What are the Benefits of Burdock Leaves

The burdock plant belongs to the Arctium genus. It is a biennial plant, and has the ability to grow almost anywhere. The burdock can be used to treat many ailments, but there is no concrete scientific evidence to support this.

The medicinal advantages of burdock are underestimated because it does not show immediate effects. The effects of burdock can be visible only after its intake for a prolonged period of time. It is generally considered to have great detoxifying properties, something that is essential for one and all.

The roots of burdock are popular for their medicinal uses. The burdock leaves also have an array of benefits. You can consume burdock in the form of tea, soup, tincture, or you can just eat them directly too.

The consumption of the tea made from the leaves of burdock show an improvement in the functioning of the kidneys and the liver, thereby increasing the efficiency of the excretion of the toxic substances from the body.

Apply the poultice of burdock leaves to the area where acne or boils are prominent. Apply this poultice regularly. You will notice the reduction in the acne and boils in a month's time itself. You can consume tea made from burdock leaves for the same too.

Consume tea or soup made from the burdock leaves everyday. You will notice the difference in a few weeks as regards to treating the problems of eczema and psoriasis.

Burdock is said to have a strong diuretic action. This quality helps in the resolving of problems related to kidney stones and inflammations. It also helps in case of infections in the kidney and the bladder. Thus, in case of such problems of the urinary tract, the intake of burdock leaves in any form may be advised by a herbalist.

The poultice of the Burdock leaves can be applied to the areas where inflammation is experienced. Consuming it in the form of tea will also help this cause. Along with inflammatory arthritis, it is also known to provide relief to gout.

Burdock leaves can be used as a part of several herbal formulas too. Burdock is high in vitamins and minerals. It brings balance and nourishment to the herbal formula. These herbal formulas are useful for treating a variety of ailments.

Some researchers claim that burdock is also a part of the herbal formula to treat cancer and AIDS. Burdock leaves can be used in such formulas. The poultice of burdock leaves is also known to normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands.

The tea made from burdock leaves is said to have a laxative effect. It improves digestion and helps in toning the stomach. It can also provide a remedy to problems such as chronic indigestion.

A traditional Amish remedy to treat burns is made from the burdock leaves. Blending burdock leaves with egg whites can speed up the healing of wounds, and provides relief to the pain as well.

Burdock acts on the endocrine system, and hence helps in preventing significant fluctuations in the hormone levels. Therefore, the intake of tea or soup made from its leaves will help in regulating the hormone levels.

Burdock leaves have so many benefits, still they are not used widely due to the lack of scientific evidence. More research needs to be done on this plant to understand and utilize its full potential. A point to note is that, the effect of burdock leaves are not evident in the case of infrequent consumption. Whatever the case, make sure you consult your doctor or dietitian before deciding on anything, especially if you are suffering from any ailment.