Burdock is a highly valued plant and the roots are consumed in huge quantities as a vegetable. Not only the root, but also the entire plant (stems, leaves and seeds) are used in alternative medicine to cure various ailments. It acts as a wonderful digestive aid, skin tonic, liver boost, etc. Let’s have a close look at a few of its health, skin and hair benefits.
Here Are The Benefits Of Burdock:
Skin Problems
Burdock is recommended for a variety of skin conditions such as acne, rashes, pigmentation and skin discoloration. Herbalists believe that these skin problems could arise due to toxicity or digestive problems. Burdock being an effective detoxifier and digestive aid helps alleviate skin conditions associated with such issues. It is an amazing remedy for dermatitis and psoriasis too.
Scalp Disorders
Burdock tincture is widely used to treat scalp disorders. When applied on the scalp, this tincture nourishes the scalp and stimulates the follicles. It strengthens the hair and wards off scalp problems due to dryness such as dandruff, flakes and infection.
Detoxifier
One of the significant properties of burdock is its detoxifying effects. The phytochemicals found in the herb stimulate bile production and improves liver functions in flushing out toxins from the body. It protects the liver from hepatitis and eliminates gall stones too.
Digestion Problems
Burdock is loaded with dietary fiber, which help move the digested food through the bowels with ease and keeps constipation at bay. The compounds in burdock stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and bile and improve digestion. It prevents bloating, ulcer and abdominal cramps. It eliminates bad bacteria from the gut and treats diarrhea as well.
Maintains Kidney Health
Burdock concoction has been used as a renal tonic since ages. It is believed to tone the renal system and improve the performance of the kidneys. The detoxifying properties of the herb aids to draw out the toxins and keeps the kidneys clean. It cures urinary infection, prevents kidney stones and reduces the risk of kidney failure too.
Diabetes Control
Burdock has low glycemic index and minimum calories. So, it is highly beneficial for diabetes. In addition, the dietary fiber present in burdock is useful to regulate blood sugar levels. Burdock also contains considerable amounts of insulin, which reduces the diabetes symptoms.
Hormonal Balance
Burdock is an herb that can help regulate the hormonal levels in the body. It helps the liver metabolize hormones such as estrogen, which in turn renders a rebalance of hormones in the blood. Excess estrogen can cause dangerous disorders, so sip a cup of burdock extract to keep your hormones at the right levels.
Lowers Blood Pressure
The high potassium content in burdock helps in relieving the tension in the cardiovascular system. Potassium acts as a vasodilator and relaxes the arteries and blood vessels thereby preventing stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.
Immune Health
The significant presence of both vitamin C as well as E found in burdock acts as antioxidants and eliminates the free radicals in the body. This boosts the immune system. The antioxidants also prevent infections and supports proper growth and repair of cells and tissues in the body.
Weight Loss
Burdock root is known for its diaphoretic property. The detoxifying nature along with diaphoretic property of the root aids weight loss. The low calorie count makes it a perfect addition to the diet for those, who are trying to lose weight.
Cancer Healing Properties
Studies show that burdock root has an innate ability to heal cancer. The root can prevent metastasis and thwart reoccurrence of cancer. The synergetic functioning of detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of the root makes this possible.
Treatment For Burns
Burdock leaves can be used effectively for pain management. It helps quicken the recovery time in patients with burn injuries. It also impedes the growth of bacteria.
Maintains Healthy Functioning of Brain and Nervous System
Burdock root has high content of vitamin B6, which is also referred to as pyridoxine. This vitamin is required for healthy functioning of brain and the nervous system. It also helps in producing hormones that regulate your mood and internal clock.
Arthritis
Deficiency of vitamin B6 leads to debilitating condition caused due to chronic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis. As burdock root is rich in this vitamin including it in the diet will help fight this problem.
Reduces Homocysteine Levels
Homocysteine is a type of amino acid, which damages the cells lining the arteries. Studies show that high levels of homocysteine in the blood leads to heart diseases. Vitamin B6 found in Burdock root helps lower the homocysteine levels thereby preventing heart diseases.
