Burdock Root: 14 Amazing Benefits for Your Health

Burdock root is a highly nutritious vegetable originally from Europe and Northern Asia.  The burdock plant has long, deep roots ranging from brown and beige to black in color. Communities worldwide use the burdock root in holistic medicine for various conditions, a practice that emerged centuries ago.

Over the years, researchers have kept discovering more health benefits and potential uses for this nutrient-rich root.  Today, thousands of people eat this tasty root vegetable to assist with detoxification, digestion, and smooth skin. 

The roots of the burdock plant are a powerhouse of health benefits.  Let's discuss the top 14 benefits of burdock root and how you can reap the benefits.

What Is the Burdock Root?

Arctium lappa or burdock is a biennial plant with big leaves and purple flowers, similar to the thistle.  The edible root is a staple food in Asian and Japanese communities and has numerous medicinal purposes.

Burdock root is becoming more popular in the food and beverage industry thanks to its sweet earthy taste, rich aroma, and crisp, harsh texture.

The burdock root is brimming with nutrients, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which boost your health and general well-being.  It's an excellent source of roughage, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and folate. 

One serving or 125 grams of this root contains:

• Calories - 110
• Calories from Fat- 1
• Total Carbohydrate 26g, which is 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium – 48.4 mg, 5% of the DV
• Vitamin C - 3.5 mg 5% DV
• Niacin - 0.4 mg, 2%
• Vitamin K -1.9 micrograms (mcg), 2% of the DV
• Iron - 0.9 mg, 5%
• Folate - 45.9 mcg, 11%
• Vitamin B6 - 0.3 mg, 14%
• Betaine - 0.2 mg
• Thiamin - 0.0 mg, 1%
• Dietary Fiber - 2g, 9%
• Potassium - 363 mg, 10%
• Sodium - 5.9 mg, 0%
• Sugars - 4g
• Zinc - 0.4 mg, 3%
• Choline - 13.8 mg
• Phosphorus - 60.2 mg, 6%
• Protein - 3g
• Magnesium - 44.8 mg, 11%
• Selenium - 0.8 mcg, 1%
• Vitamin E - 0.4 mg, 2%
• Manganese - 0.3mg, 14%
• Pantothenic Acid - 0.4 mg, 4%
• Copper - 0.1 mg, 5%

With such a wealth of nutrients, it's no surprise that more people are incorporating burdock root into their diets. 

Top 14 Benefits of Burdock Root

In traditional medicine, people consume burdock root to treat various ailments, such as skin-related conditions and respiratory infections.  Modern research highlights so much more about this delicious root, including the following benefits:

1. It Encourages Wound Healing

In the Amish community, burdock leaves are a common remedy for burns and wounds.  The leaves have similar biological compounds to the roots, so the injured use them to wrap burns.

Researchers discovered that the leaves ensure no wound infection or discomfort, and it's easier to change the dressing.  The team noted that burdock dressings provided an effective alternative to modern burn care.

Burdock is highly effective because its antibacterial properties prevent some harmful organisms. 

2. Reduces Swelling and Redness 

Naturally, toxins from the air, water, and food we consume accumulate in the body.  Exposure to harsh UV lights and these toxins can trigger body cells to produce free radicals. 

These free radicals damage the cells through oxidation, which manifests as systemic swelling and redness in the body.  Besides discomfort, the swelling can also cause other illnesses. 

Burdock root is abundant in bioactive compounds and antioxidants that prevent free radicals and toxins from damaging cells in your body. The root has chlorogenic acid, arctiin, and lignin called arctigenin, which minimize swelling and redness. 

If you experience such symptoms, why not add a scoop of Supergreens to your smoothie? 

3. Promotes Skin Health

Regular use of the burdock root can promote healthier-looking skin.  It doesn't matter whether you add the root to your food, drink tea or take supplements; the effects of burdock manifest from the inside out.

Burdock root works on the blood and circulation system, which has a direct positive effect on the skin.  The bioactive compounds, including lignans and arctiin, have stimulating properties that give the skin a younger, supple look.

