Burdock Root Side Effects

Burdock root, originally grown in Europe and northern Asia, is now found in many parts of North America as well. Traditionally, burdock root was used in a number of herbal remedies to treat various health conditions and illnesses. Even till date, burdock root is one of the most sought after alternative treatments, although, its use has to be monitored carefully due to the various burdock root side effects. Burdock is taken these days in pill form or as a tea. Burdock ointments are applied on skin for treating skin disorders too. Below are some of the uses of burdock root, followed by the side effects of the same.

Uses for Burdock Root

• Burdock root seeds are very rich in vitamin A, vitamin B as well as the essential fatty acids. So, intake of burdock root seeds helps the body in fulfilling the requirements of these nutrients.
• Burdock root helps in purifying the blood, by getting rid of the toxins in it. If taken orally, burdock root can help in treating many skin disorders such as acne, pimples, eczema, ulcers, etc.
• Burdock root helps in soothing the joints as well and hence is really useful in the treatment of arthritis.
• The amount of burdock root nutrition can be gauged from the fact that it is a rich source of iron, beneficial oils as well as insulin. That is why, in many places, it is eaten as a vegetable.
• Intake of Burdock root preparations, by a person who has stomach problems, leads to increased perspiration as well as urination in him. This helps in restoring the person's digestive health.
• According to Chinese traditions, burdock root is an aphrodisiac and hence, its consumption can treat problems such as impotency and inability to bear a child.

Side Effects of Burdock Root

• One of the burdock root side effects is that when its preparations are used on the skin, it can lead to an allergic reaction. Even handling the burdock plant with bare hands, can cause allergy on the skin.
• Another burdock root side effect is that when it is taken orally, it can cause increased urination in the person. That is why, Burdock root tea is not recommended for pregnant women.
• According to some researches, if burdock root gets contaminated with belladonna during harvesting, then a person who uses such burdock products, can experience symptoms such as dryness in mouth and an altered heart rate.
• Tannins that are present in the burdock plant, can be toxic. These can cause side effects such as stomach problems and in some severe cases, even liver damage and kidney damage.
• Burdock root affects the blood sugar levels in a person. It can either increase or reduce the blood sugar levels, that is why, a person who has diabetes, has to consult a medical practitioner, before starting to take burdock root as a remedy for any health condition.
• Burdock root tea can cause poisoning in a person and may even lead to eye inflammations.
• Burdock root can hamper with the absorption of iron by the body.
• If burdock root is taken with some other medicines, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, it can react and produce many side effects.
• Certain components in the burdock root are known to cause stimulation of the uterus, and hence, all pregnant women should avoid using burdock root as it can be damaging to the fetus

Looking at the Burdock root side effects, one can conclude that its usage has to be totally decided by a trained herbalist or a doctor. So, prior to starting its course, consulting a trained medical practitioner is recommended.