Whether you’re looking for relief from a cold or just trying to add something new to your morning smoothie, a natural plant extract may be the key. Burdock is among the many common plants that have the potential to improve a wide variety of negative health symptoms, as well as act as a unique addition to food and beverages in your everyday life. But, what exactly are the benefits burdock can reap?
What is burdock?
Burdock (Arctium) is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. In some cultures, people use burdock medicinally. It is best known for its beautiful purple flowers and its ability to treat an array of symptoms associated with colds, infections and even pain.
Benefits
Benefits from burdock may be different for everyone, but the most common potential benefits from this plant include but are not limited to:
- Fever reduction
- Relief from cold symptoms
- Pain reduction
- Improvement of blood circulation, specifically from the root parts
- Improvement of skin diseases, including eczema
- Anti-inflammatory effects on tumor growth, specifically from the seeds
Please note: these potential benefits may differ based on the form of burdock you take, as well as which part of the plant you consume. Most packaging will label the part of burdock it includes, such as burdock root or burdock seeds. Ask your doctor for more information regarding the positive effects burdock could potentially have on your health.
Side Effects
There are potential side effects that may occur from using burdock, so it is essential to consult a health professional, such as your primary care physician, before taking it.
Such side effects include but are not limited to:
- Allergic and/or inflammatory reaction
- Contact dermatitis
If you experience serious side effects while using burdock, contact your doctor right away.
How to Take Burdock
You can use burdock in many ways, including:
- In powder form, which can be added to various foods, including smoothies and shakes
- In pill/capsule form
- In liquid form, which can be added to a beverage
- It has even been combined with sea moss and bladderwrack in these sea moss gummies.
The way you intake burdock is up to you, but it is wise to first consult a health professional to discuss potential side effects and risks.
Dosage
Most packaging will include recommended amounts of burdock to consume. In addition to looking at the packaging for dosing instructions, it is necessary to also consult a health professional, such as your doctor, a nutritionist or a dietician, for more personalized guidance.
Another important factor to consider is the potential that burdock could interact with a medical condition you have, such as allergies, or any medication(s) you take. This is another great point to bring up with your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Burdock is a natural plant that can reap serious health benefits to people if used safely and properly. For this reason, it is absolutely critical to talk to your doctor about using burdock before incorporating it into your everyday life, especially since serious side effects can occur.
Furthermore, if you are concerned about serious health conditions or symptoms, including a lingering cold, allergies, tumor(s) or skin rashes, alert your doctor immediately.
Additionally, whenever you are purchasing products that contain burdock, look to the packaging labels for more information. You should look out for the following:
- What, if any, government labels the package has to determine the level of regulation and testing the product underwent
- Other ingredients in the product that you could be sensitive to
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute professional medical advice, nor can it replace the advice of a licensed professional.
