Many Lifestyle factors, such as stress, illness and medications can cause hair problems. Burdock root contains several vital nutrients that nourish the hair and stimulates hair follicles for increased growth. Well-formulated Natural Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and serums make use of burdock root extract to prevent hair loss and simulated optimum conditions for healthy hair growth.
What is Burdock Root?
For centuries, Europeans, Native Americans and North Asians have used Burdock (Arctium lappa) for cosmetic, food and medicinal purposes. The plant has large leaves, purple flowers and ‘roots’ which have high therapeutic value. The rhizomes (or ‘carrotlike’ taproot) of the Burdock plant are brown on the outside, white on the inside and has high nutritional content. Wildcrafted and organically grown burdock root is dried and infused into hair care products to utilize its medicinal benefits. It has a sweet, earthy aroma and has a calming effect on the scalp.
Burdock Therapeutic Facts
Burdock components consist of concentrated B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc. Concentrated oil extracted from Burdock root is also rich in phytochemicals like phytosterols, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, inulin, mucilage, polyacetylene, resin, tannin, taraxosterol, amino acids such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, proline and lysine, volatile oils and long-chain essential fatty acids.
Benefits of Burdock Root
1. Promotes Hair Growth
According to a recent clinical study, Human Hair Dermal Papilla cells are responsible for regulating hair follicle growth rate. Extensive oxidative stress can make these cells dysfunctional which can cause premature hair loss and aging (or graying of hair). ‘Arctiine’, a unique compound found in Burdock root is a well-researched scalp stimulator that restores the normal hair cycle and promotes healthy hair growth. Phytosterols, tannins, inulin, vitamins and essential fatty acids also aid in promoting natural hair growth.
2. Protects Hair from UV & Environmental Damage
Burdock root is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Antioxidants such as caffeoylquinic and quercetin in Burdock protects the hair from damage due to free radicals. Vitamin C, Arctiine and luteolin are effective in protecting the hair from UV-B induced damage.
3. Improves Scalp Condition
If you’re experiencing scalp conditions such as scalp irritation, itchy scalp, scalp psoriasis, dandruff or atopic dermatitis (eczema), Burdock root can restore healthy scalp. A healthy scalp automatically translates to healthy, voluminous hair. Burdock root energizes and purifies the blood and promotes blood circulation underneath the scalp. Polyacetylenes in Burdock treats fungal and bacterial infections on the scalp.
4. Prevents Scalp Dryness
Dry scalp can occur when the scalp does not have enough natural oil reserves to keep it lubricated. Excessive washing, Vata Season and conditions such as eczema can promote scalp dryness. Scalp dryness is different from dandruff as in the latter case, your hair might look greasy, scalp will feel oily and the condition is accompanied by intense itching. In both cases, the Mucilage and Essential Fatty Acids in Burdock root oil, adds a protective layer that deeply nourishes, provides nutrition and hydration to hair follicles and thus, alleviate scalp dryness and dandruff.
5. Controls Oiliness of Scalp and Hair
Traditionally, Burdock roots have been utilized to balance internal heat/inflammation (or conditions that promote kapha imbalance). If your hair is of the Kapha dosha type, Burdock root normalizes the production of oil produced by sebaceous glands on the scalp, without stripping it away completely. Tannic acid in Burdock acts as a mild astringent, calms down abnormal pH, balances scalp hormones and soothes oily and irritated scalp. It also removes excess oil from the hair strands and adds luster, shine and volume.
The unique phytochemicals in Burdock root makes it a great treatment for all hair types (Vata, Pitta or Kapha or Dry, Sensitive or Oily Hair types). Use only 100% wildcrafted and natural burdock root infusions in hair care to reap its maximum therapeutic benefits.
