Side Effects of Burdock Root - Caution, Contraindications

This article discusses some potential contraindications and side effects of burdock root consumption which you may want to take note of.

Based on traditional use, burdock is generally believed to be safe when taken by mouth in recommended doses for short periods of time.

Handling the plant or using preparations on the skin (such as plasters) has occasionally been reported to cause allergic skin reactions.

Diuretic effects (increasing urine flow) and estrogen-like effects have been reported with oral burdock use in patients with HIV.

Although reports of symptoms such as dry mouth and slow heart rate have been noted in people taking burdock products, it is believed that these may not be side effects of burdock root per se, but that contamination with belladonna may be responsible for these reactions. Contamination may occur during harvesting.

In theory, tannins present in burdock may be toxic, although toxicity has not been reported in animal studies. Tannins can cause stomach upset and in high concentrations may result in kidney or liver damage. Long-term use of tannins may increase the risk of head and neck cancers, although this has not been seen in humans.

One of the possible side effects of burdock root is its effect on blood sugar levels. Based on animal research and limited human study, burdock may cause increases or reductions in blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may need monitoring by a qualified healthcare provider, and medication adjustments might be necessary.

In theory, another of the possible side effects of burdock root is that it may also cause electrolyte imbalances (for example, changes in potassium or sodium levels in the blood) due to diuretic effects (increased urine flow).

Several case reports of burdock root tea poisoning exist along with cases of burdock ophthalmia (eye inflammation). There have been several reports of stomatitis (mouth sores) present in dogs that have come in contact with burdock, burs, and bristles.

Burdock root interferes with iron absorption when taken internally. Because of its diuretic actions, burdock should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. Burdock has been shown to interact with hypoglycaemic drugs, anti-inflammatory medications and lithium therapy, when taken internally.

Based on animal studies that show components of burdock to cause uterus stimulation, burdock is sometimes recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Due to limited scientific study, burdock cannot be considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Allergy to burdock may occur in individuals with allergy to members of the Asteraceae / Compositae family, including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been associated with burdock. Allergic skin reactions have also been associated with the use of burdock plasters on the skin.

Further, caution should be exercised in patients with allergies or intolerance to pectin since certain parts of the burdock plant contains different levels of pectin complex.

Burdock Pages | Burdock Plant - History and Information | Information on the Common Burdock | Burdock Root Benefits on Health | Burdock Tea - Benefits, Uses and Preparation | Burdock Root Tincture, Burdock Root Oil and other Burdock Root Uses | Burdock Herb Research and Studies on its Health Benefits | Side Effects of Burdock Root - Caution, Contraindications | A Burdock Recipe or Two to Try

Read More: Information on some Herbs | Natural Healing Herbs, Herbals Formulas and Foods - My Favorites | Herbal Remedies for Various Health Conditions and Ailments | Home Page | Site Search

To find an online source of good quality herbs and herbal products at reasonable prices, click here.

	Get Quality Natural Health Supplements at Reasonable Prices. $5 or $10 discount for new customers
Get natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for hundreds of health conditions and ailments. GO.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read. Leave a comment in the box below.