Burdock or Arctium lappa is a vegetable root that is popular across the world for its medicinal benefits. Today, you can experience the benefits of Burdock Root easily as it is available in the form of supplements, tea and powder all over the globe.
In this blog, we will learn everything about burdock root and its benefits.
What is Burdock Plant
Burdock is a plant of the daisy family. It grows about 3 to 4 feet in height. It has wavy and heart-shaped leaves. The flowers of the burdock are purple, and they bloom between June and October. The roots of the burdock are brownish green on the inside and black on the outside.
The plant has three parts. They are stem, leaves and root –
- Burdock root is the most valuable part of the plant. This long and thick root is primarily used for medicinal purposes.
- Stem of the burdock grows in its maturity stage and it has purple, pink and lavender coloured flowers.
- The leaves also have medicinal purposes.
Nutrition Profile of Burdock Root
Burdock is a thin, fleshy and long root packed with dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. This burdock root nutrition profile shows its food value.
Every 100 gm serving of raw burdock root provides:
- Calories – 72 kcal
- Carbohydrates – 17.34 gm
- Dietary Fibre – 3.3 gm
- Sugars – 3.8 gm
- Protein – 1.53 gm
- Fat – 0.15 gm
- Vitamin B6 – 0.3 mg
- Folate – 23 IU
- Iron – 0.8 mg
- Magnesium – 38 mg
- Potassium – 308 mg
- Manganese – 0.23 mg
Burdock root also contains plant compounds that have high antioxidant properties and possible anti-inflammatory effects.
Burdock Root Health Benefits
The burdock root is the edible part of the burdock plant. Its earthy, slightly sweet flavour, and crunchy texture make it a common addition to soups, stews, stir-fries, and pickled dishes. The various health benefits associated with its use are:
- Antioxidant Properties
Burdock root is rich in antioxidants. Thus, it can destroy free radicals in the body. The free radicals damage good cells of the body and promote cancer, inflammatory disorders, ageing, etc. Antioxidants kill these free radicals, and medical research shows that antibiotics in burdock also cure diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation causes several diseases, such as osteoarthritis. Burdock root effectively decreases the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, it has a significant role in the treatment of burns as well.
- Liver Support and Blood Purifier
Burdock is a good purifier of blood. In Chinese medicine, it’s considered a strong detoxifying agent. The ingredients of this root actively detoxify the bloodstream. A study has found that it improves the blood circulation at the skin surface as well. The extracts of this root work as a liver detoxifier and promote liver health, too.
- Digestive Health
The high dietary fibre content increases the burdock root benefits. Burdock root aids in maintaining healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. The parts of the burdock plant act as a prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving gut health.
- Blood Sugar Regulation
It reduces high blood glucose and controls the sugar level. Also, it’s a good source of inulin. Inulin is a dietary fibre which solves digestion issues. It decelerates carbohydrate absorption and helps to lower the bad cholesterol. In this way, it also reduces the risk of colon cancer.
- Skin Health
The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of burdock give relief from various skin problems. It treats problems like eczema and acne well. Moreover, it can help in topical burns.
- Immune System Support
As a great source of antioxidants, it provides good support for the immune system. Side by side, the presence of nutrients like vitamins B6 and B9 also works as immunity boosters.
- Potential Cancer Benefits
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, burdock offers a great chance to defend against cancer. It restrains cancer like pancreatic carcinoma, as the ‘potent inhibitory effects’ of this root create a hindrance to this cancer growth. Moreover, it can slow the growth rate of breast tumours.
- Diuretic Properties
It has an excellent diuretic property. That means it helps to clear urine, specifically for the people who have the tendency to retain water. So, it brings an effective result against serious kidney, heart and lung issues.
Side Effects of Burdock Root
Though burdock plant and root are usually safe, but it has side effects on certain people. Here are the potential side effects of burdock root –
- Dehydration
The natural diuretic properties of burdock increase kidney function. Thus, it produces more urine output. But in some people, it causes negative effects. Extra doses of burdock reduce the fluid level of the human body and result in dehydration. Hence, patients using diuretic pills must avoid taking burdock roots.
- Decreases Sugar Levels
People with diabetes medications should avoid this herb, too. Even though it’s a good controller of blood sugar, it also causes hypoglycemia in some people. Thus, it’s not recommended for them.
- Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience allergies from burdock. If a person has allergies to the plants of the Asteraceae family, like daisy or ragweed, then he/she must avoid burdock. It can cause skin problems and swelling.
- Bloating & Digestive Discomfort
Burdock root contains inulin. Hence, some people may experience gas or bloating after taking it.
- Increased Bleeding
Burdock root plays a part in blood clotting, so people taking blood-thinning medications must avoid it.
Forms of Burdock Root
People can purchase burdock root in various forms. Let’s have a look at them:
- Fresh roots: The fresh burdock roots can be eaten with soups, salads or as a stir-fry. The roots are available in grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
- Dried Burdock Root: Dried roots are used in herbal tea. After grinding the dried roots, they are stored as powder. They are soothing for making other herbal liquids.
- Extract: Burdock extracts are used in herbal and homoeopathic medications. The extracts are good for cold and sore throat treatment.
- Oil: The oil of burdock is used for skin care.
Burdock Root Recipe
There are several recipes for burdock root. Here are the two most popular ways to consume.
1. Burdock Root Salad Recipe
Here’s a simple burdock root salad recipe to enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups burdock root, peeled and julienned
- 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the salad dressing with rice vinegar, lemon juice, honey, toasted sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Then, mix the sliced vegetables in a large bowl.
- After that, blend the dressing with the vegetables. Now, the salad marination is ready.
- Keep the marinated salad around 10-15 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on the salad. Garnish it with cilantro leaves.
2. Burdock Root Stir-Fry
It’s a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the burdock root. Here’s how to prepare your bowl of burdock root stir-fry.
Ingredients
- Fresh burdock root: 2 cups
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Ginger: 1 inch
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Green onion: 1
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Take a large pan and pour some vegetable oil in it. Heat the oil on low to medium heat.
- Next, add grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook these ingredients for 1 minute until the raw smell is gone.
- Then, add the previously sliced burdock root. Stir fry the root for 5 to 7 minutes.
- After that, give rice vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil to add some flavour to the fry.
- Cook the roots for an additional 1 to 2 minutes and let the ingredients mix well.
Now the dish is ready. So, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on it. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh chopped green onions.
Conclusion
Burdock is a rare medicinal plant with versatile, beneficial properties. It can be purchased as a food supplement, and we can cook tasty meals with it. The stems and leaves of the plant can be eaten, too. But the root is a gem among herbal foods.
