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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) burdock root is revered for its detoxifying properties. Burdock root tea is a common remedy for clearing heat and toxins from the body. Burdock root’s main active ingredient is arctiin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an ideal natural remedy for conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Burdock root benefits for skin include improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and keeping the skin free of toxins.1
The health benefits of burdock root are well known. Burdock root extracts are used for medicinal purposes in holistic medicine to treat a number of conditions. The use of burdock root includes treatment for:2
- sore throats
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- cholesterol levels
- liver damage
- weight loss
- joint pain
- blood purifier
Burdock root has long been used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions. The most common use for burdock root is as a natural detoxifier. This means that it can help to remove toxins from the body, including the skin. Burdock root is also an anti-inflammatory agent. This means that it can help to reduce inflammation on the skin.3
More recently traditional medicine has found the benefits of using burdock root to help with skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The chemical compounds of this root vegetable include phenolic acids, tannins, and lignans. These substances work together to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and keep the skin free of toxins.4
Related: 11 Sea Moss Bladderwrack and Burdock Root Benefits
In northern Asia, burdock tea has been used to treat skin conditions for centuries. The burdock root is boiled in water and the strained liquid is drunk as a tea. This method of using burdock root is thought to cleanse the blood and help detoxify the body. A review of the pharmacological effects of arctium lappa. Burdock root (Arctium lappa) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Modern research has confirmed many of the traditional uses of burdock root and identified new therapeutic effects of this plant.5
Burdock root can be found in many health food stores in North America. While more scientific studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of burdock root for skin conditions, there is no doubt that this natural remedy has been used successfully for many years. If you are looking for a natural way to detoxify your body or reduce inflammation, consider adding burdock root to your diet.6
15 Burdock Root Benefits for Skin
1. Reduces Skin Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Burdock root contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation on the skin. The active ingredients in burdock root, arctiin and lignans, work together to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.7
2. Keeps Skin Free of Toxins
Burdock root is a natural detoxifier that helps to remove toxins from the body, including the skin. The detoxifying properties of burdock root help to keep the skin free of toxins and promote clear, healthy skin. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins from the body and the burdock root helps to support this system.
Related: These Are The Top 35 Herbs To Help With Sleep, Stress, Digestion, and Skincare
3. Soothes Sunburns
The anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root can also help to soothe sunburns. Applying a cool compress made with burdock root tea can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with sunburns. The active compounds in burdock root will also help to keep the skin free of toxins and promote healing.
4. Reduces the Appearance of Age Spots
Age spots are a common sign of aging skin. Burdock root can help to reduce the appearance of age spots by lightening the skin and evening out skin tone. Free radicals are one of the main causes of age spots. The antioxidants in burdock root help to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage.
5. Reduces Under-Eye Circles
Burdock root benefits for skin can also help to reduce under-eye circles. The detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root help to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the main causes of under-eye circles.
6. Moisturizes Dry Skin
Burdock root is a natural moisturizer that can help to hydrate dry skin. The plant sterols in burdock root help to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Essential fatty acids in the root vegetable also help to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Related: Nourish Your Skin From the Inside Out With This Plant-Infused Recipes
7. Fights Acne
The anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties of burdock root make it an effective treatment for acne. The antibacterial properties of burdock root help to fight acne-causing bacteria and keep the skin clear. Burdock root can be taken internally or used topically to fight acne.8
8. Heals Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root can help to heal eczema and soothe the skin. Burdock root contains essential fatty acids that help to nourish and heal the skin.
9. Reduces Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by red, scaly patches of skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root can help to reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis. Burdock root can be taken internally or used topically to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
10. Improves Circulation
Burdock root benefits for skin are known to improve circulation. The improved circulation helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, which promotes clear, healthy skin. Blood circulation also helps to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles.
Related: The Herb to Treat Acne And Has Skin-Clearing Superpowers
11. Promotes Clear Skin
Burdock root is a natural detoxifying agent that helps to remove toxins from the body, including the skin. The detoxifying properties of burdock root help to keep the skin clear and promote healthy skin. It’s also a natural diuretic, which helps to flush out toxins and reduce bloating.
12. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The antioxidants in burdock fruit help to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage. The vitamin C content in burdock root also helps to promote collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
13. Prevents Cancer
Herbal teas like burdock root contain polyphenols, which are plant-based chemicals that have been shown to prevent the development of cancer. The antioxidant properties in burdock root help to neutralize free radicals and protect the body from damage. These types of powerful antioxidants are known to boost the immune system and prevent disease.
