a try if you haven’t already. Here’s a reminder why:
Burdock root is a blood purifier, lymphatic system strengthener, natural diuretic and skin healer. It also defends against diabetes, combats cancer, improves arthritis, helps treat an enlarged spleen and fights tonsillitis.
Dandelion and burdock have many similarities, including coming from the same plant family, treating diabetes and improving skin health. In addition, dandelion is specifically excellent at cleansing the liver and protecting the bones while burdock is an amazing blood cleanser, which also makes it very helpful to liver health.
You can eat burdock root raw, cook it, make burdock root tea or consume it in supplement form. Burdock supplements include burdock root oil, dried burdock root powder, burdock root tincture and capsules.
