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Burdock Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Commonly eaten in Asia, burdock is extracted from the dried root of great burdock, Arctium lappa, or common burdock, Arctlum minus, a large biennial grown in China, Europe, and the United States. In the spring, you can identify this herb' the round heads of Its purple flowers.

Common doses of Burdock

Burdock is available as:

• capsules (425 and 475 milligrams)
• liquid extract
• cream for topical use
• tincture
• dried root
• tea

Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As a tea, 1 cup taken orally three or four times a day.
• As a compress, apply externally

Why people use Burdock herb

• Acne
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Canker sores
• Eczema
• Gout
• Hemorrhoids
• HIV
• Kidney stones
• Psoriasis
• Sciatica
• Ulcers

Side effects of Burdock

Call your health care practitioner if you experience allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation).

Using a commercial burdock tea contaminated with atropine can cause poisoning symptoms, such as enlarged pupils, blurred vision, and a fast heartbeat.

Interactions

Important points to remember

• Don't use burdock if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Avoid this herb if you're allergic to Arctium lappa, A. minus, or related plant species.
• If you have diabetes, be aware that burdock may put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar. Consult your health care practitioner, who may recommend adjusting your dosage of insulin or other diabetes drugs.

What the research shows

Some studies suggest that burdock might have therapeutic benefits. However, clinical trials haven't been done to verify these benefits. Also, medical experts lack information about the herb's safety and effectiveness.

Other names for Burdock : -

Other names for burdock include bardana, beggar's buttons, clotbur, cockle buttons, personata, Philanthropium, thorny burr, and wild gobo.

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