Burdock Root: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits, and Recipes

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Bunch of fresh whole and half burdock taprootsBurdock root is a very versatile vegetable. You can use it to make burdock root tea, take it in supplement form, or eat it as a vegetable. It actually has a pleasantly crunchy texture with an earthy and sweet flavor that is similar to celeriac or lotus root.

Burdock root belongs to the Asteraceae family and has the genus Arctium. It also is referred to by its plant name, Arctium lappa. The biennial plant is native to Europe and Northern Asia, but it now can be found throughout the U.S., where it grows as a weed. In Japan, it is grown as a vegetable and called gobo root. It is typically cooked or eaten fresh, while the young leaves can also be cooked like most vegetables.

The burdock plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and bright purple or pink-red, thistle-like flowers. The burdock roots are brownish-green or black on the outside. The slender root will typically grow over two feet tall.

Burdock Root Nutrition

What are burdock root nutrition facts? Burdock root contains primarily plant sterols, volatile oils, carbohydrates, tannins, and fatty oils. Studies have shown that burdock root contains powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids.

From a nutritional perspective, a cup of cooked burdock root contains 26.4 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, and 2.2 g of fiber. As for its micronutrient content, burdock root is an excellent source of vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also contains some vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, folate, choline, betaine, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.

The following is a burdock root nutrition chart that contains information for a cup of one-inch pieces of cooked burdock root, which is about 125g.

Nutrient Amount Daily Value
Calories 110 6.00%
Carbohydrates 26.4g 9.00%
Fiber 2.2g 9.00%
Protein 2.6g 5.00%
Total Fat 0.2g N/A
Iron 1.0mg 5.00%
Manganese 0.3mg 17.00%
Copper 0.1mg 6.00%
Calcium 61.2mg 6.00%
Magnesium 48.8mg 12.00%
Phosphorus 116mg 12.00%
Potassium 450mg 13.00%
Selenium 1.1mcg 2.00%
Zinc 0.5mg 3.00%
Folate 25.0mcg 6.00%
Vitamin B3 0.4mg 2.00%
Vitamin B5 0.4mg 4.00%
Vitamin B2 0.1mg 4.00%
Vitamin B1 0.1mg 5.00%
Vitamin B6 0.3mg 17.00%
Vitamin C 3.3mg 5.00%
Vitamin E 0.6mg 3.00%
Vitamin K 2.5mcg 3.00%
Choline 17.9mg N/A
Betaine 0.2mg N/A

* Source: Self Nutrition Data

7 Health Benefits of Burdock Root

What are the health benefits of burdock root? For thousands of years, burdock root has been used medicinally and valued for its ability to purify blood and cool internal heat. Both externally and internally, burdock root has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on the human body.

For centuries burdock root has been used to improve scalp condition and relieve scalp irritation. Burdock root is also used to prevent hair loss and treat dandruff.

In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock fruit is typically associated with the stomach and lung meridians, and it can cool internal heat. In European folk medicine, infused burdock seeds was often used as a diuretic, and would support digestion and elimination.

The reported burdock root health benefits are very impressive and suggest the herb may treat a wide range of serious chronic diseases that plague society today. For instance, burdock may help treat painful tonsillitis by decreasing inflammation, increasing wound healing, and helping to relieve sore throats, coughs, and pain. Also, burdock root may benefit people that suffer from an enlarged spleen as it is said to improve circulation, blood quality, liver health, and fight inflammation.

Let’s take a brief look at the reported ways burdock root can improve your health.

Black Seed Oil Diabetes1. Diabetes Treatment

Burdock contains the soluble and prebiotic fiber called inulin, which lowers blood sugar and improves digestion.

As a result, burdock root may be beneficial for managing blood sugar and treating diabetes.

In a rat study published in the journal Planta Medica in 2012, burdock root was able to reduce the severity of diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy.

2. Blood Purification?

Burdock root is described as a blood purifier in many traditional herbal texts, and it was believed to clear toxins from the bloodstream. The active ingredients in burdock root may detoxify heavy metals from the blood, which can improve organs over the entire body. It may also promote healthy blood circulation, which in turn improves skin health. More scientific evidence is needed to support this use, however.

3. Skin Treatment

Many skin products contain burdock root. The reported blood-cleansing and internal cooling properties of burdock root may also help treat common skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2008 found that topical burdock extract treatment led to visible wrinkle reduction.

