“Blood Purifying” and seven other Benefits of Burdock Root
Burdock Root (Arctium Lappa), is a blood-purifying tall green plant renowned in different natural medicine traditions from China, all the way to the British Isles.
It’s a natural medicine with a wide range of beneficial effects; to really unleash herbal medicine you’ll want to combine it with some cofactors like medicinal sea moss.
Scientific Research
On Pubmed can be found a number of scientific papers about Burdock Root, along with seven human clinical trials. We’ll delve into some of the published science and how it was used in historical medicine traditions here and we’ll break down what to expect from this natural medicine.
Natural Anti-Bacterial
The most recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was done in 2018 at Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan and included 36 patients infected with the superbug H. pylori.
I recently finished an eye-opening book about antibiotic-resistant bacteria which are a very serious threat to our collective health that, especially now, in the COVID-19 era, we should all be worrying about more. In science’s mission to create a better mousetrap (antibiotics), they have created better mice (bacterial superbugs), like some seriously nasty strains of H. pylori. Some of these bacterial infections will ruin your life and health for a while and can be damn near impossible to cure, even with the best antibiotics which are under lock and key at a hospital. Like cancer, antibiotic-resistant infections are something that you want to worry about preventing before you get them, not “curing” after you get them!
The study found that Burdock was an effective anti-bacterial, especially with angelica, gromwell, and sesame — an herbal cocktail from Chinese traditional medicine. It concludes
Overall, the [Burdock] could attenuate H. pylori infection by inhibiting H. pylori adhesion and subsequent inflammatory response on the gastric epithelial cell (AGS) as well as clinically ameliorated [urea breath test], antioxidant capacity, and alleviated inflammation to display its anti-H. pylori activity.
Anti-Ulcer
The Taiwanese study also notes that it healed Ulcers.
Also, consumption of BC considerably healed the ulcer wound.
Blood Detox
A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa, published in 2011, gives an overview of its mechanism and reputed “Blood Purifying” effect (which might make you all the more appealing to vampires, better sleep with a little garlic…)
In the root, the active ingredients have been found to “detoxify” blood in terms of [Traditional Chinese Medicine] and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases like eczema. Antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds have also been found in the root.
Skin Hack
There are two clinical trials evaluating its promising properties for beautifying the skin.
A 2008 German study administered it for 4-weeks and observed that wrinkle volume in the crow’s feet area was significantly reduced. The study concluded enthusiastically
Our data show that topical treatment with a natural [Arctium lappa] fruit extract significantly improves the metabolism of the dermal extracellular matrix and leads to a visible wrinkle reduction in vivo. In conclusion, [Arctium lappa] fruit extract represents a targeted means to regenerate dermal structures and, thus, offers an effective treatment option for mature skin.
A 2014 Indian study evaluated it as a homeopathic acne treatment and concluded
Lappa has shown positive effects in the treatment of acne especially of inflammatory type.
In the study, it took 6-months for this result to be achieved.
Cancer
The specter of cancer is the real global existential threat to humanity — the American Cancer Association predicts that eventually every other person will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. While it’s speculated that nefarious motives underlie such predictions, cancer is prolific and ruins too many lives. The good news is that natural medicines like Burdock root hold a lot of preventative promise.
There are a number of scientific papers evaluating its cancer-fighting properties and a phase one clinical trial.
- It has an immunomodulatory effect which nine scientific papers identify as helpful in treating breast cancer.
- A Brazilian paper established it’s anti-cancer action via Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity.
- Its mechanism has been studied in Japan, researchers concluded that it specifically inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells, which might consequently lead to the induction of apoptosis.
- According to Wikipedia, Essiac tea, which contains Arctium lappa extract, treats breast cancer. But I researched this further and the human clinical study actually found no outstanding effect from the Essiac tea.
Vs Pancreatic Cancer
The phase one trial was done in Japan and established that an anti-cancer drug based on Arctium lappa extract, did not have any dose-limiting toxicities.
[Arctium lappa extract] has the ability to eliminate the tolerance of cancer cells to nutrient starvation. Therefore, a combination of GEM with [Arctium lappa extract] may also be a promising regimen for patients with [pancreatic cancer].
From the pharmacological effects’ review
In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the scariest, taking something that may prevent it is a good idea!
Vascular Health
The most recent clinical trial was completed in 2018 and included 40 elderly Korean women, and gives an overview of Burdock Root
The burdock root is a blood purifier, lymphatic system strengthener, and natural diuretic.
The study found that it had a beneficial effect that improved the serum blood lipid levels and vascular elasticity. It concludes
Additionally, burdock extract intake may be useful in vascular health by playing a secondary role in disease prevention and health promotion.
Vs Diabetes
A critical review of a number of animal studies, published in 2019, focused on its effect regulating glucose homeostasis and improving oxidative stress.
[Arctium lappa] has interesting anti-diabetic activities, exerted by improving glucose homeostasis and reducing insulin-resistance. In addition, [Arctium lappa] exerts a marked antioxidant activity, an effect known to play a pivotal role in the treatment of [type 2 diabetes mellitus].
Dr Tieraona Lowdog, reported on The Dr Oz Show
“Burdock root contains a compound called inulin which helps blood sugar, helps keep all the good digestive bacteria alive, and even may help you maintain or lose weight.”
Assuages Knee Arthritis
A 2016 Iranian study evaluated Burdock root’s anti-inflammatory effect for patients with knee osteoarthritis, 42 days of taking it did improve both inflammatory status and oxidative stress.
Burdock Root is a Natural Multi-Vitamin
Containing a wide range of crucial nutrients.
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1)
Riboflavin (B2)
Niacin (B3)
Pantothenic acid (B5)
Vitamin B6
Folate (B9)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Minerals
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc
Side Effects
Being a natural medicine, there is little concern with toxicity.
- If you have plant allergies, you’ll want to start at a lower dosage, and be mindful of allergy symptoms.
- Its theorized that it may cause electrolyte imbalances, so it may be wise to supplement some electrolytes, especially if you’re on a keto diet.
From the pharmacological effects’ review
However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock.
Sources
Infinite Age in the USA offers Sea Moss Advance
- Which combines Burdock Root with Bladderwrack, and Irish Sea Moss.
- Two capsules contain 250 milligrams of Bladderwrack.
- Verified as pure and non-toxic by an American spectroscopy lab (view COA).
Risk Grade: A
