The Benefits of Burdock Root from an Herbalist

Some herbs and roots that have always been a part of traditional cuisine are revealing that they even greater powers and healing properties. Burdock root is one of those foods that when incorporated into your diet either as a food or in a tea form will aid in recovery from antibiotic resistant infections.

Burdock root is both food and medicine. In Chinese medicine it is called Niu Bang and the seeds Niu Bang Zi are used for treating “heat” conditions such as fever, cough, and a sore, red swollen throat.  It is generally combined with other herbs to create fever formulas and “heat” conditions.

Heat conditions in Chinese medicine are inflammations such as arthritis or infections, in particular studies show that Burdock root is anti-inflammatory and also antioxidant meaning that it is cancer fighting.

Research shows that the extracts of burdock root are able to break down the biofilm of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics treatment of bladder infections. 

Roots in Chinese medicine are believed to nourish and heal at the deepest levels because they come from the soil. Roots are a reservoir of minerals and vitamins because they absorb directly from the earth. 

Because it has so many nutrition and healing benefits it is considered a food staple that is found in Asian and ethnic groceries and most super markets next to turnips and parsnips. 

It can easily be shredded and boiled to make into a tea and combined with honey and ginger.

Used in soups the root, it is similar to a turnip, but has a bitter flavor, it has high nutrient value and antioxidant properties (cancer fighting).

Studies show that burdock root may help with high blood pressure as it has a relaxing effect on blood vessels in addition to lowering blood cholesterol. Many traditional soup recipes that have beef or pork will often add some burdock and perhaps that is because of the fat metabolism.