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Burdock is a plant. In the U.S., it’s widely available as tea.

Burdock is native to Europe and Asia, but today, this weed grows all over the U.S. in places like forests, pastures, and roadsides. The roots and seeds of burdock have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and are still widely used today to relieve and improve a variety of health problems.

I initially learned about burdock a few years ago when researching natural remedies for constipation. The cool thing is that this plant does far more than just relieve constipation!

Here are 5 amazing health benefits associated with burdock, backed by scientific evidence.

1. Improves Digestion

Burdock contains inulin—a naturally occurring soluble fiber that stimulates the growth of “good” bacteria in your colon. This supports regular bowel movements and improves digestion.

If you’re feeling backed up or constipated, try drinking burdock root tea to move things along and find relief.

2. Fights Inflammation and Cancer

In addition to improving digestion, the inulin in burdock may also help protect against pathogens, toxins, and carcinogens that contribute to inflammation and cancer.

Results from a 2000 study published in Cancer Letters shows burdock is effective at fighting cancers of the mammary, colon, and pancreas. Another study from 2010 reveals that burdock may have potent inhibitory effects on pancreatic tumors and other cancers.

Burdock may even slow the growth of breast cancer, and destroy breast cancer cells. All this evidence points to the fact that consuming burdock regularly may reduce your risk for many types of cancer.

3. Purifies the Blood

Burdock is a blood purifier that aids in the removal of harmful toxins from the bloodstream. According to the 2010 study I referenced earlier, the active ingredients in burdock root can detoxify the blood to improve blood circulation, and reduce symptoms of skin diseases including eczema and psoriasis.

Furthermore, results from a 2018 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that the purifying effects of burdock may strengthen the lymphatic system to improve vascular health, especially when pairing burdock with aerobic exercise.

4. Improves Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. This debilitating, inflammatory condition can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the hand and wrist, or in whichever joints are affected.

Burdock has anti-inflammatory properties that can improve symptoms of arthritis while also fighting cancer. In this study from 2016, researchers found that people with knee osteoarthritis who drink at least 3 cups of burdock root tea a day are able to reduce their inflammation and oxidative stress.

5. Provides Lots Of Vitamins and Minerals

Burdock is loaded with a wide range of nutrients that contribute to stronger immunity and good overall health. One cup of raw burdock root contains nearly 4 grams of dietary fiber, more than 20 grams of carbohydrates, and nearly 2 grams of protein. This root vegetable also contains high amounts of potassium, magnesium, folate, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

Other Benefits Of Burdock

Burdock has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries, but you probably won’t hear many healthcare professionals talking about it. Burdock is a plant and not a drug, so many doctors don’t receive training on it, and don’t benefit financially from telling you about it. However, burdock is recognized and praised worldwide for its many healing and therapeutic properties.

Burdock offers many other health benefits that aren’t published on .edu and .gov websites. If you do a basic Google search on the benefits of burdock, you’ll find lots of cool, anecdotal stories about its many benefits and positive effects, including:

• Liver detox and protection
• Improvements in sex drive and fertility
• Weight loss
• Improved bone health
• Diabetes management
• Improved cognition

Precautions When Using Burdock

Always consult with your healthcare provider before using burdock. There may be interactions between burdock and some OTC and prescription drugs, such as diabetes medications, blood thinners, and diuretics.

Some websites also say burdock should not be used by women who are pregnant, due to the risk for miscarriage. Play it safe, and talk to your provider first.

Where To Find Burdock

Though burdock can be found in the wild, stick to buying it from reputable merchants. Burdock closely resembles belladonna nightshade plants, which are extremely toxic. Belladonna can cause severe poisoning that induces delirium, hallucinations, and convulsions, among other symptoms.

In the U.S., burdock root is widely available as a tea and nutritional supplement from many specialty health retailers. Fresh burdock root isn’t typically sold at most grocery store chains, but you may be able to find it at an Asian market, if there are any in your area.

I buy the brands of burdock root tea available at Korean grocers, like the one seen below.

The Best Time To Drink Burdock Root Tea

Did I mention burdock root is a diuretic? One cup of tea could result in multiple trips to the restroom, so be prepared. You may not want to drink burdock before bedtime or during a long road trip. Make plans to drink it when you have plenty of time to relax and can go to the restroom as often as needed without stress or interruption.

Do you use burdock for its health benefits, and if so, how and why do you use it? Share your comments below!

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Content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical treatment.