Burdock root, also known as Arctium lappa, is a nutritional powerhouse that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine around the world.
From promoting healthy skin to supporting liver and digestive function, burdock root has become a popular ingredient used in many health supplements and skincare products.
Studies of its active compounds have found anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, making it a must-have for anyone looking to take control of their health naturally.
So, here’s everything you need to know about burdock root, its health benefits, side effects, and uses.
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What is Burdock Root?
Burdock root is the root of the burdock plant, also known as greater burdock or edible burdock.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a biennial flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region and areas with temperate climates. It has been widely cultivated in Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea, and is now commercially grown in the United States too. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes other plants like sunflowers and daisies.
Burdock has large, heart-shaped leaves that are fuzzy and woolly on the underside. In the second year of growth, the plant produces tall stalks with purple flowers that resemble thistle blooms.
The root is the most used part of the plant in medicine and cuisine. Burdock root is long and brown, fleshy with a woody texture and a thin bark-like exterior. It is cylindrical, with a tapered shape at one end and a rounded shape at the other. The root has a white, fibrous interior, which can be difficult to cut due to its toughness. It can grow up to three feet in length and up to two inches in diameter.
Burdock root is often sold fresh in whole or sliced, but it can also be found dried, powdered, or as an extract in supplement form. It is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes and herbal remedies, as well as cosmetics and skincare products.
What is Burdock Root Good For?
Burdock root is known for its numerous health benefits[1] and has been used for centuries in traditional preparations for various conditions and ailments, including skin disorders, inflammation, and digestive issues. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron.
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Burdock Root Health Benefits
Here are some of the potential health benefits of burdock root:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Burdock root contains compounds studied for their effects on inflammation. In the cited randomized study of 36 people with knee osteoarthritis[2], three daily cups of root tea for 42 days improved inflammatory and oxidative-stress markers alongside the participants’ usual treatment. Each cup used 2 g root in 150 mL water. That’s an encouraging finding about the tea preparation studied! For arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory disorders, work with your clinician on appropriate care.
- Antioxidant activity: Burdock root contains interesting antioxidants[3] that help neutralize free radicals. The cited root-extract study[4] found antioxidant activity in laboratory tests and effects of particular extracts on cultured cancer-cell growth. These findings help explain researchers’ interest in burdock and oxidative stress, a topic relevant to research on cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Digestive health: Burdock root has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion and bowel function. Like sea moss, burdock is interesting for its gut-health potential. Its inulin-type fibers can serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria—a lovely reason to explore this earthy root in a varied, fiber-rich diet. Read the review of burdock’s prebiotic fibers.
- Blood sugar control: Burdock root’s compounds are being studied for their effects on glucose metabolism, including laboratory and animal research discussed in the review below[1]. Its fiber also makes the edible root an interesting food to explore in diabetes and nutrition discussions. Keep your diabetes treatment and monitoring plan in place, and review supplements with your healthcare provider.
- Liver health: Burdock has a long history in traditional liver-support preparations. Researchers have explored its root extracts in animal studies of liver injury, including a study reporting protective effects in rats. These findings describe the tested extracts and offer an interesting look at burdock’s compounds. Your liver naturally handles many substances the body processes; balanced food choices and appropriate medical care help support its work.
- Immune system support: Burdock root brings plant compounds, fiber, and nutrients to a varied diet. Its compounds are also studied for their effects on inflammatory signaling. Enjoy it alongside other nourishing foods, adequate sleep, and a consistent wellness routine to support normal immune function.
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Benefits for skin
Burdock root has also been used for centuries in traditional preparations for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its compounds have shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity in experimental studies, making this botanical an interesting ingredient to explore.
The cited acne study[5] followed people using a homeopathic Arctium lappa preparation for six months. It reported improvements in acne measures among 32 people who completed follow-up. This was an uncontrolled observational study of that preparation. A dermatologist can help you choose suitable care for acne or persistent skin irritation.
Burdock root also contributes nutrients like vitamins B6 and E to a varied diet. Its antioxidant compounds are of interest in research on free radicals and oxidative stress, which contribute to premature aging of the skin.
Last, burdock-infused oils and moisturizing formulas can help soften dry skin, with their emollient feel coming from the complete formulation, including its carrier oil.
To enjoy burdock in your routine, you can eat the root, choose an oral supplement, or use a product formulated for topical application. Here are the most common ways to use burdock root directly on your skin:
- Burdock root oil: Choose a burdock-infused oil formulated for skin use, and apply it as directed for a moisturizing routine. For acne, eczema, or psoriasis, ask your dermatologist which products suit your skin.
- Burdock root tea compress for skin: A freshly prepared, cooled burdock tea compress is a traditional way to soothe the feel of intact skin. Use clean materials, patch test first, and discard leftover tea.
- Burdock root extract or powder in skincare products: Look for it in moisturizers, toners, and serums. For homemade preparations, use an extract intended for cosmetic formulation and follow its supplier’s dilution directions; a few drops are suitable only when those directions allow them. Mix a fresh single-use portion rather than altering a stored product.
