Burdock root actually comes from burdock (Arctium lappa), a genus of weeds that are associated with sunflowers and a part of the daisy family. Burdock may be a plant native to Asia and Europe and now widely grows worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine therapeutically uses all parts of the plant, including fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, and flowers. Among herbal medicine, burdock root has been used to treat diabetes, purify the blood, prevent infections, as a diuretic, treat skin illnesses like acne, psoriasis, eczema, signs of aging, and fight against cancer. Burdock root has also been used to prevent thinning hair and bald spots, relieve scalp irritation and encourages hair growth.
Burdock Roots Health Benefits
- It has microbe fighting properties and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It has antioxidants and polyphenols.
- Amino acids are very essential for building protein that helps in hair growth; this root has amino acids.
- Its oil consists of Vitamin A that helps nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair.
Burdock root consists of many compounds which are helpful for treating many diseases as well as hair related problems.
Approximately 100 grams of Burdock root consists of:
- Potassium - 10%
- Folate - 7%
- Vitamins - 7%
- Iron - 5%
- Copper - 5%
- Manganese - 14%
- Magnesium - 11%
- Vitamin B6 - 14%
- Phosphorus - 6%
5 ways Burdock Root Helps With Your Hair
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Controls Severe Hair Fall
Thinning of hair is most commonly seen in the population. It might be due to stress levels, lifestyle habits, unhealthy eating habits, pollution, etc. The application of burdock oil gives good results in many cases. Thinning of hair may be due to deficiencies such as vitamin D, A, C, iron, and folic acid due to wrong dietary habits. It might be hereditary, or the hormonal imbalance caused due to pollution and excess stress.
On average, an individual has about 150000 hair follicles; 90% of them are in a growing phase, and others are in the resting phase. The growing and resting phases are called anagen and telogen, respectively. Fatty acids and vitamins in the Burdock root oil helps in hair growth and prevents rapid hair fall.
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Nourishing Hair
Vitamin A and essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the oil can help strengthen the hair by giving good nourishment to the scalp. The amino acids as the main ingredient keep the scalp healthy and help in the natural growth of the hair.
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Prevents Excess Oil Release
It normalizes the functions of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. This sebaceous gland, which is called a sweat gland present on the scalp, releases excess sweat and oil from the follicles; treating these glands makes hair healthy and can solve many of the hair related problems. Burdock oil helps in preventing hair loss and baldness.
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Treating Scalp Infections
Burdock root oil also treats scalp infections, irritation, and itching caused by dandruff, redness, and other symptoms. It also promotes hair growth. Regular usage of this oil will restore the health of hair and scalp.
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Treating Dandruff
You can directly apply the oil to the scalp or add the tincture to the water and apply it to the scalp. Massage burdock root oil onto the scalp to treat dandruff, itchiness, scalp related problem that causes redness and hair fall.
How To Make Burdock Oil?
It can be made using a fresh root instead of dried root because fresh root has many benefits than dried root.
Essential Ingredients
- Pure vegetable oil
- Airtight glass jar
- Burdock root
- Mortar and pestle
Process
- Chop the root Into pieces. Smash it with mortar and pestle into a smooth paste.
- Leave this mixture for a day, letting it dry a little as the moisture is lost.
- In an airtight glass jar put this mixture and add some good-quality vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil. Leave this mixture in a dark room for about 6 to 7 weeks.
- You need to open the glass jar every week and see that extra gas is released from the jar.
This oil consists of numerous chemical compounds in its roots and leaves, which include flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, inulin, polyphenols, phytophenols, and amino acid derivatives. It is considered to be safe for many, but some face a few side effects except, especially those who have a risk of an allergic reaction to ragweed family, a family of daisies, marigold, etc.
Oil is helpful for treating both external and internal health conditions. It is suggested to consult a doctor or a health care provider before consuming it or applying the oil to hair or skin. It is not recommended for the pregnant and breastfeeding women and the people who are sensitive to ragweed related plants.
If you do not fall under the above criteria, add burdock root tea to your diet and start using this oil to scalp and hair for the best results.
