"Natural Healing with Herbs for a Healthier You"
BURDOCK
by Marilyn Light
[History] [Location] [Chemical Constituent] [Medicinal Qualities] [Contra-Indications] [Known Herbal Formulas] [Dosages & Applications] [Personal Experiences] [Bibliography]
THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF BURDOCK
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS

DOSAGES AND APPLICATIONS
Available Forms:

Burdock products are made from fresh or dried roots or leaves. It can be purchased as a dried root powder, a decoction (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water), a tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol, or water and alcohol), or a fluid extract.

Adult Dosages:

Burdock can be taken in the following forms as a daily supplement:
Dried root: 2 to 6 g in decoction three times a day
Tincture (1:5): 8 to 12 ml three times a day
Fluid extract (1:1): 2 to 6 ml three times a day
Capsule form:  it is recommended that 1 to 2 grams be taken three times per day.
Tea:  2 to 6 g in 500 ml water three to five times per day.

German authorities recommend using 2.5g of finely chopped or coarsely powdered Root per cup of tea (1 teaspoon of powdered Burdock Root weighs approximately 2 grams). It is recommended that the tea be infused in cold water first (for up to several hours) and then boiled for up to an hour and finally passed through a strainer. This long process serves to increase the bioavailability of some of the active ingredients. As a food, this root can also be added to soups.

How much is usually taken?   Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of Burdock Root tincture per day.  Many herbal preparations combine Burdock Root with other alterative “blood cleansing” herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers.

Most Burdock Root, however, is used in combination with other herbs in supplements. It is important that when using these supplements that the source and quality of the Burdock Root be confirmed as high quality. Poor mixtures can lead to toxic effects.