As with any new skincare product or treatment, it's important to patch test and consult with a dermatologist before use.
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Benefits for hair
Hair health is another traditional use of burdock root, which is reputed to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve overall scalp health. Here are some of the reasons people include burdock in a hair-care routine:
- Hair-growth nutrition: A varied diet provides the nutrients needed for normal hair growth. Burdock root contributes vitamin C and other nutrients, while its inulin is a prebiotic fiber that feeds gut bacteria. That makes the edible root an interesting addition to your meals. Its traditional use in hair-growth preparations is also part of its long botanical history.
- Hair-strength nutrition: Burdock root contains minerals including iron and potassium. Adequate iron is important for normal hair growth, while potassium helps with normal cell function. Enjoy the root alongside varied protein, fruit, and vegetable sources to meet your overall nutritional needs.
- Scalp comfort: Burdock appears in traditional scalp preparations and products for itchy or irritated scalps. Choose a gentle formula that suits your skin, and patch test it first. For persistent itching or dandruff, a clinician can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate care.
- Conditions hair: Last, burdock-infused oils and conditioning formulas can help soften the hair and improve its texture and appearance. Choose a formulation suited to your hair type!
Burdock root oil formulated for topical use can be applied to the hair and scalp according to its directions. You can also use burdock root tea freshly prepared and cooled as a hair rinse, or use burdock root extract in hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks, following cosmetic-ingredient formulation directions. Taking burdock root orally, fresh, cooked, or as a supplement can contribute nutrients to your wider hair-health nutrition routine. For sudden or ongoing hair loss, seek advice about the cause.
Related article: How Does Sea Moss Help with Hair Growth and Health?
Burdock Root Side Effects
Burdock root is generally considered safe as a food for most people when consumed moderately. However, as with any natural health supplement, there may be potential side effects or interactions with medications. Some possible side effects of burdock root include:
- Allergic reactions, especially if you have allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed or daisies. Avoid burdock if you are allergic to it.
- Blood sugar changes: Burdock root may lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or hypoglycemia should closely monitor their blood sugar levels.
- Gastrointestinal effects: Consuming large amounts of burdock root may cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea or nausea.
- Drug interactions: Burdock root may interact with certain medications, so you should speak with a healthcare provider before using it if you are taking any medications.
We always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before using burdock supplements if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, choose supplements with your clinician; the EMA’s herbal monograph advises against burdock medicinal preparations during these stages. For anyone under 18, ask for individual advice before supplement use.
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How to Take Burdock Root
Burdock root can be eaten raw or cooked and is often used in savory and sweet recipes like soups, stews, or teas. It has a slightly sweet and earthy taste when cooked and a crunchy texture when raw.
Burdock root is also available in supplement form, including capsules, tinctures, and extracts.
Sea Moss, Bladderwrack, and Burdock Root Capsules
Sea moss, bladderwrack, and burdock root are popular natural ingredients often used together. Their complementary profiles make a wonderfully convenient blend for health and wellness. That’s why Organics Nature has combined them into easy-to-swallow pills!
Our unique blend of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), bladderwrack, and burdock root brings together sea moss’s 92-of-102 mineral profile with two celebrated botanicals. Their wider ingredient profiles include iodine, zinc, iron, sulfur, calcium, potassium, silica, vitamin complexes, antioxidants, and many other interesting compounds. Enjoy the blend alongside the variety of a balanced diet.
Our capsules are wildcrafted, third-party tested, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. A bottle holds 90 capsules—a handy 45-day supply at the two-capsule serving.
Each two-capsule serving contains the following:
- 1000 mg of organic sea moss powder
- 300 mg of organic bladderwrack powder
- 200 mg of burdock root
Try our capsules here today!
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What about you? Have you ever tried burdock root? What do you think about that herbal supplement?
Trusted Sources:
[1] Chan YS, Cheng LN, Wu JH, Chan E, Kwan YW, Lee SM, Leung GP, Yu PH, Chan SW. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011 Oct;19(5):245-54. doi: 10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4. Epub 2010 Oct 28. PMID: 20981575. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20981575/
[2] Maghsoumi-Norouzabad, L., Alipoor, B., Abed, R., Eftekhar Sadat, B., Mesgari-Abbasi, M. and Asghari Jafarabadi, M. (2016), Effects of Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Int J Rheum Dis, 19: 255-261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25350500/
[3] Rosalia Ferracane, Giulia Graziani, Monica Gallo, Vincenzo Fogliano, Alberto Ritieni, Metabolic profile of the bioactive compounds of burdock (Arctium lappa) seeds, roots, and leaves, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Volume 51, Issue 2, 2010, Pages 399-404, ISSN 0731-7085, https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/metabolic-profile-of-the-bioactive-compounds-of-burdock-arctium-l/
[4] Predes FS, Ruiz AL, Carvalho JE, Foglio MA, Dolder H. Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Mar 23;11:25. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-25. PMID: 21429215; PMCID: PMC3073957. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3073957/
[5] Miglani A, Manchanda RK. Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Homeopathy. 2014 Jul;103(3):203-7. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.12.002. PMID: 24931753. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24931753/