Unveiling Burdock’s Powers: Combat Cancer, Soothe Inflammation, and More

Used for centuries for food and medicine, burdock root is a multifaceted healer.

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Burdock is both a nutritious food and a versatile medicinal herb. It contains compounds that aid in combating cancer, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain, as well as supporting health issues such as constipation, obesity, and skin conditions.

All parts of burdock are useful. A 2010 study published in Inflammopharmacology indicated that the active compounds in burdock root could ‘detoxify blood’ in terms of TCM [traditional Chinese medicine]“ and ”promote blood circulation to the skin surface,” thereby improving skin conditions and treating diseases such as eczema. Additionally, researchers have found antioxidants and anti-diabetic compounds in burdock root.

Burdock seeds have been found to contain active compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and “potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors, such as pancreatic cancer.” Furthermore, active components isolated from burdock leaf extracts can suppress the growth of microorganisms in the mouth.

A 2023 review indicated that burdock and its bioactive metabolites possess numerous pharmacological effects, “including antimicrobial, anti-obesity, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, [and] antiviral ... activities,”  as well as protective effects on the stomach, liver, and nervous system.

A study published in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica revealed that arctigenin, the primary active compound in burdock, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It shows significant promise in treating acute inflammation and various chronic diseases and may help improve metabolic disorders and central nervous system dysfunctions.

Ancient Chinese medical texts document that regular consumption of burdock aids in weight loss and is anti-aging. The texts indicated that burdock cleanses the intestines, relieves constipation, and helps flatten the abdomen, which in turn contributes to healthier skin.

Burdock is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in increasing beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones. It also promotes intestinal peristalsis, thereby eliminating toxins from the body and preventing constipation. Additionally, the insoluble dietary fiber in burdock requires thorough chewing, naturally slowing down your eating pace and increasing satiety.

2 Nutritional Recipes Featuring Burdock

Burdock Root Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 burdock root
• 1.06 ounce (30 grams) sesame seeds
• 0.71 ounce (20 grams) white vinegar
• 0.18 ounce (5 grams) salt
• 0.35 ounce (10 grams) sugar
• 0.35 ounce (10 grams) sesame oil

Preparation:

1. Wash burdock root, peel, and cut into thin shreds.
2. Blanch burdock shreds in boiling water until cooked. Remove and cool in cold water before draining.
3. Add sesame seeds and seasonings, mix well, and it is ready to serve.

Five-Element Vegetable Soup

More than 20 years ago, a friend of my father’s was diagnosed with cancer and experienced severe pain. During my visit, he described the pain as so intense that he felt near death. I suggested he try Five-Element Vegetable Soup. After eating the soup, he reported feeling significantly better, which brought him great joy.

The soup consists of five vegetables: white radish, radish greens, red carrot, shiitake mushrooms, and burdock. These vegetables correspond to the five colors of white, green, red, black, and yellow, respectively. According to traditional Chinese medicine’s Five Elements theory, these colors correspond to the five organs: lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and spleen. Regular consumption of this soup is believed to offer various benefits, including pain relief, improved bowel movements, anti-aging effects, and enhanced immunity.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces white radish
• 12 ounces radish greens
• 10 ounces red carrot
• 3-5 fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 8 ounces burdock

Directions:

• Wash and chop vegetables into small pieces.
• In a large pot, add 14 cups water.
• Add the chopped vegetables to pot.
• Bring water and vegetables to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for two hours.
• Strain soup to separate vegetables from broth.
• The unsalted vegetable broth is now ready to be eaten.

Storage Method for Burdock

When purchasing burdock, it is advisable not to buy it in large quantities to prevent moisture loss over time. If you cannot use it promptly, wrap the burdock in newspaper or plastic wrap and store it in a cool, shaded place. Alternatively, you can wrap it in damp newspaper and store it in the refrigerator.

Precautions for Eating Burdock

Individuals with poor gastrointestinal function or gastrointestinal inflammation should avoid eating excessive amounts of burdock to prevent bloating or diarrhea. Additionally, elderly individuals with dental issues and young children who have not yet developed teeth should also avoid eating burdock.

Natural Remedies Using Burdock

1. Burdock Juice for Relieving Sore Throat

For children who often suffer from sore throats, preparing burdock juice by mashing or blending it can be beneficial. It is recommended to drink the burdock juice slowly, as it can help alleviate throat pain.

2. Burdock Porridge for Improving Acne

Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with irregular daily routines and high-stress levels. Symptoms typically occur in the T-zone of the face (on the sides of the nose, and the forehead). The skin may become red, itchy, and even flaky, affecting facial appearance.

The renowned traditional Chinese medicine text, “Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu)”, offers a simple solution—burdock porridge. To prepare it, boil three burdock roots until soft, mash them into a juice, and then cook the juice with rice to make porridge. This remedy may help improve acne and seborrheic dermatitis.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.