Contra-Indications of Burdock

Although Burdock Root has no significant side effects attached to its use, it is recommended that individuals with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin avoid its use. This is due to the high concentration of inulin within Burdock Root.

There are no known risks associated with using Burdock. However, it may cause slight irritation of the skin when handled.

It is also not recommended for use by children or by women who are pregnant or nursing.    Women who are pregnant should not take Burdock because it might stimulate the uterus to abort the fetus.

Although reports have shown that Burdock has the ability to lower blood sugar, no noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between this herb and conventional medications (including anti-diabetic medications) are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

Burdock is an effective diuretic, and is considered a very safe herb and food product, though there have been cases where the purity of the root has raised some concern. Reported cases involving toxic effects were first thought to be caused by the consumption of Burdock tea, but were later determined to be caused by contamination of the Burdock Root with Belladonna Root which contains atropine. In light of such issues, when using Burdock Root determine the source and quality of root before purchase.Concerning drug interactions:

Burdock Root tea may reduce the requirements for insulin, based on its effectiveness for helping to normalize blood sugar levels. Therefore it is recommended that diabetics consult with a health care practitioner.

As with other sources of soluble fibre, Burdock Root itself may reduce the absorption of oral medications and therefore should be taken separately from these.

Burdock Root is commonly eaten as a food by Japanese people living all over the world, including in Canada and the U.S. It is listed as a GRAS food (generally recognized as safe) in the U.S. and Canada. In any case, it is best to avoid taking excessive amounts of Burdock especially Burdock Rootbecause experts have yet to completely research the toxicity of this plant.

Are there any side effects or interactions?   Burdock Root contains approximately 50% inulin a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and plants. Inulin is classified as a food ingredient (not as an additive) and is considered to be safe to eat. In fact, inulin is a significant part of the daily diet of most of the world’s population.

However, there is a report of a 39-year-old man having a life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming high amounts of inulin from multiple sources. Allergy to inulin in this individual was confirmed by laboratory tests. Such sensitivities are exceedingly rare. Moreover, this man did not take Burdock. Nevertheless, people with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin should avoid Burdock. There is one published case report of a severe allergic reaction, apparently due to Burdock itself.Because of Burdock’s resemblance to Rhubarb, the leaf blades of which are poisonous, care should be taken if it is used as a potherb. Rhubarb leaves lack the netted-vein pattern that characterizes Burdock and are very smooth and shiny, whereas those of Burdock are slightly wooly and rough.

Burdocks should not be confused with common Cockleburr (Xanthium strumarium) which is reported to have caused poisoning of cattle, sheep horses and swine. Cockleburs are easily distinguished by their flower heads, in which the hooked bracts are fused into solid nut-like burs, and by their leaves, which are rough rather than velvety.

At the time of this writing, there are no well-known drug interactions with Burdock.