14. Improves Liver Health
Your liver is connected to your skin health because it’s responsible for removing toxins from your body. When your liver is functioning properly, it helps to keep your skin clear and healthy. Burdock root is a liver-detoxifying agent that helps to remove toxins from the body and improve liver function.
15. Helps Improve Skin Tone
That natural glow comes from within. When your body is free of toxins, you’re likely to have clearer, healthier skin. Burdock root benefits for skin can help to improve your skin tone by detoxifying the body and promoting clear skin. The antioxidants in burdock root also help to protect the skin from damage and keep it looking young and radiant.
Burdock root is a rich source of antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. These compounds scavenge reactive oxygen species and protect cells and DNA from damage. The antioxidants in burdock root also help to neutralize free radicals and protect the body from damage. In herbal medicine, burdock root is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and wrinkles. It’s also effective in treating liver disease and cancer.
How To Use Burdock Root For Skin
Depending on your skin concern, you can use burdock root in different ways. For acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, you can apply it topically as a spot treatment or all over the face as a mask. For dry skin, you can add it to your moisturizer or make a simple oil infusion with burdock root and jojoba oil.
General Topical Use
General use is ideal for someone who wants to try using burdock root for skin but doesn’t have a specific skin condition they’re trying to treat. You can add it to your regular skincare routine or use it as a mask once or twice a week.
To make an infusion, start by simmering 1/4 cup (60 ml) of dried burdock root in 2 cups (480 ml) of water for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding 1/4 cup (60 ml) of jojoba oil. Store in a glass jar and apply to the face nightly.
For Skin Concerns
Skin concerns are best treated with a targeted approach. If you’re using burdock root for acne, eczema, or psoriasis, you’ll want to use it more frequently. You can apply it topically as a spot treatment or all over the face as a mask.
For acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, you can also make a stronger decoction by simmering 1/2 cup (120 ml) of dried burdock root in 2 cups (480 ml) of water for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding 1/4 cup (60 ml) of jojoba oil. Store in a glass jar and apply to the face nightly.
For Dry Skin
Dry skin is often a result of a lack of moisture. Adding burdock root to your regular moisturizer can help to infuse the skin with hydration and keep it looking plump and healthy.
If you have dry skin, you can add burdock root to your regular moisturizer. Simply add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the infusion to your moisturizer and apply as usual. You can also make a simple oil infusion with burdock root and jojoba oil. This is especially helpful in the winter when skin tends to be drier. To make the infusion, simmer 1/4 cup (60 ml) of dried burdock root in 2 cups (480 ml) of water for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding 1/4 cup (60 ml) of jojoba oil. Store in a glass jar and apply to the face nightly.
Burdock Root Tea
Adding tea to your diet is a great way to improve your health and well-being. Not only is tea packed with antioxidants, it’s also hydrating and soothing.
You can also brewed burdock root tea to drink. This is especially helpful if you have skin concerns like acne or eczema that are internally related. To make the tea, simmer 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dried burdock root in 1 cup (240 ml) of water for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes before straining. Drink 1 cup (240 ml) nightly.
If you prefer to take it as a supplement look for capsules that contain 500 mg of dried burdock root. Take 1 capsule nightly.
Where To Buy Burdock Root
When you buy burdock root, make sure to get it from a reputable source. Look for organic, dried burdock root that is free of pesticides and herbicides. You can find it online or at your local health food store.
Our favorite brands:
Frontier Co-op Cut and Sifted Burdock Root- $13
Cut burdock root is perfect for cooking or tea. It can be used in stews, soups, and sauteed vegetables. It also can be mixed with other teas or brewed by itself.
Nature’s Way Burdock Root, 950 mg Capsules – $10
The capsules are great for taking burdock root internally, which can help with detoxification and various skin concerns from the inside out. For example, if you’re struggling with acne, taking burdock root capsules can help to cleanse your liver and blood, reduce inflammation, and balance hormones.
Buddha Teas Organic Burdock Root Tea – $8
Tea is a great and convenient way to get your daily dose of burdock root. This particular brand never uses additives or “natural” flavorings. Instead, they use substantial quantities of key ingredients like burdock root to make a potent tea.
Burdock Root Side Effects
Burdock root is safe for most people when taken orally or applied to the skin in the amounts typically used. Side effects are rare but may include upset stomach, diarrhea, and skin irritation. If you have a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as chrysanthemums, daisies, or marigolds, you should avoid using burdock root.
Burdock root is a versatile and powerful herb that has many uses. It is especially helpful for skin concerns like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. When used topically, it can be applied as a spot treatment or all over the face as a mask. It can also be added to your regular moisturizer or made into a tea to drink. Burdock root is safe to use and you can find it online or at your local health food store.