Herbs & Supplements

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Uses

Note: Cases of poisoning have been reported from burdock root products that were mixed unintentionally with the roots of belladonna or deadly nightshade. All three plants look similar and they may grow in the same general environments. Their roots may be impossible to tell apart once they have been collected. Individuals who choose to use burdock root should be sure that it is from a reputable source.

Burdock root has been found to contain chemicals that are diuretic--they promote the loss of water from the body. When taken by mouth, burdock root may increase the production of both urine and sweat, potentially making it useful in treating swelling and fever. However, drugs that are much more effective are available for both uses.

In a few animal studies, burdock root appeared to prevent liver damage caused by alcohol, chemicals, or medications. The exact reason for this protective effect is not known, but it is thought to involve opposition of a chemical process called oxidation, which occurs in the body. One result of oxidation is the release of oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function. Antioxidants such as burdock root may protect body cells from damage caused by oxidation.

Both orally and topically, burdock root preparations have mild antibacterial and antifungal effects, which may help to relieve skin conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, dandruff, diaper rash, dry skin, and eczema. It may have uses in dentistry to control bacteria in the mouth. Although burdock root is most commonly used for medicine, burdock leaf juice or tea made from burdock leaves may also contain chemicals with slightly anti-infective effects. Burdock leaf preparations may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin to treat skin conditions. Interestingly, the antibacterial chemicals in burdock leaves appear to be effective against different types of bacteria than the chemicals in the roots. Frequently, therefore, burdock leaf juice and burdock root tea are mixed together in order to eliminate as many bacteria as possible.

In North America, burdock root is mixed with three other herbs (slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and Turkish rhubarb root) to make an herbal product known as Essiac. Said to be based on a Native American remedy, this trademarked preparation was used in the 1920s to treat cancer. Some laboratory studies suggest that Essiac may have antioxidant effects and that it may damage cancer cells. No documented scientific evidence from human studies support its effectiveness in any medical condition, although many individuals still use it to treat cancer and other conditions.