By purifying the blood, burdock root is an excellent solution for dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, and acne. 

You can get your glow back by regularly using a burdock root mask.  Simply mix the dried root powder with water and apply it like any other face mask. 

4. Promotes a Healthy Body Weight

Although burdock root has low calories, about 72 for 100g, other properties make it effective in weight management.

The compounds present in burdock root assist with weight loss and management by boosting metabolism.  It has high levels of chlorogenic acid, and inulin enhances fat metabolism.

This, in turn, ensures regular blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

5. Can Mitigate Cell Proliferation

In 2011, researchers published a study highlighting the effects of burdock root extract against particular cancers like pancreas and liver cancer.

The anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties come from caffeoylquinic acid derivatives.  These compounds directly attack proliferating cancer cells, preventing them from growing and replicating. 

Burdock also contains arctigenin, a lignan.  Studies show that this lignan selectively fights cancer cells by preventing them from producing NPAT proteins.  Without these proteins, the cancer cells are unable to metastasize or reproduce. 

Another study discovered that arctigenin was effective against stomach cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer cells in humans. 

6. Helps with Digestion

Burdock root is rich in inulin, a natural dietary fiber that withstands digestion and absorption in the stomach. Inulin is prebiotic which enhances the growth and activity of healthy gut bacteria.

As burdock progresses through the intestines, the probiotics or healthy bacteria use it to thrive.  This ensures your digestive system remains healthy and functional.

Burdock root also helps with digestive disorders by minimizing swelling and redness while thickening the colon's walls.  It effectively manages constipation, acidity, and indigestion.

Furthermore, polysaccharides such as insulin function as laxatives while boosting your appetite.  Adding this tasty root to your diet is an excellent way to ensure better digestion and nutrient absorption. 

You don't have to stress where to source the raw roots, as our Everyday healthy greens powder has the daily dosage you need. 

7. Natural Diuretic that Promotes Kidney Function

One of the most outstanding benefits of consuming burdock root is the increased diuretic activity.  Diuretic agents help the body eliminate excess water while preventing unhealthy fluid retention. 

Burdock root increases urine production, which helps with kidney function and blood purification.  It's a great natural substitute for water pills for anyone who needs relief from swelling. 

The diuretic properties also ensure active renal function, which minimizes the risk of renal failure, kidney stones, and kidney infection. 

Burdock root also prevents toxin build-up in the body and enhances healthy fluid balance.  Luckily, our everyday healthy greens powder avails your daily nutrient dose in one scoop. 

8. Natural Aphrodisiac

Adding burdock root to your diet is a fantastic way to boost your libido.  The natural plant extract acts as an aphrodisiac by stimulating sexual appetite and response.

These properties come from the numerous alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, and saponins present in this nutrient-dense root.

9. Boosts Immunity and Organ Health

Burdock root contains some forms of caffeoylquinic acid, which have a hepatoprotective effect.  This means the compounds naturally safeguard the liver and its cells.

If you suffered liver injuries from drug or alcohol abuse, you could talk to your doctor about incorporating burdock root into your diet.

Our all-natural everyday healthy greens powder boasts more than twenty organic superfoods to ensure your overall health and immunity. 

10. Helps with Menstrual Abnormalities and PCOS

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, affects more women today.  African and Asian communities commonly used burdock roots to treat menstrual irregularities.

This fantastic root helps to regulate progesterone and estrogen by enhancing spleen and liver activity.  This hormone regulation addresses hormonal imbalance, the most common cause of PCOS.

Using small doses of burdock root can have surprising results in relieving menstrual cramps and regulating periods.  Give our everyday Supergreens powder a try, and get your daily dose of burdock and other superfoods in one spoonful. 

11. Supports Detox

One remarkable fact about burdock is that the detox properties go beyond the lymphatic system.  They also benefit all the organs necessary to drain the waste-filled lymph fluid. 

The purpose of the lymph fluid is to transport waste products, such as hormone byproducts, toxins, and dead pathogens, into the blood.

