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Benefits of Burdock Root

Some people may just regard the burdock plant as a weed with burrs or spikes that stick to the pants and socks. What they might not know is that the taproot of this plant provides many health benefits and has healing properties. The Chinese, Koreans and Japanese use the root in cooking especially in soups and eat the leaves raw.

The use of burdock root to treat various conditions and diseases isn't new. It was use in folk medicine as a remedy for burns, chicken pox, fever, gout and measles, sore throat and the common cold. Burdock leaves were crushed to provide relief and to treat rashes and blisters caused by poison ivy, poison oak and stinging nettles.

Studies made on burdock found that this herb has anti inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, blood purifying, and prebiotic properties. It is also a natural diuretic. The inulin present in burdock assists the body in increasing calcium absorption. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. It also contains oils, plant sterols and tannins.

So here are some of the uses of burdock.

Since burdock acts a blood purifier, it has the ability to remove bile and toxins from the body. This herb will benefit the gallbladder, kidney and liver.

As a diuretic, burdock helps in eliminating excess water from the body by increasing the flow of urine. Again it benefits the bladder and kidney. Burdock is one of the herbal remedies used to prevent or treat kidney stones and for healthy bowel movements.

Its anti inflammatory properties provide pain relief from arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism.

Because of its prebiotic properties, burdock is also used to treat digestive problems and improve digestion.

Burdock oil which is extracted from the roots and leaves is used as a remedy for healthy scalp and may treat problems such as itchy scalp. The oil is also used to strengthen hair roots and may help prevent hair loss.

People with skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis will benefit from taking burdock extract supplements. It can also be applied topically on skin inflammation such as boils . When combined with rosemary herb, it helps treat oily skin.