27 Feb Burdock root: the spiky way to get rid of skin problems

If you want to try a different approach to get rid of skin problems such as spots, mild eczema or psoriasis, Burdock Root may be able to help.

You have probably come across the Burdock plant without even realising what it is, as you may have been bothered by the small, prickly burrs that give the plant its name, sticking to your clothes.

However, it is an extract from the root, rather than the plant or burrs themselves, which provides the active ingredients in the traditional herbal remedy, HRI Clear Complexion.

Part of the Arctium family, Burdock has been used for centuries as a traditional herbal remedy to help calm and heal common skin problems and conditions that dry out the skin or cause itching.

There is nothing worse than feeling as if you want to pull and scratch at your skin when you have a persistent skin problem.  Whilst there are many synthetic products on the market that are designed to reduce itching and soothe skin, remedies based on traditional herbal remedies can offer symptomatic relief without resorting to steroids or artificial ingredients.

How Burdock has helped get rid of skin problems throughout history

The Burdock herb has long been associated with helping skin irritations and conditions – there is even a story that it was used to help cure Henry VIII of Syphilis!

In more recent times, it has found favour in the Far East. In Japan, Burdock root is called “Gobo” and has become hugely popular there as it is thought to help combat the signs of ageing, and is now found in a variety of drinks and skin preparations.

Medieval German herbalists such as St Hildegard of Bingen used Burdock as a ‘blood purifier’ for treating gastrointestinal complaints, bone conditions and joint pain. It has also traditionally been used to treat respiratory disorders, abscesses and urinary problems and, according to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, medicinal uses have been reported in treating chronic diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, and AIDS.

These days, it is best known for its anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why licensed herbal remedies containing Burdock Root are a popular choice as a traditional herbal remedy for skin conditions such as mild eczema and psoriasis. It is also popular as an aid in reducing the symptoms of dry skin conditions such as dermatitis and is sometimes used to help alleviate skin ulcers.

Why is burdock root so effective for helping skin problems?

Burdock Root contains a wide range of active ingredients that can help to improve the condition of mild skin complaints:

• Arcigen
• Chlorogenic acid
• Lactone
• Taraxosterols
• Polyacetylenes
• Flavonoids
• Inulin

It is the Inulin that is particularly valuable in helping to relieve dry skin conditions. Inulin is a humectant, which means that it draws moisture up through the skin to hydrate the upper layers.

Because of its antiseptic properties, taking Burdock Root can help to reduce the bacteria that cause acne. It can also help to reduce toxins, as well as providing anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the redness and soreness that go along with conditions like mild acne, rosacea or eczema.

So perhaps next time you have to pick burrs off your socks or trousers, or untangle them from your dog’s coat, instead of being irritated, you will think about the incredible properties of the root of this spiky little plant.

As with any medicine, always read the patient information leaflet before taking traditional herbal remedies containing Burdock Root.

If you suffer from severe acne or skin conditions, you should always consult your doctor.