Burdock Root
Burdock is a relative of the sunflower. It grows about five feet high and blooms with red-purple flowers covered with spines. In the summer, growers harvest the seeds and dig up the roots. It is used in general herbal medicine as well as in traditional Chinese medicine. It is often combined with other herbs to treat upper-respiratory infections. Burdock root acts as a blood purifier, clearing problems from the body's systems.
Arthritis, Gouty Arthritis and Sciatica
Probably because of the anticongestive effects of burdock root in the circulatory, lymphatic and urinary systems, tea made from it is supposed to reduce swelling around the joints and eliminate calcified deposits. Although sciatica is nerve pain, the cause is from a spinal disk problem, which is why herbalists recommended this herb for the pain of sciatica. A medical study found that burdock root has important anti-elastase activity. Elastase is an enzyme that degrades several proteins including elastin.
Skin Problems
Burdock root may help chronic skin problems such as eczema and dandruff. The theory here is that the herb helps prevent the body's immune system from attacking the skin. In Europe, an oil extract of burdock root treats hair problems, including dandruff and itching.
Liver
Herbalists believe burdock root has capabilities to detoxify the liver and gall bladder, healing damage and preventing further deterioration. It is also a diuretic and helps clear the kidneys.
Cancer
Burdock root is a powerful antioxidant and may prevent or decrease cell mutation in cancers. It is part of an alternative cancer remedy called Essiac tea in a combination of the root and slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb root. However, the American Cancer Society says, "Some specific herbs in the mixture have shown anti-cancer effects in laboratory experiments" but concludes that at this point the evidence does not support its use for cancer in humans.
Caution
As with all herbal remedies, particularly if you are pregnant, consult a physician or a doctor of naturopathy about your particular situation before embarking on a course of treatment. This article is not intended as medical advice.
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