4. Lymphatic System Detoxification

Alongside its touted natural blood cleansing properties, burdock root is said to have a powerful effect on the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the body’s drainage system, which is a network of lymph nodes and blood vessels that carry fluids from tissues around the body and into the blood. Burdock root is often used to induce detoxification and lymphatic drainage. Strengthening your lymphatic system can help the body fight all sorts of health issues. Still, more clinical research is needed to support this claim.

Exercises for Knee Arthritis5. Arthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis affects over 50 million people in the U.S, according to the 2005 Census. The anti-inflammatory properties in burdock root may help soothe arthritis. Studies have found that burdock root tea improves oxidative stress and inflammatory status in knee osteoarthritis patients.

In one study, participants were given three cups of burdock root tea daily for 42 days, and then assessed for inflammatory markers. The results show that the patients with osteoarthritis taking burdock root tea had lower inflammatory markers.

6. Diuretic Properties

Diuretics stimulate the kidneys and help rid the body of excess fluids. Burdock has also been used to help the body eliminate excess water and waste from the blood due to the increase of urine output.

The star sign Cancer written on a blackboard.7. Cancer-Fighting Properties

Burdock root shows promise in cancer treatment because it contains a lignin called arctigenin. Arctigenin has been shown to combat cancer cells by stopping the proliferation of cancer cells, and inhibiting cancer cells production of certain NPAT proteins.

Studies have found that arctigenin can kill human lung cancer cells, human stomach cancer cells, and human liver cancer cells. Animal studies have also found that burdock root can fight different types of cancers, including colon, mammary, and pancreatic cancer.

How to Use and Cook with Burdock Root

Fresh burdock root or dried burdock root is often found in Asian specialty stores, some farmer’s markets, and health food stores. Burdock root makes a great addition to stews or vegetable stir-fry. You can also pickle it, or peel, slice, and eat burdock root raw with some sea salt.

Always clean burdock root well; and if you don’t like the skin, you can peel it like a carrot. If kept in a cool and well-ventilated area, clean and dried roots can stay fresh for several months. Burdock supplements can be purchased in various forms either online or at a health food store. Supplement options include dried burdock root powder, burdock root capsules, burdock root tea, burdock root tincture, and burdock root oil. A typical dosage of powdered dry burdock root is one to two grams, three times daily.

Want some inspiration to make a burdock root recipe? Try the following burdock root and carrot stir-fry, which is also known as Kimpira.

Ingredients:

  • 3 or 4 burdock roots, or about 4 cups cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 carrot or a 1/2 cup of carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. of Asian-style sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp. of coconut sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. of shichimi togarashi or cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce or coconut sauce
  • Toasted white sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

  • Cut the burdock root and carrot into matchstick-sized pieces. Soak them in a large non-reactive bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. Drain, and remove the excess water by wrapping the burdock root and carrot into a clean dishtowel, and remove as much water as possible.
  • In a wok or large skillet, heat the sesame oil on medium-high heat, and stir-fry the burdock root and carrot for five to eight minutes.
  • Add the coconut sugar, cayenne or shichimi togarashi, and mix well. Add the soy sauce or coconut sauce, and stir-fry until liquid is absorbed. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving warm or at room temperature. You will get about four servings from the recipe.

Burdock Root Warnings and Side Effects

Although burdock root is considered safe to eat, pregnant women should avoid burdock root because it may damage the fetus. You should also avoid burdock root if you are dehydrated because the herb’s diuretic effects can worsen dehydration. Also, you could possibly experience an allergic reaction to burdock when used externally or internally if you’re sensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family such as daisies, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and ragweed.

It is always best to purchase burdock root products from reputable companies. This is because burdock root closely resembles the deadly nightshade belladonna, and there is a risk of contamination with the potentially dangerous herb. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking burdock if you take diabetes medications, blood-thinning medications, or diuretics, because burdock can slow blood clotting and it may increase bleeding and bruising.

Burdock root is not only delicious, but may be incredibly beneficial for treating serious health issues. Burdock root has been shown in studies to fight cancer, treat diabetes, improve arthritis, and treat an enlarged spleen. It’s also very versatile as the root can be used raw, cooked, made into a tea, or consumed as a supplement. Ask your health provider if the plant is right for you.


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Sources:
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“Burdock,” The University of Maryland Medical Center; https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/burdock, last accessed Feb. 16, 2017.
“Health Benefits of Burdock,” Organic Facts; https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/burdock.html, last accessed Feb. 16, 2017.
“Edible Burdock Root: Health Benefits & Nutritional Properties,” Heal with Food; http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/burdock-root.php, last accessed Feb. 16, 2017.
“Burdock root nutrition facts,” Nutrition and You; http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/burdock-root.html, last accessed Feb. 16, 2017.