Burdock root is rich in polyacetylenes, triterpenoids, and lignans that enhance blood circulation.  Our bodies need proper blood circulation to eliminate waste products.

Once the waste products are in the bloodstream, the kidneys and liver work to remove them.  Burdock root is particularly vital during this portion of the detox process, as it boosts liver and kidney function. 

Particular antioxidants in burdock safeguard the liver while transforming toxins into soluble products that the body can eliminate.  This breakdown process generates harmful free radicals, so the antioxidants step in to ensure the liver remains healthy. 

Burdock root also has herbal bitters, which boost bile production.  The bile helps with the next detox stage by binding with the toxins and streaming into the bowels.

Urine and bowel movements are vital because they eliminate toxins.  Burdock root is an effective diuretic, boosting urine production.  It also has prebiotics that enhances gut health and ensures healthy bowel movements. 

Effective detox requires a combination of burdock root and other herbs, such as stinging nettle leaf, dandelion root, and peppermint leaf. 

Supergreens combine these three and others, such as chlorella, nettle leaf, spirulina, nopal cactus, and barley grass, to ensure all-rounded nutrition.

12. Treats Infections

Burdock is a popular ingredient in medicines that treat coughs, colds, sore throats, and fevers.  Burdock root boasts antipyretic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat such conditions.

Research shows that burdock root can destroy biofilms which consist of slimy bacteria groups that attach to body surfaces like your teeth.  It also attacks biofilms in other infections, including UTIs. 

Burdock roots and leaves have flavonoids like luteolin, quercetin, and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Burdock also has diaphoretic properties that increase perspiration, which helps to lower high fevers.

13. Manages Diabetes

Burdock root has hypoglycemic and antioxidative effects that help to treat and manage diabetes.  It enhances digestion and lowers blood sugar through the high inulin content.

Burdock is an excellent choice for treating or managing blood sugar naturally

14. Relieves Arthritis Pain

Burdock root has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective against pain and symptoms of arthritis.  It reduces oxidative stress, which relieves inflammation and chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Burdock root also promotes blood circulation, which prevents and treats an inflammatory condition known as rheumatism.

How to Add Burdock Root to Your Diet

There are numerous ways to use the burdock root, so your choice largely depends on personal preference and purpose.  If you prefer eating the plant as a vegetable, you can stir-fry it like carrots or add it to salads, soups, and stews or chew the root.

Some people prefer taking burdock tea, made from ground or crushed roots.  The easiest and most convenient way to add it to your diet is by consuming the powder.

Simply mix Supergreens with some water and still with a spoon for it to dissolve.  The powder dissolves entirely, so you don't have to worry about a gritty liquid.

Or better yet, you can add a spoonful to your smoothie.  The powder blends naturally with other ingredients to ensure a nutritious yet refreshing drink.

You can also spice it up with your favorite milk or milk alternative and add some ice to beat the heat. 

How Ensō Superfoods Can Help

Burdock root brims with multiple nutrients that benefit your body from the inside out.  These benefits come from high omega fatty acids, folate, dietary fiber, and powerful antioxidants.

A daily dose of burdock is enough to boost your kidney function, immunity, digestion, and detox, to name a few.  Additionally, it boasts anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties that ensure your hair and skin remain vibrant. 

The beauty of burdock is that you can reap all these benefits in one serving of Supergreens.  We source our products from local farms worldwide to guarantee natural ingredients of the highest quality.

Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore, you can rest assured that our exceptional products have no added sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, or artificial colors.

FAQs

Does Burdock Root Benefit the Hair?

Yes, using burdock root as hair oil or incorporating it into your diet can encourage hair growth and a healthy scalp and minimize grayness. 

Does Burdock Help With Weight Loss?

Yes, burdock has excellent detox properties that boost metabolism and other bodily functions that enhance weight loss. 

Are There Side Effects of Burdock Root?

Burdock can trigger allergic reactions such as dermatitis in people with sensitivity to chrysanthemums, daisies, and ragweed.  It can also have side effects when combined with certain medications like blood thinners.