Burdock Oil for Hair and Scalp

Benefits

• Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support healthy skin.
• Traditionally used as a bitter tonic to support digestion.
• Traditionally used to help maintain the body's natural elimination processes.
• Contains prebiotic inulin that helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
• Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve occasional skin blemishes.
• Provides plant antioxidants such as caffeoylquinic acids.

What people commonly use it for

• Blemish-prone skin (Traditional use)
• Occasional sluggish digestion (Traditional use)
• Dry, flaky skin (Traditional use)
• Gut health support (Some research on inulin as a prebiotic)
• General seasonal cleansing routines (Traditional use)

Suggested to use alongside

• Dandelion: Traditional herbal partner for skin and digestion
• Nettle: Mineral-rich herb often combined
• Herbal tea: Burdock root brews into a traditional tea

Burdock (Arctium lappa) root is rich in inulin, a fructan fibre that can make up around 45 per cent of its dry weight. Inulin is not digested in the small intestine and reaches the large bowel intact, where bacteria such as Bifidobacteria ferment it into short-chain fatty acids. This prebiotic action is well documented for inulin in general (see the NIH and Examine.com summaries of inulin).

Burdock also contains lignans (arctiin and arctigenin), polyphenols such as caffeoylquinic acids and chlorogenic acid, flavonoids and bitter sesquiterpene lactones. Laboratory studies show these have antioxidant activity and can affect inflammatory signalling, which helps explain its traditional use for skin and general vitality. The bitter taste is thought to stimulate saliva, stomach juices and bile flow, which is the traditional basis for using it as a digestive tonic.

Preparations include:

• Dried root tea (decoction): simmered for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Tincture: an alcohol extract of fresh or dried root.
• Capsules and powders: convenient for daily use.
• Fresh root: sliced and cooked as a vegetable.

Human clinical trials on burdock are scarce. Its place in herbal medicine rests mostly on centuries of traditional use, particularly in European herbal tradition, and burdock is often combined with other herbs such as dandelion, yellow dock and red clover in traditional skin formulas.

• Form: Oil

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Supplier ref: Burdock Oil for Hair and Scalp Treatments

What is burdock root used for?

Burdock root is traditionally used to support healthy skin and digestion. It is also a rich source of prebiotic inulin.

Is burdock the same as gobo?

Yes, gobo is the Japanese name for burdock root, which is eaten as a vegetable. Medicinal products use the same plant.

How do you take burdock root?

You can drink it as a tea made from simmered root, or take capsules or tincture. Follow the directions on your product.

What does burdock taste like?

Burdock root is earthy, slightly sweet and a little bitter. It is often compared to artichoke or parsnip.

Can burdock cause bloating?

The inulin in burdock can cause gas or bloating in sensitive people, especially at first. Start with a small amount.

How long does burdock take to work?

As a traditional tonic, burdock is typically used for several weeks. Effects are gentle rather than immediate.

Avoid if you are allergic to daisy family plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, chamomile). Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless advised. Burdock may have a mild diuretic effect and may interact with blood sugar or blood thinning medicines, so check with a health professional.

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