Burdock root is a root of a plant that has been used in treating various illnesses for hundreds of years now. Can it be valuable for those who suffer from gout as well? This article will mainly talk about the effectiveness of burdock root for gout. Can it really be beneficial for the condition, or is it the other way around? Read on to know the answers!
Burdock Root for Gout: What is it, by the way?
Burdock root actually comes from the burdock, a genus of a weed, which is connected to sunflowers and is part of the daisy family. Furthermore, it is obtainable in tea form in different tinctures. Various manufacturers of this tea are promising a very wide range of health benefits.
Moreover, there are several studies that have documented the potential of the root in treating common conditions, including inflammation, diabetes, as well as cancer. Nevertheless, the results haven’t been agreed upon universally.
The burdock root is native to the regions in Europe and North Asia. Furthermore, it now grows extensively in the United States as weeds. In various parts of the world, people take it like a root vegetable, just like the potatoes.
Furthermore, the burdock plant has large heart-shaped leaves. Not just that, it also yields purple flowers in the autumn and spring. When it comes to the traditional medicine, it the burdock roots that offer a multitude of health benefits.
The burdock root has oils in it, as well as compounds like plant sterols and tannins. Nonetheless, doctors don’t actually know which of the components of the plant offer the health benefits. Well, this is because most research examines the burdock root as a whole, and not on a specific element in the root.
Burdock Root for Gout: Is it beneficial for the condition?
Various herbalists use the burdock root as a blood purifier, as it is a famous detoxifier and possesses a diuretic effect on the body that is beneficial in removing the impurities of the blood from the bloodstream throughout the kidneys, thus helping in the blood circulation. This is very important for those who suffer from gout. This is for the reason that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant as well.
Furthermore, what makes the burdock root specifically interesting to those who suffer from gout is that it has a very strong xanthine oxidase inhibitor. This is the enzyme, which produces uric acid. If you block this particular enzyme, it is the same way of how the prescription drugs Febuxostat and Allopurinol reduces the levels or uric acid in the blood.
Moreover, the burdock root also has inulin, a carbohydrate that is beneficial in strengthening the liver. It also provides a sugar that does not provoke the rapid production of insulin for those who are diabetic. Not just that, it also has polyacetylenes that may destroy the fungus and bacteria cultures.
Burdock Root for Gout: Other Benefits
Aside from the aforementioned capability of the burdock root in treating gout, here are some other benefits of it:
- Boosts the immune system: the significant levels of vitamin E and vitamin C in burdock root is beneficial in eliminating free radicals. Thus, it is beneficial in boosting the immune system.
- Promotes the hormone balance: the burdock root is beneficial for the liver in metabolizing definite hormones, just like estrogen that may rebalance the hormone levels of the body.
- Skin care: a lot of herbalists suggest taking burdock root supplements to treat various skin conditions. This is since it may solve the causal problems of constipation and toxicity in an efficient and fast way.
- Detoxifies the liver: the organic compounds in the burdock root have a direct link in the improvement of clearing the toxins from the blood.
- Controls diabetes: there is a significant level of insulin in the burdock root, which may be beneficial in lowering the overall level of blood cholesterol. This is through the elimination of it from the body.
- Helps in digestion: burdock is a digestive aid for a lot of reasons. This is because it has a high concentration of fiber, inulin, and so many more compounds good for digestion.
Burdock Root for Gout: Conclusion
If you want to take burdock root, you should bear in mind that even though it is a beneficial treatment, it is also diuretic. Thus, it may cause the body to lose a lot of water. Therefore, you should make sure to keep your body well-hydrated. You should also consult your doctor before taking it.