Evidence supporting the use of: Burdock
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is traditionally used in various herbal medicine systems, particularly in Asia and Europe, as a general tonic and for its purported benefits for women’s health. In the context of menopause, burdock is sometimes recommended by herbalists to support hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. The traditional justification stems from its historical use as a “blood purifier” and a support for liver function, which is believed in some herbal traditions to indirectly help with hormonal regulation during menopause. Additionally, burdock contains phytoestrogens—plant-based compounds that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body—leading to speculation that it might help offset the decline in estrogen associated with menopause.

However, the scientific evidence supporting burdock specifically for menopause symptoms is minimal. There are very few clinical studies, and most of the evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from its general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some laboratory studies suggest burdock root may have mild estrogenic activity due to its lignan content, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human trials or specifically evaluated for menopausal symptom relief. As such, while burdock’s use for menopause is rooted in tradition and historical herbal practices, strong scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence rating remains low.

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