Burdock root

What is burdock root?

Burdock root is the root of burdock, a plant from the Asteraceae family. Burdock is best known for its round fruits, which like to cling to clothing or fur. However, the root is much more than just an annoying weed. It contains many valuable ingredients, such as bitter substances, tannins, inulin, mucilage and minerals.

How does burdock root work?

Burdock root has an anti-inflammatory, blood-purifying, diuretic and digestive effect. It can be used for various complaints, such as

• Skin problems: burdock root can help with eczema, itching, dandruff or wounds. It promotes blood circulation and healing of the skin. You can either give your dog a tea made from burdock root to drink or dab the affected areas with a decoction of burdock root.
• Joint problems: Burdock root can help with osteoarthritis, rheumatism or other joint inflammation. It relieves pain and swelling. You can either give your dog a tea made from burdock root to drink or rub the affected areas with a decoction of burdock root.
• Urinary tract problems: Burdock root can help with bladder infections, kidney stones or other urinary tract infections. It flushes the bacteria out of the urinary tract and prevents them from adhering. You can either give your dog a tea made from burdock root to drink or mix a few drops of burdock root tincture into his food.

What are the disadvantages of burdock root?

Burdock root is a very well-tolerated plant that rarely causes side effects. However, there are a few things you should consider before giving it to your dog:

• Allergy: Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to burdock root. Therefore, watch out for possible symptoms such as skin rash, itching or difficulty breathing. If you notice these, you should consult a vet immediately and stop using burdock root.
• Interactions: Burdock root can influence the effect of other medications. So if your dog is already taking other medication, you should talk to your vet beforehand to see whether it makes sense to use burdock root.
• Dosage: As with all medicinal plants, you should pay attention to the correct dosage of burdock root. Too much burdock root can lead to gastrointestinal complaints or diarrhea. Therefore, stick to the recommended amounts or ask your vet for advice.

How can you use burdock root?

Burdock root is available to buy in various forms, such as dried root, tea bags, tincture or ointment. Depending on what ailments your dog has and which form you prefer, you can choose a suitable application.

Here are some examples of how burdock root can be used:

• Tea: Pour a teaspoon of dried burdock root over a cup of boiling water and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Give your dog one to three teaspoons of the cooled tea per day in its food or drinking water, depending on its size.
• Brew: Boil 50 grams of dried burdock root in one liter of water for about 20 minutes. Leave the brew to cool and keep it in the fridge. Dab it on the affected areas of skin several times a day or rub it on painful joints.
• Tincture: Put 100 grams of dried burdock root in a glass jar and pour half a liter of alcohol (e.g. vodka) over it. Seal the jar and leave to infuse in a dark place for about four weeks. Shake the jar vigorously once a day. Give your dog one to three drops of the tincture per day in its food or drinking water, depending on its size.