Burdock plant, scientifically called Arctium Lappa, is a common weed that comes packed with many medicinal benefits. Almost all parts of burdock plants, right from the plant and roots to the seeds and greens, have healing properties. Burdock has won eminence in oriental countries, as an ancient herbal medicine that was extensively used to treat kidney and liver problems. Even ancient Greeks and Romans used burdock roots to treats wounds and infections. The green of this weed was consumed to treat stomach ulcers and other digestive problems. Recent researchers have found burdock extremely helpful in fighting against cancer and controlling tumor growth. Burdock can be eaten both raw and cooked. To get detailed information about the nutritional value of burdock and its health benefits, read through the following lines.
Nutritional Benefits of Burdock
- Burdock is widely used to treat measles, arthritis, colds, sore throats, kidney and liver problems, stomach ulcers, constipation, gout, gallbladder inflammation, kidney infections, balancing hormones and holding tumor growth.
- Burdock roots include polyacetylenes, a type of phytochemicals that fight bacteria and fungi and hence are used to treat both bacterial and fungal infections, including ringworm and urinary tract infections.
- Burdock is available in the form of ointment, capsule, tablet, essential oil and even tea that is used to treat various skin disorders like acne, skin infections, psoriasis and more. It is also used as skin cleanser.
- Burdock is recognized as a strong diuretic and has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Its antibacterial effects promote wound healing and help treat ulcers too.
- Burdock is also known to purify blood. Its seed oil is used as a diaphoretic that helps the body to sweat and get rid of toxins.
- Burdock root is good for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. It also accelerates the digestive organs and is used to treat stomach ailments.
- Burdock root helps to control liver damage. It also promotes the flow and release of bile that helps to keep the liver clean and assist digestive process.
- Being a rich source of potassium, iron and calcium, burdock greens and root can be consumed raw as a salad ingredient or can be cooked.
- Burdock oil is especially great for your hair and scalp. Massaging burdock oil into your hair and scalp boosts scalp circulation and enhances hair vitality.
- Burdock contains high level of insulin that acts like the insulin found in the human body and helps fight hypoglycemia. It also aids to soothe people diagnosed as pre-diabetic and helps to maintain proper blood sugar levels.
- While plucking wild burdocks for consumption, you need to be careful since this plant is known to resemble a more toxic plant, belladonna. Accidentally consuming wrong weed can be fatal.
- Pregnant women, diabetics and people with septic blood conditions should consume burdock only after medical consultation.
