This wonderful herbal remedy has been used for centuries to flush toxins from the body. Learn other health benefits of burdock root and know how you can make a cup of burdock root tea.
Burdock Root
The burdock plant grows along roadsides and is considered by many in Europe and North America as a common weed. The prickly heads (burrs) of the burdock cling to passing people and animals ("hitchhikers"). It was these burrs that inspired the invention of velcro.
Burdock's roots grow deep into the ground, about 3 feet. In Asia, it is eaten raw or used as an ingredient in stir fry's, soups, and stews. Its taste resembles that of an artichoke, which burdock is related to. It is also made into a tea (in a decoction form) or taken as a capsule.
Burdock root has many benefits and has been used as a remedy to treat a number of ailments.
Health Benefits of Burdock Root
Toxins
Burdock root is known as a blood purifier, diuretic, and diaphoretic. It has been used for hundreds of years to flush toxins from the bloodstream. It helps the kidneys filter impurities, promotes sweating to rid toxins through the skin, improves blood circulation to remove toxins from skin tissue, and protects the liver from harmful chemicals.
Infections
Burdock root contains a phytochemical called polyacetylene. Polyacetylenes have both antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is commonly used internally to treat urinary tract infections and externally to treat athlete's foot and skin infections.
Other health benefits of burdock root include:
- treating painful joints by decreasing inflammation
- relieving constipation by acting as a mild laxative
- getting rid of dandruff, decreasing hair loss, and improving the quality of hair.
Other Uses for Burdock Root
As a beverage:
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried root to 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
As a foot bath:
- Prepare 2 cups of strong tea and add to a basin of water.
As a bath/compress:
- Add 1 cup of dried root in a saucepan of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Set aside a 1/2 cup and pour the rest into warm bath water. After the bath, prepare a compress with the remaining tea and apply it to the affected area.
To get the health benefits of burdock root for the hair, massage oil extract (called Bur oil) into the scalp every day (this is how they do it in Europe).
Disclaimer
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