The burdock root comes from the burdock plant, which originates in Europe and have since been introduced into North America. The plant is otherwise known as the cockle buttons, burr seed, beggar’s buttons, thorny burr, among other names.
The burdock plant is characterized by its large leaves and purple petals that resemble thistle flowers. Meanwhile, the roots of the burdock see several benefits for cosmetic, beauty and medicine, which also includes helps to get a healthy hair.
History of Burdock Usage
Burdock’s cosmetic uses have originated since centuries ago, hence its variety of names used to refer it. Native American tribes regarded the burdock as a prized plant and made a candy out of it by boiling the stem of the plant in maple syrup. At the same time in middle-ages Europe, the burdock plant is utilized as a treatment for blood purification. Nowadays many herbal specialists recommend the use of burdock roots for hair treatment.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Data from Hair Information suggests that the normal hair growth cycle lasts for 2 to 3 years. During this so-called stage, hair grows half-an-inch every month. If the hair is at the healthiest condition, 90% of the hair cells will help the growth while the remaining remains dormant. The dormant hair will fall out within three months and are replaced with newer ones since.
Nutrients of Burdock
Herbal Legacy has it that the burdock contains a high reserve of beneficial nutrients such as mucilage, tannins, inulins, essential fatty acids as well as vitamin A. Each of them plays a vital role in nourishing hair and skin, reducing cholesterol while substituting it with fibers.
Other Functions of the Burdock
Here are all the burdock root benefits for hair and overall health:
- A Source of Antioxidants
This is the first burdock root benefits for hair. A 2010 research found out that burdock root contains various powerful types of antioxidants, such as quercetin, phenolic acids and luteolin. These antioxidants serve multi-purpose functions of the body.
- Cleanses the Blood from Toxins
A 2011 scientific finding made an outcome that the antioxidant found inside burdock doesn’t only cleanse the body system, but the blood systems as well. Burdock detoxifies blood and promote a healthier blood circulation in return. These are the 18 symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Blocks the Growth of Cancer
Burdock blocks the growth of cancer just like list medicinal plants used cancer treatment. In addition to providing antioxidants and cleanses the blood system from toxins, it has also been discovered recently that burdock prohibits the growth of cancer-causing tumors such as the pancreatic carcinoma. Burdock is yet to prove itself in curing other types of cancer, but then the discovery of burdock’s ability to cure just this type of cancer is already a breakthrough on its own.Â
- It also Serves as an Aphrodisiac
Burdock’s purpose as an aphrodisiac have dated since the olden days. A 2012 experiment discovered that burdock possesses aphrodisiac effects on male rats by increasing the sexual function and behaviour. Despite that, this result is still yet to be proven on human beings.
- It also Cures the Skin
Burdock also sees its role as an herbal medicine by being able to cure various skin issues such as psoriasis, acne as well as eczema. This is because burdock carries anti-inflammatory plus antibacterial properties when its topical solution is applied to the skin with the problems above. A 2014 study have found out that burdock’s skin healing abilities have extended to treating burns too.
- Heals common scalp problems such as itching, dandruff, redness or scalp allergies. Here are the benefits of curry leaves for dandruff.
- The final burdock root benefits for hair is that it strengthens the hair instead of making it weak and fall out. These are also the benefits of papaya seeds for hair growth.
How to Use Burdock for Scalp or Hair Treatment
- Mix the burdock tincture with water and apply it directly to the scalp.
- Massage the mixture gently throughout all areas of the scalp, particularly along the hair roots.
As you see, the practice above helps in strengthening your hair thanks to burdock’s plentiful source of vitamin A and positive essential fatty acids. The practice above also works as a solution to get rid of common scalp problems, such as dandruff, itchiness, redness, allergies as well as infections. You can also try out these two interesting recipes to get a healthy hair and scalp with the help of burdock roots.Â
Burdock Tea Rinse
- Brew burdock in boiling water and let it cool afterwards.
- Pour the brew on the final rinse of hair washing to prevent hairfall and promote a stronger and healthier hair.
Here are also the 5 benefits of washing hair with castile soap.
Burdock Honey
- Add a spoonful of honey to a cup of burdock tea.
- Apply it on the hair as a leave-in conditioner and rinse after 15 minutes.
Warnings and Precautions
Burdock products, such as the burdock oil may pose certain side effects to ourselves. An example of a side effect would be an imbalance in blood sugar levels, hence causing it to either rise or reduce. Other examples of burdock side effects are electrolyte imbalance as well as skin allergies.
It should also be noted that burdock products are best to be avoided by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers as well as diabetic people. For more information, please consult your doctor or physician before trying burdock products.
Burdock root products are also safe to be consumed, provided that you obtain it from a reputable seller instead of picking it on your own in the wild. Burdock plants have a high resemblance to that of the highly toxic belladonna nightshade, and yet they often grow within the same area. This is why you should never consider collecting burdock plant in the wild.
Burdocks are also natural diuretics, in which one should never consume it when thirsty or dehydrated. Dehydration can also occur if you take burdock along with other diuretics.
Those who possess allergies with chrysanthemum and daisies are also on the same risk of being allergic to burdock products.
Those are basically the wonderful burdock root benefits for hair and overall health. If you are looking for a new yet organic method to make your hair grow more and better, burdock roots can come as an effective solution.