Burdock Root: Where to Buy, The Benefits, and More
When we think of healing herbs, images of leafy greens and delicate flowers typically pop into our heads. Surprisingly, many of the natural herbs we use today are derived from what is underneath these plants: the roots.
One of the most popular of these underground natural remedies is burdock root. Today, we’ll be doing a deep dive on this well-loved herb, sharing everything you need to know about burdock root: where to buy, the benefits, and why you shouldn’t harvest your own in the wild.
What is Burdock Root?
Also known by its Latin name, Articum lappa, burdock root has deep roots (pun intended) in natural medicine practices across cultures and centuries. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but despite its beneficial properties, it is often seen as a bothersome weed due to its namesake “burrs,” which are sharp seeds that travel by attaching themselves to any animals or people that may pass by.
Fortunately, the burdock plant is more than just a pest, as it has a number of benefits when used in an herbal regimen, such as:
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Burdock root serves as a remarkable reservoir of vital nutrients that actively contribute to our overall health. Its nutritional profile includes a bevy of vitamins, such vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin E, all of which play important roles in maintaining our well-being. Even better, it boasts a number of essential minerals such as potassium, iron, and manganese.
Immune-Boosting Antioxidants
One of the standout qualities of burdock root is its robust antioxidant properties, which boosts immune system function, helps prevent oxidative stress, and helps protect your body from free radicals. Burdock root contains an arsenal of antioxidant compounds, such as quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids.
Promotes Healthy Skin
For generations, burdock root has held an important place in traditional remedies that have been aimed at cultivating healthy, glowing skin. This is due to the herb’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial attributes, which can help reduce the appearance of puffy, inflamed, or acne-riddled skin.
Aids Digestion
When consumed—either through a tincture, tea, or supplement—burdock root can help soothe a number of tummy troubles and promote healthy digestion. It gently acts as a natural laxative, fostering regular bowel movements and preventing the discomfort of constipation. Burdock root’s high fiber content supports a harmonious digestive system by nurturing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In addition to making you feel more “regular,” the high amounts of fiber in burdock root can help you on your weight loss journey, making you feel a sense of fullness alongside regulating the digestive system like the other herbs for digestion.
Helps Detoxify the Body and Blood
Burdock root has been traditionally used as herbs for natural detox, which are intended to purify the blood, and in turn, help our bodies function to the best of their abilities. Though our liver is the only thing that can truly detox our bodies, studies have found that burdock root may actually be able to support that function. It does this by promoting increased circulation in the surface of our skin and blood, helping the liver do its job more efficiently.
Where to Buy Burdock Root?
Unlike many herbs, burdock root is relatively easy to find in the wild, so you could potentially harvest your own herbal remedies. However, this can be dangerous, and not because of the burdock plant’s namesake burrs.
In the wild, the burdock plant looks remarkably like the belladonna nightshade plant. Unlike burdock, belladonna nightshade is extremely toxic to humans and can be fatal. For this reason, we recommend purchasing burdock root only from reputable sellers.
If you’re wondering where to buy burdock root tinctures, teas, or supplements, here are a few options:
These are just a few online options to buy burdock root. If you are looking for something more local, try stopping by your local farmer’s market or natural grocer. No matter where you buy burdock root, ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable vendor rather than going the DIY route.
Give Burdock Root a Try Today!
Now that you know where to buy burdock root, you’re ready to add this powerful herb to your arsenal of natural remedies. As such a versatile, nutritionally dense herb with a multitude of health benefits—promoting healthy skin, aiding in digestion, and helping you detox—you know that burdock root is far more than just a backyard pest!