Where is burdock root found

The plant generally prefers moist, nitrogen-rich soils, but will grow in a variety of soils. Common burdock is known to host powdery mildew and root rot, which can infect certain cash crops and other plant species. Livestock willingly graze common burdock, but if grazed in large quantities, foliage of the plant can give milk a bitter taste. The plant is considered toxic due to potential diuretic effects.

In addition, leaves and stems of the plant contain lactones and may cause dermatitis in humans. Common burdock is typically not a problem in crops since it does not tolerate cultivation. As with other plants that reproduce solely by seed, elimination of seed production and depletion of the seed bank should be the primary objective of an integrated plan to manage common burdock.

Preventing dispersal of the burs is critical in reducing seed spread. Established plants will resprout if the whole root is not removed. Any existing seed heads should be bagged and removed from the site. Plowing or disking will kill small plants.

Mowing or other cutting methods used prior to seed set will prevent seed formation. Diuretics help remove water from the body, offering relief for people retaining water.

Antioxidants help fight the effects of free radicals. They tend to accumulate with age, so researchers are interested in how antioxidants might slow the process of aging. Several studies have found that burdock root acts as an antioxidant. A study of diabetes in mice suggests that because of its antioxidant properties, burdock may improve symptoms of diabetes. Earlier research , including a study, found that burdock root actively seeks out and destroys free radicals.

Free radical damage, autoimmune disorders, and other medical conditions can cause chronic inflammation. Inflammation is linked to many medical conditions, including osteoarthritis.

A study found that burdock root significantly decreased measures of inflammation in people with knee osteoarthritis. Free radicals and inflammation are both linked to the development of cancer.

Preliminary research also supports the notion that burdock can help slow the growth of cancer. A study found that burdock might slow the growth of breast cancer tumors. If you are unsure, then do not buy or use the herb. Burdock may cause allergic reactions and other side effects. People who should avoid burdock root include:.

People with chronic or life-threatening health conditions should ask their doctor before using burdock root.

Burdock root is a fiber-rich vegetable. People who need more fiber, including those with diabetes, may wish to include it in their diet rather than take it as a supplement. Using the root as a whole product might be safer than using supplements. Burdock root may also help with some skin conditions, such as acne and minor skin irritation. Apply a paste or tincture directly to the affected area. Burdock root is available as a tea, an herbal tincture, a crushed powder that a person can take in pill form, and as a decoction, which is a liquid made from boiling the herb.

Some studies have found that fermented burdock is the best option, so people should consider fermented tinctures over other options. Some teas may also contain fermented burdock. Because burdock research is in its infancy, there is no single recommended minimum or maximum dose.

A glass of burdock tea per day should be safe. Consult an herbalist with a background in medicine for advice about the appropriate dosage. It is unsafe to use wild burdock because it might be contaminated. The roots can grow as long as 4 feet, but most commonly reach 24 inches. They are slender like a carrot or parsnip, and are brown outside with white flesh. Market potential is considered moderate to high for root and seed, moderate to low for leaves.

Can be sold to herbal medicinal market and as vegetable. In vitro, burdock shows mild antimicrobial activity. Burdock is started from seed and prefers a well drained soil rich in humus. Waterlogging is to be avoided, as it causes root rot. The plant prefers temperatures in the 68 degrees F to 77 degrees F range. Tops will die down at temperatures below 37 degrees F, but root will remain fine and can even survive temperatures below freezing. Can be sown directly in the field in the spring or fall in warmer areas, spaced 18 inches apart.

Thin seedlings to stand 6 inches apart in the row. Prepare the soil deeply to allow long roots to form. Pick off flowers to prevent formation of burrs. For fall plantings the seedlings are allowed to overwinter and growth resumes in the early spring for harvests in May and June.