Burdock and Gout

Gout is a common ailment both in men and women.  It can attack all the joints but most usually the big toe.  It can be very painful when it attacks.  Gout is associated with high levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition called ‘hyperuricemia’.  Some of the major causes of gout are genetic predisposition, obesity, and diet.  

It has been found out that herbal natural remedies may be helpful in controlling gout.

The burdock plant is one of those herbal remedies.  According to some experts, the root of the burdock plant has lots of medicinal properties that have been used to treat ailments for many years. There are chemical properties present in the root like the powerful xanthine oxidase inhibitor that blocks the enzyme in the blood to increase the uric acid level in the body, inulin or fructosan which is a carbohydrate that helps strengthen the liver and it also provides sugar that does not stimulate rapid production of insulin for diabetic people, and polyacetylene which destroys bacterial and fungal cultures.

Aside from helping gout it is also used to treat colds, some cancers, anorexia nervosa, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, fluid retention, fever, stomach conditions, acne, severe dry skin, psoriasis, and other conditions. 

Burdock when used in amounts commonly found in foods is usually safe.  However, it may cause an allergic reaction for people who are sensitive to flowers and herbs.  It can also cause rashes when applied to the skin.  People with bleeding disorders, who are allergic to ragweed and related plants, are diabetic, are scheduled for surgery should not take this remedy. And it is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

For those who are safe to take burdock as a natural remedy for gout, it can also be taken as a tablet or as a drink like tea.  Just cut off 2 inches from the burdock root and peel off the tough outer bark of the root and cut into thin slices.  Add the slices to about eight ounces of water and boil for 10 – 15 minutes.  The root can also be dried before boiling.  It can also be added to salads or eaten like carrots.  The seeds and stem are edible too.  Just boil before eating.

It is always best to consult first with a physician before taking any herbal natural remedies especially if you are on medication or have certain ailments like diabetes.  And where you are given permission by your doctor to take a herbal remedy always take it in moderation.  It is never good to have too much of anything. Click here for more